Gettleman Hits: DT Kawann Short -> Analysis + Highlights

[Saca312]

Gettleman Hits: A Draft Series: DT Kawann Short -> Analysis + Highlights

"With the 44th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Carolina panthers select...Defensive Tackle, Kawann Short"

In a draft filled with the typical controversial Gman picks, Kawann Short was picked in the second round. Many complained about Dave Gettleman's choice to "double dip" for defensive tackles that year. Some questioned whether that pick would've been more worthwhile on a WR instead*. "Since we already have Star, what's the point of KK," the masses cried out.

 

The seasons that followed had every single doubter eating crow.

 

Kawann Short has done numbers for the Carolina Defense the past few years. Carolina's defensive tackles haven't been all that great before KK and Star came to the scene. 2012 was the year where we had poo for our DT position, and Gettleman fixed that up good. Kawann Short, with a bit of fine tuning and getting used to the system and NFL pace, became one of the most dominant DT's in the game today. From his college days to his pro days, Kawann Short has proven to everyone that he's a force to be reckon'd with.

 

Purdue: Playing in the Big Ten

In Kawann's Senior Campaign at Purdue, KK produced 43 tackles, with about 15.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 QB hits, and 1 forced fumble. He was 6'3, 315 lbs, with a 34 3/4" arm length. He produced great results, and showed ability to be crafty against double teams. His upper body strength helps bring down the offense, and his ability to keep off defender's hands were also considered in his draft profile. His weaknesses included his ability to exert effort, fooled by misdirection, leg strength, struggles when quickness doesn't help him, and moves to disengage and anchor himself. He was considered to be a potential NFL starter, as long as he worked on consistency and his weight. 

He was still a monster nevertheless, and showed that he was a force to be dealt with. Double teaming KK was a common practice, due to his threat and power. He's had a solid campaign playing against the Big Ten. He's had some weaknesses with using his feet and legs in cases, but nevertheless he's solid.

Now for some highlights for your viewing pleasure.

 

Kawann Short the RB Mauler

In this highlight, KK shows off his ability to hold his ground and then find his way to the guy with the ball. He keeps himself at bay, waits it out, and makes way for the RB in the Senior Bowl. He's proven to be a good run stuffer, and a good asset. KK pancake, anyone?

Double Team? No Problem

KK shows off his ability of brute strength. He's able to push back Minnesota's double team like they weighed nothing. He puts effective pressure on the QB, showing skill as a pass rusher. So in short, they tried to make a KK sandwich. That plan backfired.

Swiper, No Swiping!

Kawann Short shows off his skill of swiping away blockers in this highlight. He swipes away the blockers hands like they were noodle arms, then goes in to help stop the runner. He shows skill and quickness, and proves to be yet again a force to be reckoned with.

 

All in all, KK had a great college campaign. He's showed inconsistency at times, not being able to use his legs to anchor himself to where he's being pushed back by some guards on plays, but otherwise he was an effective pass rusher that deserved top 60 talent from that draft class from tape alone.

 

The Rise of the KK: Panther Era:

Remember when everyone thought that drafting both KK and Star during that 2013 draft was a mistake?

Yeah me neither.

 

KK and Star proved to be an absolute monster duo. With their powerful run blocking, and Star taking most of the double teams, KK just goes in and does his thing. KK really emerged near the end of his Rookie campaign, when he started to absolutely dominate. He's played the most snaps of any DT on the team, and he's been an absolute monster. Star and KK have made a name for themselves, and made our once mediocre DT rotation into one hell of a monster. Without these two, our front seven wouldn't be as stout as it is, and TD and Luke wouldn't be able to do what they do best. KK and Star do so much for the team, and KK himself has proven to be a productive pass rusher.

 

Some more highlights for your viewing pleasure:

 

Number 67 tried to tackle KK...yeah...

So, in this replay, KK shows how he's very adept in exposing complete idiots. He dodges number 67's attempt at tackling him, leaving him in the dust, and attacks the QB all the way back to the endzone. God that was brutal. 

All aboard the KK train!

In this clip, KK shows his absolute power and speed as a pass rusher. He dominates number 76, and then attacks the QB by grabbing his sleeve and bringing him down with one hand, while handling 76 with his other. This guy is an absolute monster, and thank God he's with us.

Nom-Nom-Nom: Runningback Monster

In this replay, KK shows off his ability to swipe away guards and slice straight towards the ball carrier. He snags the runningback to the ground in less than 4 seconds after the play started. This guy is quick, and powerful.

Russell Wilson got snagged like a Rag-Doll

 

KK shows his amazing ability of overpowering guards and going straight for the quarterback. Russell Wilson was basically cornered to his inevitable doom as KK grabs him, and throws him away like a piece of trash. I love KK.

Carson Palmer: Meet KK

Kawann Short goes and does what he does best. In short, he's able to get to Carson Palmer, smash that ball out of his pathetic hands, and allow the Panther D to recover the fumble. This was one of many defensive plays I loved from that game, and just our absolute dominance that game was amazing. KK was definitely a prime contributor to that.

 

To Conclude:

KK was probably one of the best things to happen to the Panthers recently. His ability to pass rush, run block, and what he does for our linebackers is phenomenal. KK and Star make an absolute tandem in the run game, and have been wrecking havoc. You probably won't hear one fan today that would still say the 2013 draft was a mistake. Kawann Short was a key pickup, and has done wonders. With Vernon Butler coming in the mix this year, our DT rotation will be insane. KK and Butler will be a tandem on passing plays, while KK and Star will do what they do for running plays. KK was a valuable pickup, and has proven his worth in the NFL.

[Chief Keek]

Well done. Nice write-up man KK is a absolute monster. Now just imagine him and Vernon Butler lined up next to each other!

 

[CPF4LIFE]

I'm surprised he doesn't have a highlight video on YouTube. I was looking around and couldn't find one

[Saca312]

Just now, CPF4LIFE said:

I'm surprised he doesn't have a highlight video on YouTube. I was looking around and couldn't find one

I was surprised too. Had to go look up gifs and look for actual games to find some of these highlights. He needs a highlight reel. (wink wink @Lilsmitty09)

[bleys]

3 hours ago, Chief Keek said:

Well done. Nice write-up man KK is a absolute monster. Now just imagine him and Vernon Butler lined up next to each other!

 

oh poo.. that used to be a thing back in the 80's..  Suddenly I see a correlation between a SLIIIIIIIIIIGHT generation gap...

 

 

slight.... that's all....

[KB_fan]

WOW.  Thanks.  Great post.