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Hokies in the NFL: The 2015 NFL Draft Stock of Kyshoen Jarrett

By Tim Thomas

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Dec 27, 2014; Annapolis, MD, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Kyshoen Jarrett (34) celebrates after the defense returned Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Gunner Kiel (not pictured) fumble for a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2014 Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Virginia Tech Hokies defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 33-17. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Coming out of high school, Kyshoen Jarrett was a fairly well rated cornerback along with being one of the top recruits in the state of Pennsylvania. Jarrett chose to come to Virginia Tech, and would not last long at cornerback before being moved to rover.

That position change was a great decision that gave the Hokies a very good rover who was a three-year starter.

The 2014 season was Jarrett’s best season statistically with 88 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Jarrett was productive in his senior season, and he proved that he deserves a chance at making a roster in the NFL.

Jarrett is not going to go down as one of the greatest defensive backs to come out of Virginia Tech, but he will be known for his reliability, work ethic, and toughness. Jarrett had a very successful Virginia Tech career, and his next stop will definitely be the NFL.

One thing that seems very likely is that Jarrett will end up being drafted, and not have to go the undrafted free agent route.

One thing that hurts Jarrett is the fact that he is slightly undersized for a safety at 5’11”. There have been plenty of players with the undersized label that have had success, but it is definitely harder for an undersized player to succeed at the NFL level.

Safeties are not used in man coverage too much at the NFL level, but Jarrett is not a great man coverage safety and that is something that is also hurts his draft stock.

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Kyshoen Jarrett is solid in zone coverage, but the guys that go highest in the draft are either already great zone coverage players or guys with huge upside. Unfortunately, Jarrett does not fit the high upside bill in part due to his size which hurts his draft stock.

Jarrett is an above-average run defender for a strong safety and that is something that should make him a very valuable player.

Jarrett could be one of those players that rotates in on some plays early on running plays including some third and short situations against teams with strong passing games. This type of situation would give his team a quality run defender that can also be useful in pass coverage.

Sep 27, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Western Michigan Broncos quarterback Zach Terrell (11) is pressured by Virginia Tech Hokies running back Kyshoen Jarrett (34) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

What makes Kyshoen Jarrett someone that will likely be drafted is the fact that he is a solid safety with great intangibles.

It all starts with the fact that Jarrett is a high character leader that any coach, general manager, or owner would want in his team’s locker room. Jarrett was unsurprisingly voted as one of the four captains for the Hokies this past season which is a tangible example of his leadership.

Jarrett is also a hard worker that will do everything he can to make a play on the field, and become a better player off the field. Jarrett can be a valuable special teams player because of his impressive work ethic which could also help give him a chance at becoming a starting strong safety potentially at some point in his NFL career.

Based on his talent, Kyshoen Jarrett currently projects to be selected in the sixth or seventh round, but he will get some chances to prove that he should be selected higher in the 2015 NFL Draft. One thing is certain, whatever team that gives him a chance will not regret giving him that opportunity.

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