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Georgia football: Derion Kendrick is a tempting NFL Draft pick

By Savannah Leigh

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Derion Kendrick #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs intercepts a pass against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Derion Kendrick #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs intercepts a pass against the Michigan Wolverines in the Capital One Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Georgia football cornerback Derion Kendrick is more intriguing than most scouts, and mock drafts realize. The former Clemson Tiger receiver-turned-corner proved he has what it takes to be a late Day 1 or early Day 2 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.

While he didn’t do all of the workouts at the NFL Combine, Kendrick is a cornerback with the intangibles to be an NFL starter.

Kendrick had to find himself in college and, after three years at Clemson, left and came to Georgia, where he helped lead the Dawgs to their first national championship in four decades.

Even though there was some hesitation about him at first, Kendrick was one of Georgia’s best defensive backs by the end of the season, and he elevated himself to be one of the top-10 defensive backs in this draft class.

Georgia football cornerback Derion Kendrick is a tempting Day 1 NFL Draft pick.

Kendrick came out of high school as a 5-star wide receiver and only played one season at that position. After that, he transitioned to a cornerback, and he began to find success.

It took him some time to find his home, and while Georgia was only his team for one season, Kendrick turned into a completely different athlete. With the proper development, he blossomed and played such a pivotal role in a depleted Georgia secondary.

Kendrick finished his season at Georgia with 41 tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one quarterback hurry and led the team with four interceptions. Two of those picks came against Michigan in the Orange Bowl semifinal playoff game.

He has excellent ball-handling skills from his time as a receiver. Plus, his ability to intercept the ball is impressive. Kendrick can visualize it and pluck it out of the air, which is a great trait to have.

His coverage ability is also first-round material. Kendrick is patient and isn’t easily tricked.

Georgia loves versatile players, and Kendrick is one of those players. He has a high football IQ and will make some NFL teams extremely happy.

Kendrick needs to show he has speed at the Georgia Pro Day since he didn’t run the 40-yard dash in Indy, but his skills, in general, make him a tempting draft prospect.

While he may not go in the first round, at the same time, Kendrick very well could go in the opening round because he has the talent. Some NFL team may take a shot at him.

Next. Georgia football signed two of the most versatile players in 2022 class. dark

Georgia football will likely see 14 drafted in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, and Kendrick will be one of those.

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