2010 NFL Draft Player Profile: Sergio Kindle

Sergio Kindle was one of the best defensive players for the Texas Longhorns during their National Championship run in 2009. Kindle enters the draft as a tweener between a defensive end and outside linebacker. Is Sergio Kindle good enough to be a first round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft?

Sergio Kindle's Strengths
Sergio Kindle is a very gifted athlete. He has the versatility to play the 4-3 or 3-4 in the NFL, although he may be better suited for a 3-4 defense. Kindle is very skilled at rushing the quarterback and creating havoc in the backfield. Kindle played defensive and outside linebacker at Texas, so he has experience at both positions. His former teammate Brian Orakpo was one of the top rookies of 2009 with the Washington Redskins, and Texas defensive players often have good success in the NFL.

Sergio Kindle's Weaknesses
Kindle's durability and maturity are concerns for NFL teams, although he seems to have improved greatly since his sophomore season. Albeit athletic, he tends to rely too heavily on his skills instead of interpreting the play. He will need to improve his awareness on the field while maintaining it off the field.

If Kindle is drafted by a 4-3 defense, he will need to add at least 10 pounds to his frame. Offensive tackles will eat him up at his size. Sergio Kindle needs some more seasoning in pass coverage, but certainly has the potential to develop the skills of a good pass coverage linebacker.

Sergio Kindle will be drafted by the Arizona Cardinals
With the loss of Karlos Dansby and the embarrassing showings from the Arizona Cardinal's defense in the 2010 NFL playoffs, Sergio Kindle could serve as a good replacement and be penciled into the starting lineup immediately. Kindle would give the Cardinals defense some needed athleticism that they have lacked in the past.

Sergio Kindle Final Review
Sergio Kindle is probably best suited to play outside linebacker. He needs to add size to become a defensive end, and I think he has too much skills as a pass defender to use him primarily as a defensive end. Sergio Kindle should go toward the bottom of the first round. The Eagles, Cardinals, and Colts could all use Sergio Kindle in their defenses.

REFERENCES:
Mocking Dan, "Sergio Kindle NFL Draft Scouting Report." Mocking the Draft. January 6, 2010. March 9, 2010.

FFtoolbox, "Sergio Kindle Scouting Report." FFtoolbox. March 9, 2010