Rush Linebacker/outside linebacker 

Texas

6-3 250

40 time: 4.65

Draft board overall prospect rank: #71

Draft board outside linebacker rank: #7

Overall rating: 74* 

1/21/10: He’s former top 10 pick prospect, but he only managed 6 sacks this year without Brian Orakpo drawing double teams across from him, after having 10 sacks last year. He’s still a highly rated defensive prospect and would make a great rush linebacker with his athleticism and the fact that he already played some outside linebacker in college so he has experience with his hands off the ground and dropping back into coverage. He’s a solid tackler and big hitter as well so he can play some strong outside linebacker in a 4-3.

Update (11/2/09): Without Brian Orakpo drawing double teams, Kindle only has 2 sacks this season.

            9/6/09: Kindle played both outside linebacker and defensive end for the Longhorns last season and had 10 sacks. He needs to put on about 10 pounds to play the line in the NFL and at this point he projects as a 3-4 rush linebacker. He could also play some 4-3 outside linebacker, but he has not shown that he has the ability to drop back into pass coverage well enough to be a true 4-3 linebacker. However, with the changes that are happening at the linebacker in the NFL, with more pass rushers moving to linebacker, Kindle could potential play 4-3 linebacker at the next level. Still, he is best as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. He has excellent straight line speed and has a great pass rushing repertoire. He’s a solid tackler and closing space in a hurry because of his great speed. He has his share of concerns as well. He recently crashed his car into an apartment building because he was texting while driving. However, NFL players have done a lot worse and this is probably just a stupid kid being a stupid kid and not something that will affect his draft status. No charges were pressed and Kindle only suffered a minor concussion. What is more of a concern is his inconsistencies on the field. He needs to prove that he can bring the pressure every play. He also needs to prove he can bring the pressure as the main pass rusher as he was helped out by playing in Brian Orakpo’s shadow last season. He’ll have a chance this year to prove he can do both of those things. With a strong season, he should shoot up into the top 10 of the NFL draft because of how many teams are switching to 3-4 defenses and how many of those teams need good rush linebackers. His athletic talent indicates an extremely high upside for him.

NFL Comparison: Kamerion Wimbley

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here