Tennessee Titans Prospect Profile: Sergio Kindle

In previous installments in this series on defensive end prospects, we have profiled Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Graham, Carlos Dunlap, Jerry Hughes and Everson Griffen. Next up in the series is Sergio Kindle.

Overview: A tweener who primarily played DE in college but is projected by some to be a better 3-4 OLB. Excellent pass rusher. Good combination of strength, speed and athleticism. Will be a first-round pick.

Height: 6′ 3″

Weight: 250

Arm Length: 33¼”

Hand size: 10″

40-yard dash: 4.65

10-yard split: 1.65

Bench reps: 25

Vertical jump: 36½”

Broad jump: 9′ 10″

Short shuttle: 4.53

3-cone drill: 7.26

Pass Rush: Great pass rusher, 10 sacks as a junior. Excellent short area burst, great explosion off the ball. Can quickly turn the corner and close on the QB. Speed rush is his best weapon, also has a bull rush but will need to gain more strength for it to be effective against NFL tackles. Doesn’t have any other moves and will need to develop some. Has difficulty getting off blocks and doesn’t generate a secondary rush.

Run Defense: Is not stout at the point of attack. Struggles to shed blocks, must learn better hand usage. Good lateral movement and change of direction. Sideline to sideline range, can chase down ball carriers in pursuit downfield. Excellent closing speed. A punishing tackler. Wraps up well. Good strength to make arm tackles. Had 12½ TFL his junior season.

Size/Strength/Athleticism: Good size and strength for a 3-4 OLB, must bulk up to play 4-3 DE. Has the frame to bulk up and add strength. Speed, quickness and athleticism are good for a LB and great for a DE. Displays good balance and agility.

Miscellaneous: Durability is a concern — has even been labeled as soft — has missed time due to nagging injuries. It is vital for him to develop more pass rush moves. It is also vital that he add strength and learn to use his hands to disengage from blocks. Has some minor character concerns for off the field issues.

My take: I like Kindle but the more I look at him, the more I see him as a 3-4 OLB, where he could contribute for someone immediately. As a 4-3 DE, it will take time for him to develop to become as productive as you’d like. I’ve heard some Titans personnel say they think Kindle would be a good pick but you have to wonder if it’s a smokescreen.