Meet the Prospects: McKinney, Kendricks atop inside linebackers group
Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.
Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties
Inside Linebackers
Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Height: 6-4
Weight: 249 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 Stats: 71 tackles, 3 sacks
McKinney is a scheme-versatile player capable of excelling in a number of different systems, and will be one of the first linebackers to come off the board toward the end of the first round. With proven ability as a run and pass defender, he should develop into a solid three-down player early on in his career.
Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Height: 6-0
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 Stats: 136 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 sacks, 1 FF
A three-year starter for a strong UCLA defense, Kendricks had one of the most productive college careers of any linebacker in this year's class. Kendricks has the skill set to both attack at the line of scrimmage and hold up in coverage downfield, and strong pre-draft workouts could lock him in as a late first-rounder.
Denzel Perryman, Miami (FL)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 244 lbs.
Age: N/A
2014 Stats: 102 tackles, 1 INT, 2 sacks, 3 FF
Perryman is most known for his physical play, and is quite possibly the most intriguing prospect in the linebacker group. What he may lack in downfield and sideline-to-sideline range, he certainly makes up for with his ability as a downhill presence against the run. In the right scheme, Perryman could end up a highly productive player at the next level.
Stephone Anthony, Clemson
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 Stats: 72 tackles, 1 INT, 3 sacks, 1 FF
Anthony was a consistent presence over the course of his four-year college career, and enters the draft as a likely mid-round pick. With an impressive frame and plenty of athleticism, he has the potential to develop into a consistent starter.
Taiwan Jones, Michigan State
Height: 6-3
Weight: 258 lbs.
Age: 21
2014 Stats: 54 tackles, 1 INT, 4 sacks
Jones is another extremely physical interior presence who should be an impact player against the run fairly early on in his NFL career. A solid performance in combine drills could ease some concerns about his ability to contribute in coverage, and thus improve his stock.
Ramik Wilson, Georgia
Height: 6-2
Weight: 237 lbs.
Age: 22
2014 Stats: 102 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF
A productive three-year starter on one of the nation's top defenses at Georgia, Wilson makes the jump to the NFL with plenty of experience under his belt. His athleticism and flashes of power make him an intriguing prospect as an inside linebacker for 3-4 teams, and one who could also play on the outside in a 4-3.