Tag: Kendrick Green

Chargers Prospect Interview: Illinois OL Kendrick Green

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez sat down with a potential draft target in the middle rounds.

I was fortunate enough to sit down and talk to former Illinois guard Kendrick Green to pick his brain and get an inside look at his mindset going into this year’s draft.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 315

College Bio Page

Overview

Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.

Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness, core strength and explosiveness up front to be impactful.

Green projects to be a strong contributor inside, either at center or guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his physical tools and willingness to take it to his opponents in the passing and running game, he profiles well to the next level.

Round Projection: 3rd-4th

Highlights

Describe your time working with Duke Manyweather, the leading expert on NFL offensive linemen.

I’m really enjoying it. Duke is one of the best at what he does and he’s taught me a lot. There’s a great group of guys out here, too.

You leave Illinois for the next level as an experienced interior offensive linemen. You really were one of the leaders of that offense. How does that experience serve you well going forward?

Being a leader you learn as you go to become a better teammate than you already are. Also, getting the trust from the guys in the locker room is a big thing for me, as well.

What do you enjoy the most about playing on the offensive line?

I like being a part of a wave, ya know? A unit, but of multiple parts. I think that’s the best part, but you get to play physical at all times.

Most of your experience has come at left guard, but you’ve played center. What do you feel is your best position at the next level?

I think I play both very well. I’ve been working on both in my training, snapping the football and working on some guard stuff, as well. Wherever a team wants me, I going to play at 110%.

Is there one scheme that fits you best?

Honestly, I can play in zone schemes. I can play in gap schemes. I can do a lot very well.

What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

Try to take him into that deep water. Just wear him out the whole game, play through the whistle and break their spirit. I like to talk a lot on the field, too. I’m a big talker.

How do you react if someone delivers a late hit on your quarterback?

Gotta go get him back, in between the whistle.

Do you have a preferred pass set?

Not really. I do a little bit of everything.

What kind of impact is Kendrick Green going to make at the next level?

I am going to bring a sense of competitiveness and dependability. I want to be a guy for a team who can be plugged in right away and not have to worry about the position until my career is over.

2021 Jags Wire mock: 7-round projections after Week 1 of free agency

The Jags helped their defense tremendously in free agency, but the need for a No. 1 tight end is still there.

The first week of free agency is behind us and the Jacksonville Jaguars made several notable additions to their roster. That makes it the perfect time for us to release a new mock draft as the Jags added a total of 12 new faces from other teams when including their decision to trade for Malcom Brown.

This will mark our second mock of the season as our last one came out over a month ago. It has a lot of elements as the last one due to the Jags free agency approach, but at the same time, it also includes some interesting changes. Just as we did last time, we used Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, and below are the results we came away with.

Chargers trade back, stack deck in latest four-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers trade back and still make of the most of their selections in Gavino Borquez’ latest four-round mock draft.

The Chargers have the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft, but there’s the possibility of the thought of moving back and acquiring more picks via trade with a quarterback-needy team could intrigue.

In this case, the Bears, who have a quarterback controversy, choose to move up seven spots to get their signal-caller of the future. In return, Los Angeles gets their first, third and fifth-round picks.

Let’s take a look at how the Bolts’ draft shakes up after trading back in my latest four-round projection.

Round 1, No. 20 (via CHI), Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Sam Tevi is a pending free agent and Trey Pipkins hasn’t done enough to warrant starter status. Therefore, the Chargers are in need of a reliable, long-term left tackle. Darrisaw has been commonly mocked to Los Angeles at No. 13, but he still falls in their laps here seven picks later.

Starting in all 35 games for the Hokies, Darrisaw earned second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC accolades for his play last season. In 2020, he only allowed six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection.

The 6-foot-5 and 314 pounder is smooth in pass pro, showing anchor ability and body control. In the run game, he flashes strength to move defenders. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way.

Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.

Round 2, No. 47, Josh Myers, IOL, Ohio State

Mike Pouncey retired and Dan Feeney is currently a pending free agent. Even if Feeney is re-signed, the Chargers need to add someone with high upside to offer competition because while he’s managed stay healthy, his play has been inconsistent.

Anchoring an offensive line that helped the Buckeyes average 266.8 rushing yards per game last season, Myers is a seasoned run blocker who possesses very good intelligence, athletic traits, and effort to block in space very effectively, while possessing good strength to anchor down vs bigger rushers.

Overall, Myers would be an immediate starter at center for the Chargers. Their scheme would allow him to maximize his athleticism, short area quickness, lateral movement to move defenders and pre-snap mental processing.

Round 3, No. 77, Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB

Melvin Ingram’s stint with the Bolts could be coming to an end since his contract is up. Therefore, L.A. could be looking for someone to compliment Uchenna Nwosu who fits the mold well as a rotational edge rusher/outside linebacker in Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme.

In his first season at UAB, Smith finished with 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. This past season in eight games, Smith amassed 22 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and an interception.

Smith has the explosiveness, length and high motor to win around the edge at the next level and has the ability to hold his own the run game, but needs to improve his hand usage and add some counter moves to be a more well-rounded player.

Round 3, No. 83 (via CHI), Trill Williams, CB, Syracuse

The cornerback room needs some refinement this offseason. Michael Davis’ future with the team remains to be seen because he’s scheduled to be a free agent and both Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. aren’t getting any younger.

The Chargers recently met with Williams, showing that they have interest in the 6-foot-2 and 198 pounder. During his career with the Orange, Williams amassed 92 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and five pass breakups.

Williams is long, rangy, athletic, physical, and aggressive, thriving in both man and zone coverage. He also offers appeal as a special teamer as he had three return touchdowns in his three seasons. Staley covets position versatility and Williams can play cornerback, safety, or cover the slot.

Round 3, No. 97, Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn

The goal is to build around QB Justin Herbert, which is why the Chargers go receiver here.

Schwartz, the 6-foot and 179 pound wideout, amassed 54 catches, 636 yards and three touchdowns this past season. He had 117 catches for 1,433 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons at Auburn.

The former track star who ran a 10.15-second 100 meter, is an excellent athlete who has very good speed to create constant separation and pull away from pursuing defenders. He also has the physical tools, tracking ability and soft hands.

Given how much Herbert likes to air it out, Schwartz could quickly become a consistent target and he could be a reliable return man for a struggling special teams.

Round 4, No. 118, Kendrick Green, IOL, Illinois

Forrest Lamp is slated to be a free agent and his injury history and inconsistent play when healthy may be enough to warrant him not being re-signed by the Chargers.

Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.

Green projects to be a strong contributor inside either at guard or case — in this case at left guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.

2021 NFL draft: An interior offensive lineman for Chargers in each round

The Chargers will be remodeling the offensive line this offseason.

The interior part of the offensive line needs to be addressed in the upcoming draft for the Chargers, considering Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney will be free agents and Trai Turner could be a cap casualty.

Luckily, this year’s crop has starting caliber talent from the first day of the draft all the way until Day 3.

With that being said, here’s an interior offensive lineman from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:

Round 1 | Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

Slater chose to opt out of the 2020 season, but the season before that he was credited with allowing zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and just five quarterback hurries, from 787 snaps, including an impressive outing against former Ohio State and current Redskins edge defender Chase Young in 2019.

Slater is a good athlete and light on his feet. In the pass game, he is technically sound with his upper body. In the run game, he moves upfield quickly, squares up defenders in space. He has very good competitive toughness and works hard in through all four quarters.

His knock is that he lacks the height and arms necessary to remain at tackle in the NFL, but Slater’s agility and athleticism will allow him to kick inside and be an impactful player at guard from Day 1, with All-Pro potential.

Honorable Mention: Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Round 2 | Landon Dickerson, Alabama

Dickerson was named first-team All-SEC (league’s coaches) and first-team All-American (Associated Press) while earning the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy and being chosen as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.

While there durability concerns, Dickerson has great strength, hands, and awareness to flash dominance both in the run and pass game. While center is his natural position, he has played all five spots along the offensive line.

With his combination of power, length, high football IQ, versatility and leadership skills, Dickerson has enough traits to be an impactful contributor for a long time in this league.

Honorable Mention: Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

Round 3 | Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Banks, the three-year starter at left guard was an anchor for the success of The Fighting Irish over that time span.

The first-team All-American allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks was the only Power Five guard who earned a pass-blocking and run-blocking grade over 80.0.

At 338 pounds, Banks is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles. He uses his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control defenders.

In the NFL, Banks projects as a good starter at guard early on in his career.

Honorable Mention: Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Round 4 | Kendrick Green, Illinois

Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.

Green projects to be a strong contributor inside, either at center or guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.

Honorable Mention: David Moore, Grambling State

Round 5 | Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame

Hainsey was a four-year starter and a two-time captain at Notre Dame, manning the right tackle position. During his performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl last month, Hainsey raised some eyebrows with his ability to play guard and center.

On the field, Hainsey shows a solid anchor at the point of attack. His handwork is precise to fend off counters and he is always on alert to recognize additional blitzers. In the run game, he seals well and runs his feet at contact, creating movement and widening run lanes.

Due to his lack of length and athleticism, Hainsey’s best fit is inside at the next level, but he has the ability to backup multiple positions across the offensive line. He might not be a Day 1 starter, but his consistency and versatility will go a long way.

Honorable Mention: Jaylon Moore, Western Michigan

Round 6 | Robert Jones, Middle Tennessee State

Jones, the former two star recruit, started off as a JUCO-player before transferring to Middle Tennessee State in 2019. In two seasons, Jones never missed a game and was named All-Honorable Mention Conference-USA twice. He played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he performed well.

Jones is a massive, powerful lineman with surprising quickness and athleticism, but will be making a leap from a lower level FBS school, where his easy dominance, sufficient hands and overall technique in pass protection will take time to translate, projecting as a reliable backup.

Honorable Mention: Larry Borom, Missouri

Round 7 | Royce Newman, Ole Miss

In 2019, Newman started all 12 games at guard, allowing only one sack on 416 pass-blocking snaps. This past season, the 6-foot-6 and 310 pounder kicked back outside to tackle, where he shined again. Following the season, he participated in the Senior Bowl.

Newman needs to continue and get stronger and develop physically, but he has the frame, athleticism, technique and football character that makes him an ideal developmental player who offers versatility to play either tackle or guard, but offers more upside inside.

Honorable Mention: Tristan Hoge, BYU