Inside Linebackers The Houston Texans Should Target In Draft
By Travis Oquin
Oct 4, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Kendal Thompson (1) throws a pass as he is pressured by UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) during second half action at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Kendricks (2nd round) 6’0”, 232 – UCLA
Kendricks is the brother of Mychal Kendricks (Eagles) one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL today. Like his brother, he shows instincts to the ball and is a hard hitter. Kendricks is a little more of a pass rushers than most inside linebackers.
Kendricks ran a 4.61 at the combine but is not really a sideline-to-sideline linebacker. Although he’s 230 pounds, he’s a little short for the position at only 6’0” tall, but thickly built. Kendricks captured the Butkis Award for the NCAA top linebacker in 2014 and had 101 tackles.
Eric Kendricks comes from a long line of college and professional football players and his brother has blossomed even since coming into the NFL, so the same hope is there for Kendricks. Here is Kendricks against Texas.
Oct 18, 2014; Berkeley, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) pursues the ball against the California Golden Bears in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Bruins defeated the Golden Bears 36-34. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Kendricks has a very high motor and is reasonably sound in pass coverage. But he struggles to shed blockers and can get washed out of the play. He also has a tendency to overrun the play, not showing patience.
He’s likely an early 2nd round pick and quite possibly won’t be available when the Texans pick comes up in the second round at pick 51. If Kendricks comes anywhere close to the player his brother is, he could potentially be the kind of guy to play next to and possibly replace Cushing.
To date, the Texans have not specifically looked at Kendricks but he’s one of only four or five inside linebackers that project as potentially above average starters.
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