Scouting profile: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA

UCLA linebacker, Eric Kendricks, is a JKSN favorite in the 2015 NFL draft class. He has an older brother who is already in the NFL, Mychal Kendricks, an ILB for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Eric Kendricks is a high-motor guy that plays with tremendous energy and passion. He is relentless when he plays. His intensity and love for the game is unmatched by his peers.

Kendricks is an athletic linebacker that can hold his own in most man coverage situations. He is good against the run and flows sideline to sideline really well. Kendricks is a solid tackler who rarely lets his opponent escape his grips.

There are, however, two knocks we have on Kendricks. We question his zone coverage ability and his blitzing ability. Despite this, we view Kendricks as a MLB in a 4-3 defense or an ILB in a 3-4 defense. We firmly believe that he is versatile enough to play in either defensive scheme.

Perhaps what makes Kendricks stand out the most are his instincts. Successful NFL ILBs must be instinctive and reactive. These are things that cannot be taught, which is what makes Eric Kendricks so special.

Projection: Round 2

Grade: Round 1

NFL: Pro Bowl LB