Devon Kennard NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Giants OLB

Devon Kennard, OLB, USC (HT: 6’3” WT: 249 lbs.)

New York Giants

Fifth Round: 174th Pick

NFL Comparison: Keith Rivers, OLB, New York Giants

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
6030	249	33 3/8"	9 3/8"

40-yd Dash	10-yd Dash	Vert	Broad	Three-Cone	Shuttle
4.70	1.60	30"	9'5"	7.25	4.32

Positives

• Natural flexibility in the hips to flatten out around the corner and in the ankles to turn corners quickly. 
• Instinctive rusher in terms of reading the block and adjusting on the fly. 
• Has an effective rip move through the outside shoulder of tackles. 
• Flashes a variety of pass-rush moves, including an effective spin back to the inside. 
• Effective rusher on stunts; can get skinny through tight spaces and squeeze past interior pass-blockers. 
• Gets hands up to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage well. 
• Sufficient play recognition and spatial awareness for pass coverage. 
• Comfortable dropping from the line of scrimmage into zones. 
• Reliable on the outside to set an edge and force edge-run plays back to his help on the inside. 
• Extends hands to create space on a consistent basis. 
• Doesn't often get completely locked up by run-blockers. 
• Widely regarded as a high-character player and a leader. 
• NFL bloodlines.

Negatives

• Not an overwhelmingly athletic or powerful defender. 
• Is likely maxed out in terms of frame and physique. 
• Not exceptionally quick off the line or explosive in any way. 
• Will struggle to beat NFL tackles around the corner as a speed rusher. 
• Inconsistent to poor usage of power as a rusher; doesn't press the pocket at all. 
• A number of his sacks were more a result of terrible pass-blocking than terrific rushing. 
• Doesn't make plays in the backfield at a high rate. 
• Not an aggressor at the point of attack; won't reset the line of scrimmage on the edge. 
• Stands up and lets run-blockers into him before trying to shed. 
• Limited closing speed in the open field. 
• Left a few plays on the field by failing to break down and missing in the backfield. 
• Struggles to close down space in coverage and cannot be used in man coverage. 
• Lacks skill set to be a versatile linebacker who can play multiple positions as a professional.

Year	Team	Tackles	TFL	Sacks	FF	PD	INT
2009	USC	34	2	0	1	3	0
2010	USC	72	7	2	0	2	1
2011	USC	29	4	2	0	0	0
2013	USC	60	13	9	0	4	0

Personal Notes

• A 5-star prospect as a recruit in the class of 2009 and the No. 8 player nationally, according to Rivals.com. 
• Missed entire 2012 season with a torn pectoral muscle and received a medical redshirt. 
• Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2012 and a master’s degree in communication management in 2014. 
• 2013 team awards include Most Inspirational Player, Lifter of the Year, Trojan Way Leadership Award and Pac-12 All-Academic. 
• Father, Derek Kennard, played 11 seasons in the NFL.

Ratings Chart

Graph made at nces.ed.gov.

Overall

Devon Kennard never really lived up to his billing as a 5-star prospect out of high school.  He did take a big step forward in his final season at USC.  The switch to a 3-4 base defense put Kennard in the position his skills are most suited for: 3-4 outside linebacker.  That’s where he's destined to play in the NFL as well.

The lack of any special qualities will hold Kennard back in the NFL, though.  He’s skilled in a variety of things but wasn't a dominant player at the collegiate level and won’t be one in the NFL.  He projects solely as competition for a depth spot on a roster.  In order to lock up a job long term, he’ll have to contribute on special teams.

Draft Projection: Seventh Round