New Rams receiver Allen Robinson is among the NFL’s greatest at beating defenders to catch so-called “50-50” balls. The eight-year veteran routinely out-leaps, out-muscles or out-finesses cornerbacks.
However rookie Derion Kendrick apparently shouldn't be intimidated by any receiver’s repute and resume.
After 4 coaching camp practices, Kendrick has established himself as a participant to observe, making quite a few performs, a number of whereas protecting Robinson.
The pattern continued Wednesday throughout a full-squad drill when Kendrick broke up a laser cross from quarterback Matthew Stafford to Robinson within the entrance of the top zone. Later, he knocked away a 50-50 ball meant for Robinson within the again nook of the top zone.
“He’s enjoying exhausting and he’s a great competitor — and that’s what you need a far as younger guys, veterans, whoever,” Robinson stated. “You need that competitors in coaching camp. That’s what will get you prepared for the season.”
The true take a look at for Kendrick and different rookies begins Friday when, after a day without work Thursday, the Rams are anticipated to don pads for the primary time.
However Kendrick already has impressed coaches and teammates.
“He’s received type of a pleasant play-swagger,” coach Sean McVay stated, “and he’s an excitable character.”
Kendrick, a sixth-round decide, is competing for a task in a secondary that features star Jalen Ramsey, veteran Troy Hill, David Lengthy and second-year professional Robert Rochell.
The 6-foot, 190-pound Kendrick performed as a reserve receiver for Clemson’s 2018 nationwide championship staff earlier than switching to cornerback.
After the 2020 season, he was faraway from this system, reportedly for repeated violations of staff guidelines. Kendrick transferred to Georgia earlier than the 2021 season, and intercepted 4 passes for a staff that received the School Soccer Playoff and produced 15 NFL draft picks.
Kendrick in all probability slipped within the draft due to the circumstances surrounding his departure from Clemson, and due to what was reported as a 4.77-second, 40-yard-dash time at Georgia’s professional day exercise.
“Folks had doubts about whether or not I can run or not, however by my movie you need to know that,” he stated this week. “I’ve by no means been a 40 man. ... I don’t run monitor — I attempt to play soccer one of the best I can.”
Kendrick goals to exhibit that he was undervalued within the draft.
“It’s time to show my level,” he stated, “and preserve my head down and preserve working.”
Kendrick stated his expertise mixing into a brand new staff at Georgia has helped him acclimate to a different new state of affairs. He seeks recommendation from veterans on the sphere and within the defensive backs assembly room.
“I simply attempt to play my position, simply do what I can attempt to study off all people and simply achieve the belief of all people,” he stated.
Kendrick is constructing his case.
This week, he broke up a protracted cross close to the objective line that was meant for receiver Tutu Atwell. The play set off a celebration amongst defensive backs, together with Kendrick.
“Once I met him, he was already out of his shell,” security Nick Scott stated, laughing. “That’s the factor you like about him. Enjoying that DB place, you bought to have a degree of confidence and he got here proper on the sphere. He was assured. That’s simply type of his character and it solely helps him on the sphere.”
Apprised of Scott’s feedback, Kendrick chuckled.
“Off the sphere, I’m a bit extra quiet. ... joke round a bit bit,” Kendrick stated. “However on the sphere, every little thing comes out.”
Observe observations
- Stafford’s proper arm continues to look simply nice. He made a number of no-look passes, together with a landing cross to receiver Van Jefferson.
- Robinson made a number of spectacular catches and continues to attract raves from coaches and teammates.
- Hill, again with the Rams after enjoying final season for the Cleveland Browns, intercepted a cross by Stafford throughout a full-squad drill.
- Again-up quarterback John Wolford handed for a number of touchdowns towards the No. 1 protection, one to second-year professional Ben Skowronek. Tight finish Brycen Hopkins dropped Wolford’s most spectacular cross — a bullet close to the precise pylon on the objective line. Wolford and Hopkins later linked for a landing.
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