2021 NFL Draft: 4 day-three steals at linebacker

KJ Britt, Auburn

If you were to ask an NFL scout about KJ Britt, the first thing they’d likely say is that he’s a solid run defender. The second is that he needs to improve as a pass defender.

Britt was a leader at Auburn but only played in two games in 2020 due to torn ligaments in his thumb. Britt still managed 23 tackles across those two games. He accounted for 118 tackles across his Tigers career, with his junior season being his best. That year, he also accounted for 3.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

When let loose, Britt can get behind the line quickly despite not having the best speed. Even if he doesn’t directly make the tackle, he causes disruptions that’ll affect the play somewhere down the line.

Britt will need some work at the next level. In addition to needing significant improvement against the pass, he missed quite a few tackles, especially in one-on-one open field situations which will haunt him against quick running backs.

Britt might serve better as a Jerry Hughes type that moves from linebacker to defensive end. His ability to get behind the line will excel and patch up some of his coverage issues.