Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Eric Kendricks (UCLA) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #45 by MIN

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Eric Kendricks (2015 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Eric Kendricks
• College: UCLA
• Position: Linebacker
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 232 lbs

Strengths:

• Instincts: Kendricks possesses exceptional football IQ, allowing him to read plays quickly and react effectively.
• Speed: His quickness and speed enable him to cover ground rapidly, making him a sideline-to-sideline player.
• Tackling: Kendricks is a sure tackler who consistently wraps up ball carriers, minimizing missed tackles.
• Coverage Ability: Demonstrating strong coverage skills, he is adept at defending against both tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
• Leadership: Known for his leadership on and off the field, Kendricks was a team captain at UCLA.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 6'0", some scouts question whether he has the ideal size for an NFL linebacker, particularly when matching up against bigger players.
• Strength: While he is quick, some analysts believe he may struggle to shed blocks against larger offensive linemen.

Overall Analysis:

Eric Kendricks emerged as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft due to his combination of speed, instincts, and tackling ability. His impressive collegiate career at UCLA showcased his capability to excel in both run defense and pass coverage, making him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to bolster their linebacker corps. While concerns about his size and strength exist, his playmaking ability and leadership qualities position him as a likely early-round selection.

Projected Draft Position:

Most analysts projected Kendricks to be selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, with potential for early third-round value if he fell due to positional depth.