Run Defense
The same technical concerns that show up as a pass rusher are also present in the run game, especially the hand usage. All too often, Key gets caught on blocks as he fails to use his hands effectively to keep blockers off his frame:
What’s more, he also shows a troubling lack of discipline when it comes to gap allocation. As he was largely used as the edge run defender, he was often tasked with sealing the edge, and all too often, he got caught trying to jump inside allowing a bit of outside run:
He also showed a concerning lack of core strength as he had troubling holding the point of attack even against tight ends:
This was exaggerated when LSU tried to play him inside, as here he was completely overrun power-wise:
Where he did show some ability was when he was asked to penetrate, either around the edge to force the runner inside, or to shoot an inside gap:
There are some things that Key can do to improve against the run, such as adding strength in the weight room to help him anchor and work on his hand usage in order to help keep blockers off him. However, a lot of it simply comes down to effort; teams would often run away from Key, leaving him unblocked, and given how little effort he often put into chasing down the play from the back side, it’s not surprising to see why:
Best Case NFL Comparison: Robert Quinn
Worst Case NFL Comparison: Complete Bust
Summary: “There are off the field concerns, but what he does on the field is also inconsistent and underdeveloped. He was misused at LSU, but it is so far unclear whether than is a bump in the road or career-limiting road-block; someone’s going to draft him early, let’s let it be someone besides the Panthers.”
Grade: B-
