Devon Kennard (USC) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #174 by NYG
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Devon Kennard (2014 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- Name: Devon Kennard
- College: University of Southern California (USC)
- Position: Linebacker / Defensive End
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 256 lbs
Strengths:
- Versatile player with experience at both linebacker and defensive end.
- Strong upper body and physicality allow for effective run support.
- Possesses good awareness and instincts to diagnose plays quickly.
- Has the ability to rush the passer effectively, showing good burst off the line.
- Solid tackling technique, able to bring down ball carriers consistently.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent in coverage, which may limit his effectiveness in certain defensive schemes.
- Needs to improve on shedding blocks to free himself more effectively.
- Occasional stiffness in hips can hinder his lateral movement.
Overall Assessment:
Devon Kennard is a multi-faceted defender who can contribute as both a linebacker and defensive end. His ability to rush the passer and play the run makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their front seven. However, he will need to continue developing his coverage skills and learn to better navigate through blockers at the next level.
Draft Projection:
Kennard was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft, with potential for a team to take a chance on him earlier if they valued his versatility and physicality.