The Los Angeles Rams drafted cornerback Derion Kendrick late in the 2022 NFL draft. The Rams drafted the corner in the sixth round. With that in consideration, Kendrick making a big splash early on was not the expectation the team had for the corner.
However, expectations go out the window quickly in this league. And that is what is happening for the rookie in his first training camp practice.
Kendrick defended the Rams’ expected second wide receiver, Allen Robinson, on a play in practice. Robinson was the target standing in the end zone. By the end of the snap, the ball fell harmlessly to the ground. The receiver didn’t drop the ball; Kendrick knocked it away with a superb display of pass coverage.
Kendrick showed great defensive prowess; the play and subsequent swat fired up the sideline.
Rams defense fired up on sideline after rookie DB Derion Kendrick’s pass breakup in end zone on pass intended for WR Allen Robinson II.
— Stu Jackson (@StuJRams) July 27, 2022
Who is Derion Kendrick?
Kendrick was a sixth-round pick out of Georgia for the Rams. Although he came out of Georgia, his college career started at Clemson in 2018.
As a Clemson Tiger, Kendrick began as a wide receiver but transitioned into a cornerback. The move was a result of an abundance of talent at the position for the Tigers. The team had Hunter Renfrow, Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross and Amari Rodgers.
As a result, Kendrick began his sophomore campaign as a cornerback, a position where he excelled for the rest of his college days. Kendrick had three interceptions and 11 passes defended as a cornerback at Clemson.
However, his days at Clemson ended after the team dismissed him following an arrest. The charges were subsequently dropped after Kendrick transferred to Georgia, so he continued his career.
While Kendrick was on a new team, he saw Clemson again. That was the first game on the schedule for the new Bulldog. However, Kendrick saw more statistical success at Georgia than at Clemson.
Kendrick had a career-high four interceptions as a Bulldog.
It seems like he is riding that high into Los Angeles for the Rams after the first training camp practice. If he can keep it up, Kendrick could cut out a nice role for himself on the squad. Maybe he could receive rookie honors.
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