Dolphins selected Pitt LB Kyle Louis with the No. 138 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Louis (6’0/220) functioned as a hybrid slot defender/overhang linebacker for Pitt, compiling 77 tackles (38 solo) with 15 havoc plays, 7.5 TFLs and 3.0 sacks while impacting all three downs. His usage profile jumps off the page, generating 12 pressures on just 84 rushes (14.3 percent pressure rate) with an extremely rapid 2.23-second time-to-first-pressure, underscoring his blitz timing and closing burst. Louis’ 56.6 percent run-tackle rate reflects his space-oriented deployment, but his 85.6% tackle efficiency and 9 run stops show a defender who can finish when arriving clean. He added coverage value with 2 interceptions and 4 PBUs, leveraging quick trigger recognition and fluid movement skills to create turnover opportunities. Louis’ athletic profile is outstanding, posting an 8.83 RAS highlighted by elite speed (4.53 forty), explosion (39.5" vertical, 10’9” broad) and strong agility (6.97 three-cone), traits that translate directly to his range and blitz upside. However, his undersized 5’11”, 220-pound frame (very poor size grade) is exposed against blocks, where he struggles to anchor and consistently fit gaps in the box. Louis projects best as a subpackage linebacker/safety hybrid who can be weaponized as a blitzer and coverage piece, with early contributions likely coming on special teams while he refines his play strength and run-fit discipline.
