Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Eric Kendricks

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We move on in our Draft Prospect Series.  We are continuing to look at possible draft picks that may just land where the Buffalo Bills are picking and provide them with options in the 2nd and 3rd round.  We continue to look through the linebackers today.

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Eric Kendricks is an inside linebacker that is out of UCLA. Kendricks has a draft grade of 5.84 which puts him at the higher end of the possible starters in the NFL.

Kendricks lead his team in tackles last year with 149 and 10+ tackles in 11 of the games.  This set a school record.

Some strengths and weaknesses for Eric Kendricks are…

"Confident with a downhill, attacking mindset. Good feet to slide, follow and burst to developing run plays. Can turn and chase sideline to sideline. Diagnoses quickly and attacks run fits while avoiding blockers. Is always around the play. One of the most productive tacklers in college football over the last three years. Outstanding at sinking hips and changing direction.Despite the high tackle numbers, doesn’t meet ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage as much as he could. Could use more weight on his frame.– NFL.com"

Eric Kendricks has a great character and attitude towards the game.  He is on the smaller side but an NFL scout stated that putting him on the weakside for a linebacker, would provide a good fit.  He is compared to Wesley Woodyard.

The bottom line for Eric Kendricks is…

"Kendricks is an intelligent leader with high football character. Scouts don’t see the same explosiveness in Eric as they see in his brother Mychal (Eagles LB), but they do see the same level of production and desire. Eric Kendricks plays with plus instincts against the run and pass. He has the athleticism and demeanor to be an impactful, productive outside linebacker in a 4-3 for years to come.– NFL.com"

I think that Eric Kendricks could be an viable addition to the Buffalo Bills linebacking corps.  He is on the smaller side so as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 he may be able to get away with it, but the Buffalo Bills could move Nigel Bradham and Preston Brown inside and have Kendricks on the weakside, when the are in that 3-4 defense. The have some options.

Next: Bargain Free Agents the Bills Should Sign

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