Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft: Eric Kendricks

Jan 2, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) sacks Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jake Waters (15) during the first half of the 2015 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Measurables

Sadly, it’s a bit too early in the “draft season” for the guys over at MockDraftable to have their spider charts for player’s measurables in this year’s draft class. But once those are available, likely after the combine, I’ll add Kendricks’ chart into this part.

For now, all we have to work with is Kendricks’ height and weight. Listed between 6-0 and 6-1, just 230 lbs., many will consider Kendricks a bit undersized to play linebacker at the next level. Although it is true, Kendricks’ size doesn’t really hinder him on the field. If anything, it almost helps him because it allows him to fit through holes in the offensive front and get in the backfield to make plays against both the run and pass. Despite being on the smaller side, Kendricks has a thick build and hits hard but remains technically sound, some call him a “thumper”.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller recently compared Eric Kendricks to an undersized and underrated linebacker in last year’s draft, Chris Borland, in his latest scouting notebook. Although Kendricks is technically a bit bigger and longer than Borland is, it’s a damn near perfect comparison when it comes to how they are being talked about and their play on the field.

"Last year, about this time, I began talking about an undersized, over-productive linebacker who had dominated college football but wasn’t being praised as a draft prospect due to metrics. I warned against undervaluing this kid, because things like instincts, heart and tackling aren’t measured in height or 40 times. That player was Chris Borland, and he rocked out in his rookie season. Eric Kendricks is a similar type of prospect."

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