One player separated himself from the pack at the 2026 Senior Bowl. Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis made big play after big play, putting himself firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.
With a glaring need at linebacker heading into the offseason, the Chicago Bears have to take notice of the young defender's rise. T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are passable starters, but the Bears don’t have much else at the position.
His versatile skill set could be the key to unlocking Dennis Allen's defense in 2026.
Kyle Louis 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 224 pounds
Expected 40-yard dash time: 4.62-4.66
Recruiting: 3-Star prospect, No. 87-ranked safety nationally
College production: 198 tackles, 10 sacks, six interceptions, two forced fumbles
Positives:
- Speed to work from sideline to sideline.
- Quick instincts in coverage allow him to break on routes before the quarterback releases the ball.
- Smooth mover in space and can flip his hips quickly in coverage.
- Improved as a tackler each season in college.
- Productive as a blitzer.
Negatives:
- Small frame raises concerns about long-term durability in the NFL.
- Gets pushed off his spot too easily when linemen get their hands on him.
- Often allows yards after contact against more powerful running backs.
Kyle Louis NFL player comparison: Terrell Bernard
For an undersized linebacker to succeed in the NFL, they need to have uncommon instincts and athleticism. Terrell Bernard had both coming out of Baylor. Now a consistent starter for the Buffalo Bills, Bernard overcomes his lack of size with speed and anticipation. He can’t be used as a traditional Mike linebacker, but he’s an asset on passing downs, either as a blitzer or in coverage.
In the right scheme, Louis could serve a similar role in the NFL. His physical limitations will need to be covered up, but his strengths are too obvious to deny.
Read more: Bears grant Dennis Allen his wish with Georgia star in 7-round 2026 mock draft
Kyle Louis NFL Draft grade: 3rd round
Linebackers don’t get drafted in the first round unless they have prototypical size. Still, Louis could come off the board on day two because of his ability to impact the game. While his frame will push him into a specialized role at the next level, his tape shows that he can still find his way onto the field. This combination of speed and anticipation is rare, so don’t be surprised if an NFL team takes a swing on the linebacker earlier than expected.