NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Kentwan Balmer, DT
by Ben Stockwell
8/3/2008
 
Kentwan Balmer was somewhat of a one season wonder at the University of North Carolina, one of the premier defensive linemen in the state of North Carolina in his recruiting class from high school he flattered to deceive as a defensive end in his first two years at Chapel Hill. He was shifted to defensive tackle before his junior season but only emerged there after the arrival of former Cleveland Browns and Miami Hurricanes head coach, Butch Davis. Balmer exploded onto the scene in his senior season, collecting 2nd time All-ACC recognitions for an outstanding season highlighting what was a fairly mediocre Tar Heels team in 2007. Questions will be raised of whether he was a one season wonder but just watching the tape of his senior season will have pro scouts excited at the prospect of getting this force in the middle of their defensive line to provide an upgrade on their run defence and bring some pressure in the passing game.
 
What we like about Balmer
 
From a scout's perspective he has the big, athletic frame with space to carry more bulk without taking a great deal away from his athletic ability that scouts look for. From a perspective of game tape, rather than the tale of the tape, he plays with a good initial burst off of the line and anchors well at the line, showing the potential to be an all round tackle pushing the pocket against the pass and occupying blockers as well as making plays to stop the run. With a year of experience playing inside he improved his technique, particularly with his hand play, no longer over extending and over balancing to reach out to blockers, in this respect he can only get better with more experience on the inside and even higher level of coaching. He may be slightly raw in terms of his lack of experience but he has the initial burst off of the line that he should be able to make an impact as a rookie.
 
Question marks over Balmer
 
Having only just shifted inside from defensive end within the last two years he is still adding to his lower body bulk and will be pushed around to an extent early on in his career in the running game. Further to this, he is still very green as a defensive tackle and may be proven to be out of his depth in the NFL at tackle straight away which may limit his role immediately. He has all the limitations of a player new to the position, poor technique, weak at the point of attack, struggles to play as a two gap defender. His awesome athletic ability will see him taken high, but if he lands with a team needing an immediate starter, they are more likely than not to be disappointed.
 
Highlights of his College Career
 
His senior season was undoubtedly the highlight of a college career that very nearly failed to live up to expectations. As a senior he was named a team captain and earned 2nd team All-ACC honours after collecting 59 tackles (33 of which were solo tackles), 3.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
 
Other Snippets of Info

• Compares favourably to a guy like Rod Coleman as a one gap penetrating DT, could become much more rounded with improved lower body strength.

• Good fits would include the Lions, Jaguars and Raiders.