As the 2027 NFL Draft cycle begins to take shape, ESPN draft ****** yst Jordan Reid recently identified Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa as one of the toughest linebacker prospects to evaluate entering the season.
According to Reid, there may not be a linebacker he enjoyed studying more on film. Despite making only two starts during the 2025 season, Viliamu-Asa consistently flashed the traits NFL teams covet, including effort, physicality, instincts, and closing speed. The biggest concern entering the year is health after suffering a torn ACL against Syracuse last November.
If he returns healthy, however, the Notre Dame defender has a chance to emerge as one of the premier linebackers in college football heading into the 2027 NFL Draft.
The former five-star recruit took a significant step forward during his sophomore campaign. According to PFF, Viliamu-Asa earned an outstanding 89.7 overall defensive grade in 2025 after posting a 67.6 mark the year before. He recorded 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and generated 23 quarterback pressures despite playing only 435 snaps.
His production extended well beyond the box score. Viliamu-Asa posted a 94.0 run-defense grade, a 15.2 percent run-stop rate, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 55.0 passer rating when targeted. He also allowed just 6.5 yards per reception, reinforcing the versatility that shows up throughout his film.
According to Reid, there may not be a linebacker he enjoyed studying more on film. Despite making only two starts during the 2025 season, Viliamu-Asa consistently flashed the traits NFL teams covet, including effort, physicality, instincts, and closing speed. The biggest concern entering the year is health after suffering a torn ACL against Syracuse last November.
If he returns healthy, however, the Notre Dame defender has a chance to emerge as one of the premier linebackers in college football heading into the 2027 NFL Draft.
The former five-star recruit took a significant step forward during his sophomore campaign. According to PFF, Viliamu-Asa earned an outstanding 89.7 overall defensive grade in 2025 after posting a 67.6 mark the year before. He recorded 48 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and generated 23 quarterback pressures despite playing only 435 snaps.
His production extended well beyond the box score. Viliamu-Asa posted a 94.0 run-defense grade, a 15.2 percent run-stop rate, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 55.0 passer rating when targeted. He also allowed just 6.5 yards per reception, reinforcing the versatility that shows up throughout his film.
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