Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft: Eric Kendricks
November 22, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsSince this is my first article as a member of the Inside The Iggles’ family, it only makes sense that for the very first “Philadelphia Eagles 2015 NFL Draft Profile”, I chose to feature a relative of a current member of the Philadelphia Eagles’ family. That would be UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, younger brother of current Eagles linebacker .
Since this is my first article as a member of the Inside The Iggles’ family, it only makes sense that for the very first “Philadelphia Eagles 2015 NFL Draft Profile”, I chose to feature a relative of a current member of the Philadelphia Eagles’ family. That would be UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, younger brother of current Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks.
The narrative of two brothers playing alongside each-other on the same team in the NFL would be special, everyone knows that. But that’s not what this is about. This series of articles will be about covering players that should be in the Eagles’ cross-hairs once the draft rolls around. Prospects that I believe would fill a need or carve out a role on their roster. Regardless of family ties, bloodlines, etc., Eric Kendricks is a special player that would immediately upgrade the inside linebacker position in Philadelphia.
College Career
Eric Kendricks left his mark on the field at UCLA, much like his father, Marvin Kendricks, did as the school’s leading rusher in 1970 and 1971. Unlike his father though, Kendricks did his dirty work on the defensive side of the ball. After redshirting in 2010, he saw his first game action in 2011, finishing the season with 76 tackles and 2 sacks despite only starting three out of a possible 14 games. The 2012 season was when Kendricks burst on to the scene. As a 14 game starter, Kendricks led the Pac-12 in tackles with 150 to go along with 2 sacks, an interception and 2 fumble recoveries for touchdowns as well.
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Although he battled multiple injuries (including kidney, shoulder, back and ankle issues) throughout his junior season in 2013, Kendricks managed to only miss two games and still led the Bruins in tackles with 105 tackles as well as 2 sacks and an interception. Finally healthy, Kendricks started 13 games his senior season and finished the 2014 campaign with 146 tackles, 4 sacks and 3 interceptions including one returned for a touchdown.
Kendricks received the Lott IMPACT Trophy for the college defensive player who had the biggest influence on his team. He was also named the country’s best collegiate linebacker when given the Butkus Award…and if you haven’t seen it yet, his reaction when receiving the award was priceless. To top it all off, Kendricks finished his career at UCLA as the school’s all-time leader in tackles with 471.
Next: Measurables