Kemari Copeland, DL, Virginia Tech: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Defensive Lineman (DL) |
|
Jersey Number |
#13 |
|
Class |
Redshirt Senior |
|
School |
Virginia Tech |
|
Height / Weight |
6’2″ / 290 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Virginia Beach, Va. / Floyd E. Kellam HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
Sacks |
INT |
|
2022 |
Army |
Ind |
FR |
7 |
2 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
Iowa Western |
NJCAA |
SO |
13 |
38 |
9.0 |
4.5 |
0 |
|
2024 |
Virginia Tech |
ACC |
R-SO |
4 |
6 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
2025 |
Virginia Tech |
ACC |
R-JR |
12 |
48 |
7.5 |
4.5 |
1 |
|
Total |
36 |
94 |
16.5 |
9.0 |
1 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his measured power-lifting background and verified collegiate movement.
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.05 – 5.15 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 28.0″ – 30.0″
- Broad Jump: 8’10” – 9’2″
- Bench Press: 26 – 30 repetitions
- 10-Yard Split: 1.75 – 1.82 seconds
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Kemari Copeland has taken a winding road to becoming a defensive leader in the ACC. After an initial stint at West Point and a National Championship-winning season at Iowa Western Community College, he arrived at Virginia Tech as a high-upside transfer. After an injury-shortened 2024 season, Copeland emerged in 2025 as a disruptive interior force, becoming the first Hokie defensive tackle to record at least three sacks in a single game since 1995.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional Power Profile: Boasts elite strength credentials, including a documented 675-pound squat and 400-pound bench press, which translates to his play style at the point of attack.
- Interior Disruptor: Uses his explosive first step and pad-level leverage to penetrate gaps, as evidenced by his 7.5 tackles for loss during his 2025 breakout season.
- Versatility & IQ: Beyond his pass-rushing ability, Copeland demonstrated spatial awareness in 2025, recording an interception and proving he can impact passing lanes beyond just the rush.
- “High-Motor” Style: Consistently plays with the intensity required to succeed in a demanding defensive system, consistently earning recognition for his disruptive efforts against top-tier conference opponents.
Developmental Focus
As he approaches the 2027 draft, Copeland’s primary focus is on demonstrating sustained production over a full season. Evaluators will be looking for increased lateral agility in space to assist in pursuit-based run defense. Additionally, further refining his hand-strike accuracy during pass-rush sequences will be the final step in moving him into the conversation as a consistent three-down interior presence at the next level.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending