Broncos Draft Reports: Linebackers

Conclusion

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) lines up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Of these three players, Eric Kendricks is the one I’m targeting first if I’m John Elway. After that, I think Stephone Anthony edges out Benardrick McKinney.

All of these guys are different and win in their own unique ways.

Kendricks would perhaps be the most logical pick, not only because of his high talent level, but because he most effectively mirrors what Trevathan does. That said, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has made it clear that he will tailor his defense to his players (specifically the two inside linebackers), not the other way around.

Kendricks was a fun watch for me. For those that don’t know, I get almost 100% of the “film” that I watch on draftbreakdown.com (it’s hands down the best site to watch college football prospects). To evaluate a prospect, I need a minimum of three games to watch. Draftbreakdown had exactly that many, with one of them being from 2012 – in other words, two year ago. Watching that game right before his Virginia game was incredible; like night and day.

In 2014, Kendricks, while still not a strength of his, was able to get through contact much better. He was also a lot more aggressive and wasn’t as hesitant as he was in 2012. Now, he just flies around the field and makes plays. Adding Kendricks to this group of linebackers would give the Broncos another needed weapon against good receiving tight ends, the Achilles heel of recent Broncos teams.

Anthony is another backer that is a pretty good cover guy. I would have him graded higher, but there are issues with him that could prevent him from using his fine athleticism.

Sometimes Anthony hesitates and doesn’t trust what he sees, slowing his process down and therefore not utilizing his athleticism to the best of his abilities. This has to be limited in the NFL. If it is, he’ll be exceptional in the middle of a defense. When he knows what he’s doing, he’s almost unstoppable anywhere on the field.

McKinney is the one of out this group that is different from the rest. While he struggles a bit in pass coverage, he’s a monster against the run, and he should be with his size. He’s not afraid of contact, a prerequisite for playing in the middle of a defense. But unlike some thumping linebackers, he also has decent range, which would allow him to play in a 3-4 like the Broncos will use this year.

All of these linebackers are players I would gladly welcome to Denver. They each come with their own talents, but all of them are players I think would help the Broncos on the defensive side of the football.

Next: NFL Draft 2015: Broncos Need to Prepare for Someone's Slide