NFL Draft Profiles: Pass Rushers (Part 1)

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back

(28) runs the ball at Notre Dame Fighting Irish player

(1) in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

LOUIS NIX III

HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 331 COLLEGE: Notre Dame

10 YARD SPLIT: 1.87 BENCH: 24 BROAD: 8’1″

Kansas City lacks a reasonable backup for Dontari Poe and could use some more depth when facing teams who have power running games. Their certainly going to need it this season when playing San Francisco and Seattle. Nix could be both the depth the Chiefs are looking for in addition to adding some intriguing options to their 2-3-6 formation.

Nix is a huge man with the skill set to be a strong pass rusher. There are some technical things he needs to figure out when facing double teams so he is not a polished prospect, but he should be able immediately. Handling Poe’s role in the running game shouldn’t be an issue for him.

Adding Nix could create some interesting matchups for Poe, Houston, and Hali when the Chiefs go to their 2-3-6 lineup. Poe and Nix combine to weight over 660 pounds between the two of them and are very quick athletes (though Nix is not as athletic as Poe). Offensive lines will have a lot to deal with on the inside between the two of them, which is going to either leave Hali or Houston in a one-on-one situation or force teams to keep a tight end in to help with pass protection.

Here’s Dane Brugler and Rob Rang’s take on Nix:

"Plays hard with a feisty motor. Applies quick pressure by splitting gaps, using a quick arm-over swim move and bull-rushing his opponent deep into the pocket. Has the hand strength and initial get-off momentum to bully blockers on their heels, showing leverage and active limbs. Keeps his eyes on the ball and shows the awareness to anticipate and track plays."

Nix is thought to either be a first or second round prospect.