Could Derion Kendrick still be a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Will red flags affect Kendrick’s draft stock?
Kendrick knows that he’ll need to work to ease any concerns that teams may have and has already addressed his absences. He joined “On Campus with JB & Sciggy” and told co-hosts Jeremiah Bogan and Scott Robinson Jr. that prioritizing his family caused school and football to take a back seat in 2020. While many players opted out of the season altogether, he made it clear that he wanted to be part of the team and, for the most part, he produced when called upon.
He admits that his lack of communication caused misunderstandings and that put coaches in difficult positions – a stance backed up by Swinney’s calls for accountability. It’s worth noting that bridges don’t appear to have been burned, though. Swinney has spoken openly about his fondness for Kendrick and, in return, Kendrick made it clear that he has a similar affection for his former coach.
There’s no doubt that Kendrick has landed in a great spot with Georgia. Kirby Smart’s side is primed for another run at a National Championship and his coaching staff knows how to develop cornerbacks and send them to the NFL.
The team’s two starters, Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell were taken in the top 33 picks of the 2021 NFL Draft. Deandre Baker was also taken in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
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If he needs any further motivation, he just has to look across the state. His move to Georgia will see him just down the road from former teammate AJ Terrell, who the Atlanta Falcons drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Like Terrell, his last game in Clemson colors didn’t go to plan but he has a similar opportunity to make himself a star in Georgia. Derion Kendrick will be thrown into the deep end at Georgia, but he has more than enough ability to swim.