2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Derion Kendrick
- Position: Cornerback
- School: Georgia
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 190lbs
Film Watched: Alabama 2021, Clemson 2021, Wake Forest 2019
Pro's:
- Experienced cornerback who has played at the highest level of college football with both Georgia and Clemson
- Shown some positional versatility, lining up both outside and as a nickel corner, with some safety snaps to boot
- Agile, with the fluidity and movement to mirror and match shifty receivers throughout their route
- Off-man coverage his forte – smooth through his transitions, and closes distance well out of breaks
- Very knowledgeable of an opponents’ route running – benefits from experience as a former receiver
- Has the burst to attack the football once it’s left the quarterback’s hands
- A real ball hawk; seven interceptions in his college career, including four in 2021
- Has the elusiveness and short area quickness to be considered for return duties on special teams
Con's:
- Character concerns – missed gametime in 2020 for disciplinary reasons and was ultimately kicked off the Clemson team by Dabo Swinney
- Arrested last year after falling asleep in a car with a gun on his lap and possession of marijuana
- Charges expunged after completing a pre-trial intervention program
- Agile, but lacks the track speed to match up against deep threats on the outside
- Has reasonable length but doesn’t consistently use it at the LOS, catch point or through his tackles
- Ineffective getting off blocks and contributing on run defense
The Verdict:
“This time last year Derion Kendrick was considering entering the Supplemental NFL Draft after a rollercoaster career at Clemson finally ended with his flirtation with the law. Despite the need to part ways, Dabo Swinney vouched for Kendrick’s character, and to his credit he seems to have turned over a new leaf. Deciding to head to Georgia for one more year in the NCAA, Kendrick added another natty to his resume as he was a valued contributor to the best defense in the nation. Kendrick is a seasoned defensive back despite starting life out as a receiver, and has the nous and agility to compete against the best, if not the power or long speed. He’s improved his draft stock the last twelve months and will be considered on day three as a candidate that, at a minimum, should be able to lock down a nickel-corner role at the next level.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: MACKENSIE ALEXANDER
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
5/5