Derrick Kindred NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Browns Rookie

POSITIVES

An impressive player—physically and in conversations—Derrick Kindred started 30 games over four years at TCU before heading to the NFL. He’s a hitter with ball skills and a rare toughness that scouts and coaches will love.

A lot of players talk about being tough, but few would be willing to play through a broken collarbone.

That’s what Kindred did in his senior season, though, and went on to post two interceptions, 3.5 tackles for loss and 87 tackles. Kindred has the frame and strength to hit the ball-carrier and make an impact, but he matches that well with ball skills (eight career interceptions) to be used as a two-high free safety.

A valuable asset as a special teams player and a versatile nickel or dime safety, Kindred’s tackling skills and closing speed will entice teams. With Kindred’s ability to match up in the run or pass game, he’s the type of safety you don’t have to remove from the field to match the personnel you see across from you.

NEGATIVES

Kindred swings for the fences when he’s coming down to take on runners. That leads to the highlight hits, but it also caused 15 missed tackles in 2015 and 11 more in 2014. That’s an issue when tackling is your calling card.

Kindred might not have the height or length to ever be a factor on jump balls, and when asked to play deep halves or thirds, he can be late to react to the pass. Kindred gets tunnel vision on the run and will get caught peeking into the backfield instead of pedaling to get deep in his zone.

A limited player when asked to change direction on the fly, Kindred will need to work on agility and hip flexibility to improve his overall fluidity before he’s ready to take on NFL ball-carriers and receivers. He has value on special teams and in sub-packages immediately and could develop into a starter.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 207 lbs.

40 Time: 4.50s

3-Cone: 7.05s

Short Shuttle: 4.29s

PRO COMPARISON: Dion Bailey, New York Jets
FINAL GRADE: 5.50/9.00 (Round 6—Backup Caliber)