Lance Kendricks

Kendricks is the fourth straight Wisconsin tight end expected to be drafted, following Owen Daniels (2006, fourth round, Texans), Travis Beckum (2009, third, Giants) and Garrett Graham (2010, fourth, Texans). The success he's seen as a pass catcher was no surprise, as he earned recognition as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation (and an outstanding long jumper in AAU and high track) out of high school. His contributions were limited in his first two seasons, however, redshirting in 2006 and playing in only one contest the following year after moving from receiver to tight end in the spring. As a sophomore, Kendricks got into eight games, making six catches for 141 yards and played in the team's Champs Sports Bowl loss to Florida State despite sitting out the last month of the regular season with a broken fibula. In 2009, he started nine games, caught 29 passes for 356 yards and scored three touchdowns (including 7-128 in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Miami (Fla.) Kendricks also rushed seven times on reverses (called "H-arounds" by offensive coordinator Paul Chryst) for 102 yards on the year. Despite Kendricks' All-American and first-team All-Big 10 senior season (43-661-5), some scouts will discount his ability to be a playmaker at the next level because of his average speed and lean frame. His ability to stretch defenses with length, and underrated willingness to block, could earn him at least frequent usage in two tight-end sets at the next level -- if not a starting job.

after the catch

One of the few tight ends in recent memory that has the speed and elusiveness to earn carries on reverses. Good straight-line speed (though not elite), body control and balance for the position. Catches-and-runs like a large receiver. Change directions in mid-stride and is able to cut inside oncoming defenders to avoid their tackles. Hangs onto the ball in traffic. Runs tougher than expected, carrying tacklers a few yards when possible, though he lacks great lower body strength and better defenders get low to win the leverage battle against NFL defenders.

route running

His quickness and size gives offensive coordinators the flexibility to run him down the seam, over the middle, in the flat and down the sideline. Difficult for linebackers to stay with him over the middle and almost always has a height mismatch against defensive backs. Finds the soft spot in front of linebackers on crossing routes. Quick feet and fluid hips for cuts, though some out routes are rounded off. Aware of the sideline, grabs out routes then stops to proceed upfield.

intangibles

Has taken over as leader among skill position players as a senior. Coaches lauded him for his preparation before their 2009 bowl game. Left fibula broken while blocking on run play in November 2008, returned for bowl game.

hands

Has the hands of a former wide receiver, snatches passes away from his frame and tracks balls over either shoulder. Extends to bring down high passes and is quite adept going down and getting his hands underneath low throws over the middle. Has dropped a few passes during his career, needs to improve his concentration when hearing footsteps and make the grab before running upfield to be considered an elite prospect. Wins jump balls with nice vertical and length.

release

Gets off the line in a hurry, providing a legitimate deep threat down the seam. Adept at block-and-release (though strong linebackers can get him off his route), gets out into space on bootlegs. Sidesteps defensive ends and uses stop-go move to free himself of nickel backs and linebackers at the line. Will hop at the snap before moving at times when lined up in the slot. One-gear runner, though, without the breakaway speed to separate from NFL nickel backs and safeties off the line.

blocking

Gives good effort as a run blocker from the H-back or moving tight end spots, has better upper-body build than expected given his frame. Understands blocking angles to create rushing lanes. Walls off backside ends when in motion, can set his feet and anchor. Blocks inside from motion near the goal line, willing to make contact and keep legs churning to move his man back. Lacks the strength to block NFL ends in-line, however, and is shed by smaller, stronger defenders in the open field after initial contact because they knock away his hands. Crosses his feet at times when fighting off edge rushers from three-point stance, will struggle to recover at the next level.

Rated as No. 2 player in Wisconsin and No. 30 wide receiver in the nation by Rivals.com

12th-rated receiver in the nation according to Scout.com

PrepStar "Dream Team" All-American

listed among top 110 players on "ESPN 150" rankings of country's top recruits

Superprep All-America selection listed No. 14 among nation's wide receivers and No. 12 among all players (tops among receivers) in the Midwest by that publication

No. 19 player in the Midwest according to Detroit Free Press

honorable mention all-state choice in 2005

two-time all-city selection

team captain as a senior and team MVP as junior and senior

caught 42 passes for 640 yards as a senior and made 102 receptions for 1,905 yards during his career

earned four letters in football and track and another one in basketball

four-time AAU triple jump champion

finished second in state triple jump competition as a junior and was third as a sophomore

football coach was Scott Hawkins.

Parents are Leon and Linda Kendricks

major is economics.