Photo by: All Pro Photography/Dale Sparks
White Expected to Extend WVU's Draft Streak
April 26, 2018 02:30 PM | Football
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia's streak of players being taken in the annual NFL Draft should continue this year when the draft commences later this evening at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Safety Kyzir White is the most likely Mountaineer player to go, although his name probably won't be called until Friday night or Saturday afternoon based on most online projections.
NFL.com's draft profile of White rates him as a third or fourth-round choice, comparing him to former NFL linebacker Michael Boley.
White was a two-year starter at West Virginia, compiling 94 total tackles, 7 ½ tackles for losses and three interceptions while earning second team All-Big 12 accolades last season at spur safety.
Some are projecting the 6-foot, 2-inch, 218-pounder as an outside linebacker in the NFL.
"Like his brothers who also attended West Virginia, White was a late bloomer who was lightly recruited and began his journey at Lackawanna Junior College," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlen wrote of White. "Despite being a JUCO transfer, White has become a highly respected team leader who leads by example with his fearless, physical play.
"Teams are looking to transition him into a hybrid role with the ability to cover tight ends like a safety and support the run like a linebacker."
"A lot of people think I look more like a linebacker because I'm a bigger safety, but it's up in the air really," White said last month during West Virginia's Pro Day. "Linebacker, you're just closer to the line with a lot of lateral movement while safety there's a lot of stuff going deep and you've just got to adjust to it."
The San Francisco 49ers brought him in for an official visit earlier this month, according to David Fucillo of the website Niners Nation, and San Francisco is one team to watch.
The 49ers have picks in the second (59), third (70 and 74), fourth (128), fifth (143), sixth (184) and seventh (227 and 240) and are seeking defensive help.
San Diego Union-Tribune NFL writer Eddie Brown projects White as a fifth-round choice of the Seattle Seahawks, while the website Landofthe10.com has White going early in the fifth round to the Chicago Bears, where his brother Kevin currently plays.
Buffalo Bills writer Vic Carucci lists White among of group of six safeties likely to be taken on day three of the draft.
Meanwhile, ESPN.com NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has White ranked No. 116 on his top 300 list. He has no other WVU players rated.
Other West Virginia players who could hear their names called this weekend include wide receiver Ka'Raun White and offensive lineman Kyle Bosch.
The Mountaineers under Dana Holgorsen have had 19 players drafted since 2012, including first-rounders Karl Joseph in 2016, Kevin White in 2015, Tavon Austin in 2013 and Bruce Irvin in 2012.
Last year, cornerback Rasul Douglas and wide receiver Shelton Gibson were taken in the third and fifth rounds respectively by the Philadelphia Eagles.
This year's draft will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network and FOX beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday night.
Friday's coverage begins at 7 p.m. while Saturday's festivities will begin at noon. ABC will join the TV coverage on Saturday.
Safety Kyzir White is the most likely Mountaineer player to go, although his name probably won't be called until Friday night or Saturday afternoon based on most online projections.
NFL.com's draft profile of White rates him as a third or fourth-round choice, comparing him to former NFL linebacker Michael Boley.
White was a two-year starter at West Virginia, compiling 94 total tackles, 7 ½ tackles for losses and three interceptions while earning second team All-Big 12 accolades last season at spur safety.
Some are projecting the 6-foot, 2-inch, 218-pounder as an outside linebacker in the NFL.
"Like his brothers who also attended West Virginia, White was a late bloomer who was lightly recruited and began his journey at Lackawanna Junior College," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlen wrote of White. "Despite being a JUCO transfer, White has become a highly respected team leader who leads by example with his fearless, physical play.
"Teams are looking to transition him into a hybrid role with the ability to cover tight ends like a safety and support the run like a linebacker."
"A lot of people think I look more like a linebacker because I'm a bigger safety, but it's up in the air really," White said last month during West Virginia's Pro Day. "Linebacker, you're just closer to the line with a lot of lateral movement while safety there's a lot of stuff going deep and you've just got to adjust to it."
The San Francisco 49ers brought him in for an official visit earlier this month, according to David Fucillo of the website Niners Nation, and San Francisco is one team to watch.
The 49ers have picks in the second (59), third (70 and 74), fourth (128), fifth (143), sixth (184) and seventh (227 and 240) and are seeking defensive help.
San Diego Union-Tribune NFL writer Eddie Brown projects White as a fifth-round choice of the Seattle Seahawks, while the website Landofthe10.com has White going early in the fifth round to the Chicago Bears, where his brother Kevin currently plays.
Buffalo Bills writer Vic Carucci lists White among of group of six safeties likely to be taken on day three of the draft.
Meanwhile, ESPN.com NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has White ranked No. 116 on his top 300 list. He has no other WVU players rated.
Other West Virginia players who could hear their names called this weekend include wide receiver Ka'Raun White and offensive lineman Kyle Bosch.
The Mountaineers under Dana Holgorsen have had 19 players drafted since 2012, including first-rounders Karl Joseph in 2016, Kevin White in 2015, Tavon Austin in 2013 and Bruce Irvin in 2012.
Last year, cornerback Rasul Douglas and wide receiver Shelton Gibson were taken in the third and fifth rounds respectively by the Philadelphia Eagles.
This year's draft will be televised live on ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network and FOX beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday night.
Friday's coverage begins at 7 p.m. while Saturday's festivities will begin at noon. ABC will join the TV coverage on Saturday.
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