K.J. Britt’s Senior Bowl success might have him on Washington’s radar

K.J. Britt, LB

School: Auburn | Conference: SEC

College Experience: Senior | Age: ???

Height / Weight: 6’0” / 239 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 4^th - 6^th Round

Player Comparison: Micah Kiser

College Statistics

K.J. Britt appears to have a good head on his shoulders. The four-star recruit was a member of the National Honor Society on top of leading his high school team to a regional title. After being the primary backup at middle linebacker for Auburn, Britt had a breakout junior year. His best statistical year saw him named to the all-SEC team and SEC academic honor roll. Surgery to prepare torn thumb ligaments kept Britt out most of the 2020 season. Luckily, he was invited to the Senior Bowl where a strong showing has his draft stock on the rise.

Strengths

· Team captain praised for his leadership; responsible for lining up the defense

· Attacks the line of scrimmage with speed and power

· Does a good job maintaining gap integrity

· Hard hitter when he has a chance to square up and make a tackle

Weaknesses

· Looks stiff; struggles moving laterally and changing direction

· Was not very successful blitzing or rushing the passer

· Can get caught on blocks because of his lack of length

· Limited coverage ability; appeared to only cover RBs out of backfield into the flat

Let’s go to the video tape

How He Fits On The Team

Watching his tape, Britt seems like an old school thumper. Ball carriers are going to feel it when he gets the chance to come downhill, square up, and make a tackle. While a little short, he is a stout presence in the middle of the field with the potential to help improve a team’s run defense. He has flashed some athleticism, but his overall lack of athleticism will make it difficult for him to see the field at the next level. I also don’t see elite instincts or ability to read and react that might make up for his lack of athleticism.

When I think about him playing for Washington, he reminded me of other linebackers that have had limited success here. The person who immediately came to mind for me was Mason Foster. Like Foster, I could see Britt accumulating a lot of tackles playing in the middle of the defense, but I see him struggling to make plays on the perimeter of the defense or in coverage. If he was drafted here, I see him providing depth at MLB. If he sees the field, I think it could only be on first or second down as a run stopper. More familiarity in a defense may speed up his play and help him contribute more on defense. Given the intangibles Britt has – his leadership and intelligence – this is a possibility.