A lot of puzzled looks streamed across Panther Nation with the 4th round selection of Valdosta State OG Edmund Kugbila. We knew, based on our perception of David Gettleman’s likely Draft Strategy,that a high potential prospect from a small school was likely to be taken in the 3rd or 4th round. We did not connect the pre-draft visit dots and see Kugbila as the possible pick.
It is impossible to know where every team graded Kugbila. The NFL Network Broadcast team did not call the pick a reach. In fact, Charles Davis and Mike Mayock indicated that coaches around the league liked Kugbila’s potential and were very excited about him as a prospect.
Kugbila’s size (6’4″ – 317), length (34 – 7/8 arms) and lateral movement skills (4.65 20-yd shuttle) make him a very intriguing prospect. To put these measurable aspects into perspective consider that Kugbila is bigger than the #7 pick OG Chance Warmack and had a 20-yard shuttle time better than #2 overall pick OT Luke Joeckel (4.68) and just behind the #18 pick OG Justin Pugh and the #19 pick OG Kyle Long (both timed at 4.63).
I knew that it would be impossible to grade a draft pick without having studied the player on film. So, over the past 24 hours I watched 4 Valdosta State games and was pleased with the potential I saw in Kugbila. Here are my key takeaways.
The Good
Kugbila utilizes his length to control and move defenders.
Kugbila has a strong base and anchors well.
Consistently wins leverage battle
Effectively places hands, proper arm extension
Uses arm length to control defender
Wide stance, heavy base, sound anchor
Pulls and Pinches effectively
Power and Momentum to maul
The Bad
DT kicks to 5-Tech to Utilize Quickness Against Kugbila.
Kugbila gained initial position but didn’t maintain the block against the swift 5-Tech DT, ball carrier blown up!
Power and Momentum to fall
Feet appear heavy at times, plods in space
False Starts (5 Called, 3 uncalled)
Slow recovery when initial position lost
Base sometimes too wide – Vulnerable to Speed
The Bottom Line:
I have decided to nickname Edmond Kugbila “King Kongbilla”. In the 4 games I watched, I credited King Kongbilla with 11 knockdowns; a broader category than a “pancake” that I use when taking scouting notes on offensive lineman. He possesses good base level talents that can be refined to make him a dominant run-mauler and a stout pass protector.
Based on the notes I compiled, I believe Kugbila projects best as an OG and should not be viewed as a developmental OT. Kugbilas best shot at earning early playing time will be contingent on how lite he can become on his feet, ideally by losing a few more pounds.
A prospect with Kugbila’s size, athleticism and favorable film against lesser competition would earn a 5th round grade from our staff.