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Eric Kendricks sacks former Washington quarterback Keith Price. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Eric Kendricks sacks former Washington quarterback Keith Price. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

ILB Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Age: 23
Height: 6-0
Weight: 232

College Career: Three-year starter at UCLA who capped off his career by winning the Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. Was a second-team All-American in 2014 and led the Bruins with 149 tackles. Brother, Mychal, plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Strengths: Very instinctive linebacker who has a nose for the football. Always in the middle of the play. Quick feet and change of direction. Thumper. Can drop into coverage and will get after the quarterback on blitzes too. Smart, high-character player.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t possess the ideal size for an NFL linebacker. Might not have the strength to shed blockers at the next level. Already 23 years old.

Bears Outlook: Kendricks is a slightly better version of Chris Borland — he’s highly intelligent and instinctual with underrated athleticism and a nose for the football. The ideal size might not be there, but the production is. Some knock Kendricks for being a product of the UCLA scheme, but as I like to say: trust the tape. This kid will rack up tackles on the inside of a 3-4, just like Borland did as a rookie in San Francisco. And, chances are, he won’t retire after one season.

More: Hoge’s Entire Bears Big Board

Adam Hoge covers the Chicago Bears for WGN Radio and WGNRadio.com. He also co-hosts The Beat, weekends on 720 WGN. Follow him on Twitter at @AdamHoge.