Today we take a look at UCLA inside linebacker Eric Kendricks. He was a very productive player in college as he had over 100 tackles in all three of his years as a starter. He closed out his college career with a bang with 136 tackles and three interceptions including one he ran back for a touchdown.
For his efforts, he won the Lott Impact Trophy for college football’s outstanding defensive player. He also won the Dick Butkus Award for college football’s most outstanding linebacker. Let's see what the scout's and draft Guru's have to say about him.
Strengths: Rob Rang and Dane Brugler of CBSSports said of Kendricks’ strengths, “Like his brother Mychal, (Eagles) Eric is instinctive, aggressive and a considerably more explosive hitter than his frame would suggest. He closes quickly and with force, leading to some emphatic take-downs. Kenricks’ athleticism and awareness makes him effective in coverage.”
Lance Zlerlein of NFL.com said of his strengths, “Confident with a downhill, attacking mindset. Good feet to slide, follow and burst to developing run plays. Can turn and chase sideline to sideline. Diagnoses quickly and attacks the run fits while avoiding blockers. Outstanding changing hips and changing direction. Exhibits good play speed and is able to cover man-to-man in space.”
Weaknesses: Rang and Brugler said of his weaknesses, “Scouts want to see him improve in coverage as he tends to be too hands-on and he needs more control of his momentum on tackle attempts to better bread down.”
Zlerlein said of his weaknesses, “Despite the high tackling numbers, doesn’t meet the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage as much as he could. Can use more weight on his frame. Will drop his head at times when meeting the ball carrier in the hole. Wasn’t much of a factor as a blitzer.
Can Kendricks fit in GB you ask ? It's clear the Packers need an ILB in this scheme, I'm not sure if a 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker is the perfect fit but he flies around making plays and can cover which is something we don't have now. Kendricks is a great prospect for GB in the late first or as a trade back target early second round.
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