2015 NFL Draft: Top 25 Final Big Board

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) lines up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

23. Eric Kendricks, LB (UCLA)

Eric Kendricks is the most instinctive linebacker in this draft class. He is a hard hitting linebacker with a nose for the football. I can’t get enough of this linebacker from UCLA.

Kendricks is a good tackler; it isn’t always pretty but he gets the job done. He is exceptional at avoiding blocks, because he reads his cues and reacts instantly. He is a natural-born linebacker, he sees the play before it happens and he attacks it.

I have Kendricks ranked higher than many other analysts, who see Kendricks as a second round draft pick. There is a reason that I see Kendricks as a top 25 pick.

Kendricks is the total package at the linebacker position. He has the size, strength and quickness to make plays. He has the high football IQ and the linebacker intuition which separates the good from the great. Most importantly, Kendricks has heart and is a good leader. He was awfully fun to watch at UCLA.

Next: 22. Kevin Johnson, CB (Wake Forest)