Scouting Report: Wisconsin Tight End Lance Kendricks
By Eric Haigh
Former Wisconsin tight end Lance Kendricks may not have ideal size for a prospect at his position but that hasn’t stopped him from ranking in my top three tight ends for the 2011 NFL Draft. Many do not realize how much Kendricks contributed to Wisconsin’s offense during their run to the Rose Bowl in 2010, but he was the team’s leader in reception, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was also named first-team All-Big 10 for the 2010 season, along with second-team All-American honors. Kendricks was also fifth on the team in all-purpose yards. In past years, Wisconsin has produced NFL tight ends in the Texans’ Garrett Graham and the Giants’ Travis Beckum. In late April, Kendricks will be the latest Badger tight end to take his game to the NFL level. Here is a full scouting report on him, including his strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
Aggressive Run Blocker
For his size (243 lbs.), Kendricks is a very useful tight end when it comes to run blocking. The one aspect of his game in terms of blocking that I noticed was his motor when engaged with a defender. He drives his legs to the end of the whistle and is able to drive cornerbacks and safeties backward when engaged. This is especially a strength for him in the red zone. Often times the Badger offense would either put him in motion or have him pull/swing to the other side of the field to lead block in the red zone, which he was very effective at and often helped spring the ball carrier into the end zone.
Burst Down the Seam
Kendricks has a fantastic burst when releasing off the line of scrimmage and running down the seam when the offense passes the ball. He gets behind the linebackers quickly and gives his quarterback and good target down the middle of the field. Often times I believe linebackers underestimate his speed off the line of scrimmage and let him get behind them. He also is fluid when making his breaks from the seam into posts or corner routes.
Running After the Catch
This is an aspect of Kendricks’ game that really impresses me. While he may not be willing to throw a shoulder into defenders a la Adrian Peterson, he has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field after a reception. He has an above average stiff arm and makes defenders pay for trying to tackle him up high. The only problem is sometimes he turns up the field before securing the ball, which is what I will get into shortly.
Weaknesses
Blocking Bigger Defenders
While he has no problems with engaging and driving smaller defenders such as outside linebackers and secondary players off the ball, he seems to be overmatched at times when trying to block defensive linemen one on one. At 243 lbs., Kendricks doesn’t have ideal size and that can become a weakness when he is counted on to block bigger defenders in the space. He may be asked to put on some weight by his new NFL team. While it is important to be quick in a receiving aspect, run blocking is an important part to a tight end’s game.
Drops
Kendricks is absolutely solid when it comes to running after the catch as a mentioned earlier. However, at times he can be too quick to turn his head up the field before securing the ball and tucking it under his arm and it results in drops. He also seems to lose his concentration when running underneath longer passes. Dropping the football is never acceptable at the NFL level and can’t remain a problem for Kendricks.
Working Off Jams Near LOS
Another problem that relates to Kendricks’ strength, he often has problems when linebackers put their hands on him within five yards of the line of scrimmage when he is trying to get into his route. He needs to improve his hand work while not pushing off the defender to draw a penalty. Linebackers seem to get easy leverage on him by getting inside his pads and redirecting his route in the open field. Improving his skill to get off of the jam will help his timing with his quarterback and give him a better chance to succeed as a receiver in the NFL.
Projected Round: Early 4th
NFL Comparison: Randy McMichael, San Diego Chargers
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