Cal linebacker Mychal Kendricks likely earned himself a nice payday after his performance at the Scouting Combine. It was widely expected that North Carolina's Zach Brown would run away with the best 40 yard time among the linebackers. Some, Mike Mayock, even speculated that Brown would run the fastest 40 ever for a linebacker at the Combine. Wrong. Mychal Kendricks was the fastest linebacker with a 4.47. Brown was right behind him at 4.50. Kendricks had the best vertical and broad jumps as well. He was also among the best in all of the field drills. It was likely an eye opening performance for many of the NFL decision makers. The performance revealed Kendricks to be an explosive athlete. His college career revealed him as a dynamite football player. When the scouts and coaches take a closer look at his play on the football field, they'll likely be more impressed than they were in Indianapolis. He was a weekly highlight reel for Cal.
I was a little surprised by Kendrick's speed. He made plays all over the field for Cal. I saw his tremendous range as due more to instincts than speed. Now I see it was likely a bit of both. Everyone needs fast, instinctive linebackers. Kendricks qualifies. He was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. It was also his first year as an inside linebacker. He adjusted well to the switch. Showing his versatility and adaptability. He'll likely stay inside with a 3-4 team but I think that he could play any spot in a 4-3.
Kendricks is a hiccup under 6'. This could turn teams away. Teams willing to take a less skilled 6'4" linebacker doesn't deserve Mychal Kendricks.
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