Eric Kendricks – #6 UCLA
UCLA Bruins
Position: Linebacker (Inside)
Vital Stats: 6-0, 230 lbs
Hometown: Fresno, CA
2014 Stats: 136 Tackles (96 Solo), 2 Sacks, 3 Int, 1 TD Scored
2013 Stats: 105 Tackles (64 Solo), 2 Sacks, 4 TFL, 1 Int
2012 Stats: 149 Tackles (91 Solo), 2 Sacks, 6 TFL, 1 Int
2011 Stats: 77 Tackles (52 Solo), 2 Sacks, 4.5 TFL
Awards/Accolades: 2014 Lott IMPACT Trophy Winner, 2014 Butkus Award Winner, All-Time UCLA Tackling Leader, 2014 1st Team All American (Various Lists), UCLA Team MVP, Team Captain and Team Leadership Award, 42 Career Starts
Draft Stock
- Walter Camp Ranking: #2 Inside Linebacker, #3 Outside Linebacker
- NFLDraftScout.com:#1 Inside Linebacker, 48th Best Prospect Overall
- Drafttek.com: #3 Inside Linebacker, #3 Outside 4-3 Linebacker
Sep 13, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) in action against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium. The Bruins beat the Longhorns 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Kendricks is one of the greatest linebackers in UCLA history, and after a terrific senior season he is being recognized as a valuable draft prospect. In his favor, scouts and NFL personnel covet Kendricks football instincts, quickness to the ball, aggressiveness, explosion into contact, and terrific attitude. He is viewed primarily as an inside linebacker, but his ability to stop the run and cover the pass make him a versatile pick.
Kendricks may get dinged for his size and length (slightly smaller than ideal) and a slight tendency to over-pursue (because he is so quick to the ball and has sideline to sideline range), but these are small quibbles when compared to all the positives. Various websites have labeled Kendricks as a solid “3 down starter” with the potential to make the Pro Bowl during his career. He is an easy player for scouts to make a case for based on his production in college, family lineage and impeccable intangibles.
Look for Eric Kendricks to be drafted sometime on Day 2 (2nd/3rd Rounds) with an outside chance at the 1st round.
Other Sources: CBSsportsline, Rotoworld