Kalen DeLoach, LB, Florida State
Size:
Height: 5’11.5”
Weight: 210 pounds
Arm Length: 31 1/2"
Hand Size: 8 5/8"
Accomplishments:
4-star recruit
“Kalen DeLoach is a versatile second-level defender with explosive sideline-to-sideline speed and instincts to make plays against the run and in pass coverage.”
Strengths:
Sideline-to-sideline range
Pass coverage
Explosive athlete
Physical temperament
Concerns:
Size
Ability to shed offensive linemen
Role-specific
Film Analysis:
In 2023, Kalen DeLoach emerged as a reliable playmaker on the Seminoles' defense, showcasing to be an explosive athlete who has instincts that always place him in position to make plays. DeLoach’s athleticism allows him to be a versatile defender and in position to make plays against the run and in pass coverage.
As a run defender, Delaoch is versatile in alignment, with experience playing both inside linebacker and the overhang nickel position. At the inside linebacker position, DeLoach has good instincts and understands how to work downhill to make a play close to the line of scrimmage. He will occasionally have a quick trigger and attempt to shoot a gap to try to make a tackle for loss in the backfield. You also see his explosive sideline-to-sideline speed playing inside out from the inside linebacker position. He has the speed to beat blockers to a spot on outside runs and make the play. In the overhang/nickel position, DeLoach does a good job of playing in space and can break down and make the tackle on ball-carriers in space. Delaoch is an effective tackler in both alignments that arrives with a violent temperament.
In pass coverage, DeLoach’s athleticism is on display. He can effectively cover backs out of the backfield, tight ends, and slot receivers on short and intermediate routes, showing an ability to bait quarterbacks into throws. In pass coverage, DeLoach is also a great blitzer as he can disguise blitzes and time them up with the snap. He has made multiple game-changing plays as a blitzer.
The concern with Kalen DeLoach as a player is his size. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, he is inconsistent at being able to shed offensive linemen in the run game. This issue will force NFL personnel to consider if he is role-specific, primarily nickel overhang defender—and if that is a three-down player.
Overall, DeLoach has an intriguing package of explosiveness, instincts, and high motor for the linebacker position. His draft value will come down to how comfortable NFL personnel are with his size.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: LSU (2023), Duke (2023), Clemson (2023), Miami (2023)
