Mychal Kendricks Profile
Position: LB
College: California
Height, Weight: 5’11″, 240 lbs.
40 time: 4.47
Projected Round: 2
Kendricks combine performance was unreal. I’m not usually a huge combine guy, but take a look at these numbers…
Fastest 40 time: 4.47 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps at 225 lbs.
Vertical Jump: 39.5″
Broad Jump: 10’7”
Absolutely insane for a linebacker. Only six of the forty wide receivers that participated had better times than Kendricks. Kendricks vertical of 39.5 inches was tops among linebackers, and only three receivers had higher vertical jumps than him. His broad jump was also the best for the linebackers, and again only three receivers had better broad jumps than Kendricks. Time to put the tape on…
Positives: Kendricks speed and athleticism immediately leaps off the film. He has crazy sideline-to-sideline type range, and plays with a relentless motor. Flies around the field like a kid on a sugar high, and doesn’t show any signs of wearing down as the game goes on. Fluid athlete that can can change directions quickly and read & react in a flash. Aggressive and fearless. Fights through blocks with tenacity. Doesn’t give up on plays, and has the wheels to make tackles even when the play isn’t ran at him. Strong, consistent tackler, making use of his strength and 240 pound frame to wrap up the ball carrier. Very strong defender against the run. Demonstrates tremendous instincts, awareness, and vision of what the offense is trying to do. Shows great gap discipline, and is not prone to over-pursuing a play. Keeps his head up while in engaged in blocks, and knows where the ball is at all times. Takes good angles in pursuit. Elite closing speed and strong tackling make it tough for running backs to get by him. Cal utilized his speed and explosiveness in pass rushing situations. Demonstrated good ability as an edge rusher. Quick first step and high motor make him difficult to stand up at the line. Closes on the quarterback hard and fast off the edge. Tough player. Played with a cast on his hand during senior year. 3 year starter. PAC 12 defensive player of the year as a senior.
Negatives: Needs to work on wrapping up more consistently. He’s a great tackler when he wraps up, but too often he tries to launch himself at the ball carrier hoping for a big hit. This is something that is easily correctable, as he shows the proper technique, its just a matter of teaching him to become more disciplined. Height is less than ideal for a middle linebacker. Struggles to disengage from blocks at times. Durability issues. Had injuries to shoulder and hand at Cal. Suspended for portions of two games for violations of team rules.
NFL Comparison: A more athletic London Fletcher
Projection: With the type of motor Kendricks plays with, his insane athleticism, and tremendous awareness he could stick on just about any defense in the NFL. He played in a 3-4 scheme with Cal, but I don’t think he would have any trouble playing the Will or the Mike in a 4-3 scheme in the pros. He’s not only an incredible talent, but also brings great scheme versatility to a defense. He can play inside or outside; stay at home and stop the run, or rush the passer off the edge. Kendricks will likely go in the second round, but all it will take is one team falling in love with him (and it’s easy to do) for him to sneak in at the end of the first. As long as his body can hold up, Kendricks should be a staple of his NFL team’s defense for the next decade or so.
-Ryan
Game Film:
(6:18) Perfect example of Kendricks range and closing speed.