Broncos Draft Reports: Linebackers

Eric Kendricks (6’0 232), UCLA

2014 stats: 145 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 INT (1 TD)

Games evaluated: @ Virginia, @ Texas, @ Stanford (2012)

-Has great feet. Can stop his momentum and change direction real quick.

-Has shown inconsistencies in picking up the football on play action and fakes.

-Is undersized and not terribly strong; can get destroyed by second level blocks. Gets washed out on some runs.

-Is willing to go take on/go through contact to get to the ball.

-Stack and shed ability is lacking, but he will show flashes.

-Meets ball carriers with force and wraps up. Rarely fails to bring them down. Is also able to break down in space and explode into his man, making a flush hit.

-Has the athleticism and speed to take aggressive angles to the ball carrier.

-Is aware of every receiver that gets into his zone. Can also stay with quicker backs and receivers in man coverage.

-Doesn’t usually shoot gaps and won’t get many tackles for a loss. Opts to square the ball carrier up and drive through.

-Very fluid player and is able to twist and run laterally while still keying in on the quarterback.

OVERVIEW: Kendricks is small for his position but can become a big impact player in a passing league. It’s obvious what he does best. He’s great in space, making him a useful tool in coverage and someone you want chasing ball carriers from sideline-to-sideline. The two biggest problems with Kendricks come in the run game, which should be surprising given his small measurables. On play actions and fakes he misreads who has the ball too often. He’s also not a great stack and shed player, allowing running backs to run by him as he gets blocked. Even still, he’s shown a willingness to be physical. In the NFL, he should be utilized as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3.

THREE WORDS: Space-player, small, cut-on-a-dime

PROJECTION: Late 1st round