ChiefsPlanet - Chiefs Mike Catapano

Draft Analysis

Catapano is one of our bigger sleepers on Day 3. He has a quick get-off as a pass rusher, with active hands and the ability to bend the edge. Catapano also plays with leverage and can set the edge and maintain outside contain as a run defender. We love his relentless motor and potential to develop into an impact edge rusher.
Draft Results

Overall Football Traits

Production 2 2009: (10/1) 22-1- .5 2010: (9/9) 37-2.5-22011: (10/10) 49-10-5 2012: (10/10) 41-15-12.5 Career: 13 PBUs, 4 FFs, and 2 FR.
Height-Weight-Speed 1 Prototypical height and length (33.6 arms). Thick and muscular frame with above-average bulk. Big hands (10.3). Above-average top-end speed, vertical jump (37.5), broad jump (9'8) and bench press (33).
Durability 3 Dealt with a back-injury that hampered him for most of the 2010 season while being forced to miss the Cornell game.
Intangibles 1 Two-time captain as a junior and senior. Strong work ethic and weight room habits. Loves the game. Plays with an infectious passion on the field. Head coach Bob Surace has publicly praised Catapano's leadership skills "His work ethic was a model for our locker room, and his impact on our team will be felt for years to come."

1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal

Defensive End Specific Traits

Pass Rush Skills 2 Possesses the tools and upside to develop into a disruptive edge rusher. Excellent snap anticipation and constantly the first off the ball on tape. Shows a quick first step and comes off with proper pad level and leverage. Not an elite speed rusher but has enough quickness to gain the edge. Shows ability to dips shoulder and bend to flatten when gaining outside leverage point on OTs Quick and active hands. One of the better hand fighters in this class and rarely allow blockers into frame. Flashes a wide variety of pass rushing moves with multiple inside change up moves that include an effective spin and stab with inside arm. Efficient counter puncher. Understands leverage and flashes ability to feel blockers momentum and manipulate it to get them off balance. Very disruptive on the move and runs a tight loop when executing inside twist. Shows ability to plant and accelerate when closing on quarterback. Only glaring concerns in that he will give up edge discipline on occasion and can learn to protect his legs better.
Versus the run 3 Generally stay low coming off the ball and plays with leverage. Displays a strong anchor but not in the elite level. Can occasionally get engulfed by more massive blockers. Had issues sustaining against Terron Armstead in one-on-one run blocking drills at the East-West All-Star practices. Also pad level can rise on occasion and he can lose his power source. However, has active hands and flashes an explosive initial punch to shock blockers. When playing with leverage he can set the edge. Very effective in hand-to-hand combat and does a nice job of shedding and redirecting to get involved in play. Adequate range to occasionally close for the backside. Shows solid instincts and discipline in this area. Finds the ball and he is relentless at working to keep outside arm free when having edge responsibility
Versatility 4 Best fits are as a LDE in a base 4-3 scheme or as a 3-4 OLB in a heavy edge rushing role. Will be able to spot drop but lacks the fluidity in space to be asked to consistently drop into coverage if transitioning to a 3-4 OLB. Has experience reducing inside. Can be functional as 5-technique in a base 3-4 front but it's not an ideal fit.
Instincts/Motor 1 Relentless and highly disruptive. Engine is constantly in 5th gear but does not play out of control. Tough and does not back down. Passion for the game is evident on the field. Loves to chase and is constantly seen hustling in pursuit. The type of player who won't garner much attention in the media but will bring an edge to a defense with his intensity and high energy.