04/29/2012 - A closer look at the Giants picks: Round 7/239 - Markus Kuhn, DT, 6-5, 299, North Carolina State...Excels at pushing the pocket and batting down passes despite having limited experience in the game. - The Sports Xchange
Markus Kuhn was a star linebacker and defensive lineman for a German high school.
Kuhn came to NC State as a 21 year old Freshman in 2007, and had some production before a shoulder injury caused a med-shirt year in 2009. Kuhn has been part of the DT rotation for the past two years. Stats were 33 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 3 pass defensed in 2007, 20/3/2/1 in 2008, 17/1.5/0/1 in 2010, and 45/9.5/4.5/3 during a strong final campaign in 2011.
Kuhn's greatest asset is power, which comes from a compact stance, good quickness off the snap, and initial low surge led by powerful hands at the end of long muscular arms. Kuhn consistently overpowered interior offensive linemen and got penetration. Kuhn is a bit high hipped, and has trouble changing directions.
As an NFL Draft prospect, Kuhn could fit inside in a 4-3 or outside in a 3-4. Best fit would appear to be DT in 4-3 similar to NYG scheme where DTs are expected to push the pocket and bat down passes, areas where Kuhn excels. Upside appears limited by hip issue, and lack of additional moves beyond basic power. Kuhn may never be more than a rotational DL at the next level.
Analysis
Strengths: Very strong with long arms and powerful hands. Has a tremendously powerful bull rush. Mostly quick off the snap. Excels at holding the point, even against double teams, and collapsing the pocket. Gets hands up and bats passes.
Weaknesses: Is somewhat high hipped and stiff. If initial power move fails, tends to get tall and do nothing. Does not move well laterally. Does not have great balance. Ends up on the ground a lot. Shoulder and older than average age could be issues.
NFL Comparison: Mike Neal - Green Bay Packers
--Brad Noel
