2010 NFL Draft: Sergio Kindle vs. Everson Griffen, a Tale of the Tape

What a surprise—the two biggest draft gurus are disagreeing again.

In recent mock drafts, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have the Patriots selecting different players with the 22nd overall pick.

Kiper's pick: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas

McShay's pick: Everson Griffen, DE, USC

Kiper added this about Kindle in March: “Kindle has proved surprisingly effective against the run despite questions about his size. But he has a long frame, could add some weight and has great value as a pass-rusher.”

McShay stated this about Griffen in late January: “I think he can be solid. But to be honest, I think he’s a little overrated. I don’t see that explosion off the edge...He should be a starter, but I’m not sure he’ll ever be a double-digit sack guy at the next level.”

To get to the bottom of this discussion, let's go to the tale of the tape and see who would be a better fit at No. 22 overall.

Sergio Kindle

Combine Results/Texas Pro Day Results

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 250

Position: OLB

Position 2: Pass Rush DE

40-Yard Dash: 4.65

20-Yard Dash: 2.69

10-Yard Dash: 1.65

Bench Press: 25

Vertical Jump: 36.5”

Broad Jump: 9’10”

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.53

Three Cone Drill: 7.26

Season Stats

2006: 18 total tackles

2007: 29 total tackles

2008: 46 total tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumble

2009: 55 total tackles, six sacks

BCS National Championship Game: eight total tackles, six solo tackles, 2.5 sacks

Scouting Report

Chase down player, excellent closing speed, could improve awareness. Length and speed to hold the corner versus running backs, uses speed to force receivers back inside on screen plays. Can break down and quickly change direction when tackling. Measurements for elite pass rusher, quick off the line when standing up or down in stance.

Does have some nagging injuries, but a quiet leader in the locker room and doesn’t act out when things or the media gets him down.   

Everson Griffen

Combine Results/USC Pro Day Results

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 273

Position: DE

Position 2: ILB/OLB

40-Yard Dash: 4.65/4.60

20-Yard Dash: 2.68/2.67

10-Yard Dash: 1.63/1.61

Bench Press: 32/n/a

Vertical Jump: n/a/34”

Broad Jump: n/a/9’07”

20-Yard Shuttle: n/a/4.36

Three Cone Drill: n/a/7.25

Season Stats

2007: 21 total tackles, five sacks

2008: 18 total tackles, four sacks

2009: 43 total tackles, seven sacks

Emerald Bowl: did not play/did not accumulate stats

Scouting Report

Flashes a burst off the snap, sometimes runs to hard up field missing inside running plays, good rip and swim move but needs to improve versus NFL-caliber linemen. Laterally quick on running plays, good balance and straight line speed. Good weight room strength, but doesn’t always translate to playing field.

One of the better tacklers in the draft and has the chase ability to break down in space and stop elusive athletes. Some question his work ethic, runs hot and cold.

Verdict

Both players would fit well into the Patriots' system, and each provides a necessary skill. Kindle would be the better fit because he plays OLB, where the Patriots have a more glaring need than at DE.