Looking for the top Kent State NFL Draft prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City? Here are the Kent State scouting reports for the school’s top players hoping to find an opportunity in the NFL.
Kent State 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Kris Leach, TE
Strengths: Large blocking tight end with average athleticism. Bends his knees, blocks with proper pad level, and gets after assignments. Gets to the second level and redirects to linebackers, knocking them from their angles of attack. Adjusts to the errant throw and makes the reception in stride, then keeps the play in bounds.
Weaknesses: Plays to his 40 time and displays minimal speed. Totaled just 16 receptions in the past three seasons.
Overall: Leach is solely a blocking TE, who may be best trying to add 30 pounds to his frame and moving to guard.
Marvin Pierre, LB
Strengths: Athletic pursuit linebacker whose game took off last season. Quickly diagnoses plays, has a closing burst, and immediately arrives on scene. Agile, breaks down well, and shows outstanding speed in pursuit. Uses his hands to protect himself, gets depth on pass drops, and is effective in space. Plays with a nasty attitude and gets after opponents.
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Weaknesses: Not a stout tackler. Easily blocked from the action. Has limited growth potential.
Overall: Pierre is a fast, athletic linebacker, yet he’s a scheme-specific prospect with limitations. He’s a fierce run defender who must improve his ball skills and show special-teams ability to make it out of camp this summer.
Nico Bolden, S
Strengths: Large safety who has been a dominant run defender the past two seasons. Quick to diagnose, immediately locates the ball handler, and fires out laterally defending the run. Take proper angles, has an explosive closing burst, and drives his shoulders through opponents. Sized well, aggressive, and plays through the whistle. Quarterbacks the secondary and gets teammates in proper position.
Weaknesses: Possesses average speed and marginal ball skills. More of a downhill safety.
Overall: Bolden totaled 188 tackles the past two seasons and comes with terrific size. He’s more of a traditional strong safety, though he should be able to play in a zone system and offers special-teams potential.