PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The first Pitt Panther drafted in 2026 when a little longer than expected as linebacker Kyle Louis to the Miami Dolphins with the 138th pick overall. Interesting that the man who led a group called the ‘Sharks’ is now with the Dolphins.
Louis is an interesting player in today’s game, a linebacker his entire college career, veteran ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper is among those who believe he could play safety in the NFL.
The 6’1”, 220-pounder burst on the scene as a sophomore, being named All-American, finishing with 101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions (including a Pick Six against Syracuse), a blocked punt and had intercepted a two-point conversion and returned it for two points for the Panthers.
He played the ‘Star’ linebacker position at Pitt; a hybrid look that took advantage of Louis’ speed and ability to cover while still hitting like a linebacker.
“The League is changing, people like me is what the League needs,” Louis said at the NFL Combine. “The League is becoming a passing League.”
Most mock drafts show Louis likely as a third-or-fourth round pick and he could help himself next week at the Panthers Pro Day at the facility they share with the Steelers. Louis was one of the outstanding players at the Senior Bowl last month.
“They are going to say I’m a Senior Bowl standout, but you look at my Senior Bowl and you look at my Senior Bowl tape, you are going to see that I’ve been doing this and making plays,” Louis said at the NFL Combine. “I’m going to keep continuing making plays and getting my name out there.”
Linebacker goes in the 4th round where former Pitt assistant Jeff Hafley is head coach
Linebacker goes in the 4th round where former Pitt assistant Jeff Hafley is head coach
