Rookie Report: Kendricks, Harold among linebackers hoping to make immediate impact
The Rookie Report highlights first-year players, focusing on how they might perform in their debut season and beyond.
Eric Kendricks, LB, Minnesota Vikings
Kendricks has attracted a lot of attention since arriving in Minnesota and looks to be on the fast track to earning a starting job.
The Vikings had Kendricks taking first-team snaps at middle linebacker during offseason workouts and gave him plenty of work in the nickel package alongside former UCLA teammate Anthony Barr.
"I think you take a guy who usually gets to the ball the way he does - he's always been a ball hawk, even in college - it's kind of carried over," defensive coordinator George Edwards told ESPN's Ben Goessling. "I mean, he gets his hands on the ball a lot and gets in a good football position and understands how to get good angles."
Kendricks may end up at weakside linebacker, where he lined up in college, but head coach Mike Zimmer said he's big enough (6-feet, 232 pounds) to handle the middle. Zimmer has also been impressed by Kendricks' football IQ, noting that he's "further ahead than most rookies" in that department.
Eli Harold, LB, San Francisco 49ers
With all the turnover the 49ers experienced at the linebacker position this offseason, there will be plenty of opportunities for players like Harold to step in and contribute right away.
Harold comes to the 49ers by way of Virginia, where he finished 10th on the school's all-time tackles-for-a-loss list with 36.5 and 11th on the all-time sacks list with 17.5. He's currently situated behind Aldon Smith and Corey Lemonier at right outside linebacker, but based on early reviews, that could change.
Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat noted that during one practice, Harold was able to beat eight-year veteran Joe Staley around the edge in a one-on-one pass-rushing drill - something he hadn't seen a rookie do since Smith in 2011.
"Explosion. He's a very explosive player," said Smith about the rookie. "He moves well out there. He learns quickly. I'm going to teach him what I can, and I think the sky is the limit for him."
You know you're doing something right when the guy you're challenging for snaps gives you a ringing endorsement.
Quick Hits
- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree said he wants to be part of a defense that puts the fear back in opposing quarterbacks, something the team has lacked in recent years.
- The New Orleans Saints won't know exactly what Stephone Anthony is capable of until he starts practicing in pads, but the early returns on the middle linebacker have been impressive.
- After helping North Dakota State to four consecutive FCS national titles, fifth-round pick Kyle Emanuel is hoping to bring some of that winning mentality to the San Diego Chargers.
- Tennessee Titans linebackers J.R. Tavai and Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil have both been taking advantage of injuries at the position.
- Seven players are eligible for the 2015 supplemental draft, most notably former Clemson offensive tackle Isaiah Battle.