The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a critical event for NFL teams looking to revamp their rosters and strengthen their defensive units. Among the many players under evaluation, one name that is increasingly drawing attention is Jack Kiser, a linebacker from the University of Notre Dame. Known for his combination of athleticism, instincts, and leadership, Kiser is an intriguing prospect with the potential to become a cornerstone of any defense. In this scouting report, we will break down his strengths, weaknesses, and potential as an NFL player.
Early Life and College Career
Jack Kiser hails from a football family in Carmel, Indiana. Growing up, Kiser was surrounded by the game, and he quickly became a standout on the gridiron. He was a highly sought-after recruit out of high school, having earned multiple honors, including All-State recognition. After committing to Notre Dame, Kiser entered a competitive linebacker room that has produced several high-level NFL players over the years.
At Notre Dame, Kiser quickly established himself as a force on the defensive side of the ball. His versatility, coupled with his instincts and drive, made him an immediate impact player for the Fighting Irish. Kiser initially appeared on special teams and as a rotational linebacker, but his ability to read offenses and make plays saw him earn a starting role during his second season.
Throughout his career at Notre Dame, Kiser demonstrated a strong work ethic and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to play in multiple defensive schemes—whether it be as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 or an outside linebacker in a 4-3—allowed him to thrive in various roles, which will be essential as he transitions to the NFL.
Physical Profile and Measurements
Kiser stands at 6’1” and weighs around 235 pounds, putting him in the ideal range for an NFL linebacker. His frame is muscular and well-built, with a good combination of size, strength, and speed. These physical traits are key to his versatility, as Kiser can cover ground quickly and bring power when meeting blockers or ball carriers.
In terms of speed, Kiser has the necessary quickness to cover both sideline-to-sideline as well as react to plays in the backfield. His acceleration is one of his most impressive attributes, as he is able to close on the ball quickly after recognizing the play. His agility and fluidity also stand out, allowing him to change direction on a dime and stay with faster running backs and tight ends in coverage situations.
Strengths
1. Football IQ and Instincts
Kiser is widely regarded for his exceptional football IQ and his ability to read the game. He has an innate understanding of how offenses operate and can anticipate plays before they fully develop. Whether it’s recognizing blocking schemes or diagnosing run plays, Kiser’s awareness is one of his standout traits. His ability to process information quickly allows him to make timely decisions, which is essential for an NFL linebacker, where split-second choices can determine the outcome of a play.
He is also adept at recognizing the opposing team’s tendencies and making adjustments accordingly. This skill is crucial at the NFL level, where offensive coordinators often design plays to exploit specific defensive weaknesses. Kiser’s high football IQ makes him a candidate to be an early contributor for teams needing a linebacker who can quickly adapt to different systems.
2. Tackling and Run Defense
Kiser has been known for his sure tackling throughout his college career. Whether it’s in space or in confined areas, Kiser rarely misses a tackle and has the strength to bring down even the toughest ball carriers. His ability to wrap up properly, maintain his balance, and finish tackles makes him a reliable option in the run game.
In run defense, Kiser is very effective at locating the ball and getting to the point of attack. He has a strong motor, and his relentless pursuit of the ball makes him an asset when defending against runs to the outside or up the middle. Kiser is also capable of shedding blockers, using his strength and leverage to disengage from offensive linemen or fullbacks in order to make tackles.
3. Coverage Ability
Kiser’s skills as a pass defender may be one of his most undervalued assets. Although he may not possess the top-tier speed of some of the fastest linebackers in the draft, his anticipation and instincts allow him to stay with receivers and tight ends in short to intermediate passing routes. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, coupled with his solid route recognition, gives him the upper hand in coverage situations.
Furthermore, Kiser has shown the ability to cover backs out of the backfield effectively. He can mirror their movements and stay in position to make a play on the ball, whether it’s deflecting a pass or making an interception. This versatility as a cover linebacker is highly valuable in today’s NFL, where passing attacks are more dynamic and diverse.
4. Leadership and Work Ethic
Another notable strength of Kiser is his leadership on and off the field. As a captain for Notre Dame, he earned the respect of his teammates through his dedication, work ethic, and attitude. Kiser is known for his high character and his ability to motivate those around him. This type of leadership will be crucial in the NFL, where linebackers are often the quarterbacks of the defense, calling out adjustments and ensuring that everyone is aligned.
His commitment to improving every day is evident, as Kiser has continued to develop his game during his time in college. His willingness to accept coaching and his strong mental approach to the game make him a coachable prospect, which is always a positive sign for NFL teams.
Weaknesses
1. Lateral Quickness
While Kiser is an explosive athlete, his lateral quickness can sometimes be a concern when trying to cover speedier running backs or tight ends in space. He can struggle to change direction quickly enough to stay with faster players, especially in man coverage situations. This could potentially limit his effectiveness in certain defensive schemes that demand more fluid movement in coverage, particularly against quicker athletes at the NFL level.
2. Missed Tackles
Although Kiser is generally a sure tackler, he is not immune to occasional missed tackles. This is particularly evident when he is coming in too aggressively or when trying to tackle in space. In the NFL, where every missed tackle can lead to a large gain or even a touchdown, Kiser will need to refine his technique to ensure that he finishes plays cleanly and efficiently.
3. Experience Against Elite Competition
While Kiser has had a solid college career, one area of concern for scouts is the level of competition he faced. Notre Dame is a powerhouse program, but Kiser’s performances against the top-tier teams in the country will be heavily scrutinized as he enters the draft process. Some teams may question how he will fare against NFL-caliber talent consistently. However, his natural instincts and skillset could mitigate this concern, especially as he adapts to the NFL game.
4. Injury Concerns
Like many players transitioning to the NFL, Kiser’s injury history will be closely examined. Although he has been relatively durable in college, any history of past injuries, especially those that might affect his explosiveness or mobility, could be a red flag for potential suitors. The physical demands of the NFL are much more intense, and maintaining long-term health will be critical for Kiser’s success at the next level.
Projected NFL Role
Given Kiser’s skill set and versatility, he projects as a strong candidate to start early in his NFL career. His ability to play in both run defense and pass coverage makes him a three-down linebacker, which is highly valuable in today’s NFL. Teams that run a 4-3 defense may use him as an outside linebacker, while teams with a 3-4 defense might view him as an inside linebacker. His role could vary based on the defensive system, but he has the potential to thrive in multiple schemes.
Kiser’s ability to learn and adapt quickly will be key to his success. If he can refine his coverage skills, particularly in man-to-man situations, he could develop into a well-rounded linebacker who can contribute in every aspect of the game.
Jack Kiser is a well-rounded linebacker with the potential to be a standout player at the NFL level. His high football IQ, leadership, tackling ability, and coverage skills make him an intriguing prospect. While he does have a few areas to work on, particularly with his lateral quickness and occasional missed tackles, his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. Kiser has the makeup of a player who can step into an NFL defense and contribute right away, making him a prospect that NFL teams will be closely monitoring as the 2025 draft approaches.
