Patriots urged to join Derion Kendrick of Georgia
Getty
Bill Belichick
The New England Patriots Defense has strengths and weaknesses. Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report The so-called “full-back” position is the team’s “biggest need of the season”.
Moton has his eye on fellow star Derion Kendrick, who helped the Georgia Bulldogs win the National Championship last season.
ALL the latest Patriots news to your inbox! Participation Heavy news on Patriots here!
“Even if the Patriots re-sign with JC Jackson, they’ll need an upgrade over Mills and Williams,” Moton said. “New England could target the foundation of Georgia’s stifling defense in Derion Kendrick.”
The 6-foot-tall, 190-pound senior had a great senior year at school. Kendrick has 4 interceptions in 2021 and 24 solos in 15 games. His ability to house elite receivers on the outside makes him attractive to the Patriots.
“Kendrick has great footwork and agility when he’s on the flanks of a receiving court — not many wasted steps when it comes to his duties. The former Bulldog increased his stock during the last campaign, recording four interceptions. Patriots can use him in human coverage outside. “
ALL the latest Patriots news to your inbox! Participation Heavy news on Patriots here!
The NFL Draft lays out the numbers for plenty of full-backs that could help the Patriots, but Kendrick might be the best fit for New England. He played extensively in high school, and those skills are said to have given Kendrick some better playing skills than any prospect in the draft in his position.
The ability to play Kendrick and Jackson in the corner sounds appealing to the Patriots.
Patriotic Defense Needs Speed
The key physical trait the Patriots have to focus on this season — whether they’re seeking help in the draft, free agency, or commercial — is speed. The team played too slowly in most positions in defence.
Plugging in one or two or three dynamic athletes for defense can make a huge difference. Not only does Kendrick have a winning record that is often attractive to professional teams, he also has the fitness that patriots must covet.
Tagging the franchise should still be the Patriots move with JC Jackson, and if they do, finding a player like Kendrick is a smart move. If Jackson continues to perform at a high level, perhaps the Patriots will choose to give him an elite level contract.
That doesn’t look like New England, so the more likely outcome is that the Patriots keep Jackson around through 2022, while Kendrick or another rookie hopes to become a top-level performer.
That should make it easier for Jackson to leave in 2023.
More options for patriots to increase defense speed
Washington’s Kyler Gordon is another name Patriots fans should know as we get closer to the NFL Draft. The Washington Huskies star is seen as a more senior prospect than Kendrick – at least before the NFL Combine – and the Patriots may prefer him to Kendrick.
Gordon doesn’t prove to be as prolific when it comes to generating revenue as Kendrick, but physically he’s a bit stronger. Gordon was ranked as the #7 fullback in the 2022 NFL Draft by Draft networkand ESPN’s Todd McShay put him in the Patriots grid with a 21st pick in the first round.
It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Patriots look for a guy like Kendrick later in the draft – especially if they consider him a more winning player from a mental makeup standpoint.
ALSO READ:
https://heavy.com/sports/new-england-patriots/derion-kendrick-nfl-draft-cb/ Patriots urged to join Derion Kendrick of Georgia
