Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report: Eric Kendricks
The Kansas City Chiefs have ten picks in the 2015 NFL Draft, and after a busy off-season they look to be in a decent position to be unpredictable and flexible with their picks. Their first pick of the draft is the 18th overall pick in the first round and they could select anything from a wide receiver, offensive lineman, or maybe even an inside linebacker named Eric Kendricks.
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Kendricks played all four years of his college career at UCLA. He is currently projected as the best inside linebacker prospect, and 40th best overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft with an early second round grade.
The Kansas City Chiefs have not been able to find a suitable inside linebacker to play next to Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson who was a rock for the Chiefs defense for nine years before he went down with a torn Achilles in the first game of the 2014 season. The Chiefs were unable to overcome the loss of Johnson with Joe Mays, Ray Mauaga, and James-Michael Johnson.
As bad as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line was last season the rush defense looked just as bad at times. It could be argued that the loss to the Oakland Raiders was completely because of the struggles at defending the run.
Derrick Johnson is also not getting any younger at 32 years-old and the Chiefs would be wise to have a replacement in place.
The Kansas City Chiefs can afford to reach a little bit to draft a player if they truly believe he is the best player available for the team.
Combine Results
- 40-yard dash – 4.61 seconds
- Vertical jump – 38.0 inch
- Broad jump – 124.0 inch
- Bench Press – 19 reps
Results courtesy of NFL.com.
Kendricks was unable to improve on his 40-yard dash time at the UCLA pro day due to a hamstring injury that he suffered working out at the 2015 NFL Combine.
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"Eric is instinctive, aggressive and a more explosive hitter than his frame suggests. Closes quickly and with force. Light on his feet. Has good agility, flexibility and balance, especially as a pass rusher. Has the quickness and fluidity to be effective in coverage.-Courtesy of Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports"
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports released his seven round mock draft and he had Kendricks going to the Green Bay Packers with the 30th pick in the first round of the draft.
Kendricks wouldn’t be the flashiest pick for the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the draft, but if they want a starting caliber inside linebacker Kendricks is the best option and it is very unlikely that he will be available when the Chiefs pick in the second round.
Next: 2015 NFL Draft: KC Chiefs Inside Linebacker Scouting Central