So the Bills selected a guy who got drunk and broke into a stranger's crib to pass out on their couch. Hilarious! Alright, besides that, I wanted to learn more about Kiko Alonso. So, I reached out to the boys over at The Duck Stops Here and to see what type of drinker player we got.
1) What are his strengths and weaknesses?
Alonso is physical and athletic, playing with a nasty streak at 6-4, 242. He was Defensive Player of the Game in the 2011 Rose Bowl with 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a critical diving interception in the fourth quarter. 81 tackles and four interceptions as a senior, playing part of the year with a cast on his hand.
The questions about Alonso center around his instincts, durability, experience and off-the-field issues. He'll have a significant adjustment in adapting to the complexities of the pro game.
2) The Bills are going to run a hybrid defense with 3-4/4-3 looks. Pretty much it will be what the Jets ran with tons of blitzing. How do you see Alonso in that type of defense?
Ducks ran a similar defense under Nick Aliotti, sometimes lining Dion Jordan down as an end or upright as an outside linebacker. Alonso runs well and is very effective in the blitz. He will thrive in an aggressive scheme.
3) I've read a few things about his off the field issues. Should that be a concern?
Alonso had a drinking problem, but he addressed it in a productive way. Early in his college career he had two suspensions and nearly lost his scholarship. He grew, however, and blossomed in the last year and a half, speaking openly to teammates about the lessons he'd learned, becoming a leader on a Duck team that finished #2 in the country and went 12-1 his senior year.
4) The Bills plan on using Kiko both on the outside and inside. What do you think of that? Where should he be positioned?
He's athletic enough to give them some flexibility and drops into coverage very well. He likes to hit, though, and his true strength is in the middle.
5) Do you think he can start in the NFL from day 1?
Alonso should be an immediate contributor, particularly on special teams, but I'd say he's a year or two away from being a starter.
6) How is he in coverage vs. rushing the passer/stopping the run?
A very active player with a high motor, he's strong in both. But of course he'll have the typical learning curve adjusting to the speed, agility, and leverage of pro linemen and backs.
One key thing to remember is, Alonso only really started for about a year and a half in college. He has a significant upside, particularly coming from a highly successful program with superb practice organization–he comes to the pros knowing the meaning and value of practice and preparation. He plays with a lot of desire and should become a fan favorite with his knack for turnovers and the big play.
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