Terrific college tailback that didn't test through the roof, and wasn't more than a little above average at his best in the NFL. And I was a big booster of his in '95.
the game is frequently too fast for him, thus he doesn't see the holes and slams into the pile. As he gains more reps and experience the game will slow down for him.
The cutback lanes. His weakness appears to be vision. He is plenty physical and runs extremely hard. If he can be a little more patient and realize he could make a jump step instead of trying to create a hole all by himself he will gain more yards and extend his career.
I think Kennard is being a bit overshadowed by OBJ,
and understandably so, but this is a potentially huge development. After years of grasping at straws, drafting projects, putting guys out of position, and totally whiffing in regards to drafting LBers in the middle rounds it appears that they may finally hit on one.
It's clear that he's not a finished product and needs some seasoning, no doubt a result of constantly being moved around in college. But he has regularly flashed the tools to be a 3 down LBer. He's quick enough that, once he learns some finer points, he could do a little man coverage. He's already solid in short areas. He's instinctive against the run and throws himself in there. I've seen him get overmatched and engulfed but I've also seen him shed and slip blocks-a year in an NFL strength program is only going to help him in that regard. And we've already seen he has a nose for getting to the QB, I think he's probably already the best blitzer on the team, he's really come on the last 3 weeks and the sack numbers clearly reflect it.
Just a question: anyone else wonder if he could play in the middle? I understand McClain has put up nice numbers in Beasons absence but I'm really not sold on him being much more than JAG and I really don't think he ought to be in their long term plans. I just like the idea of Kennard's instincts, athleticism, and willingness to mix it up running wild as Big Hank occupies two blockers in front of them.
RB. He has a burst, and can block and even (surprise) catch a pass on occasion, but he isn't yet the runner I'd hoped for.
Jennings is a better runner right now; he sees small creases and has outstanding vision. I can only hope Williams gets better as he goes on. I'm sort of counting on our Oline to come up to "average" next season and that will help his YPC.
I might be totally off base here but I think the only reason Kennard isn't already in the middle is because they don't have competent OLBs, ironically enough including McClain, which as you know he was initially brought in to play.
I think Beasons injury sort of saved him, I don't think he could've played on the outside here. Eric, myself, and many others questioned his ability after watching some film of his last season with the Ravens. And before anyone points to the tackle numbers, it's an easy stat to misread. I'll bet close to 3/4s of those tackles are 5+ yards downfield, but he still jumps around like it was a sack. How many of those 100 tackles are for losses? How many impact plays has he made?
Average player made to look better by a strong surrounding cast, an earnest attempt at improving the LBers especially based on then market but not a long term solution and likely part of the purge. The only starting LBer for the 2015 Giants who is already Oman the roster is Kenner, and I hope he's in the middle. Beast in the making, especially behind Big Hank.
You may be right, and a MIKE is normally more integral to a 4-3 scheme. Kennard also has the intrinsic gift of explosive power, when he hits a runner they go down and I think he can physically handle OL with leverage and power, at times. Must admit it's fun watching him explode off the edge though, and his USC pedigree portends pass rushing skills.
We agree violently on McClain, he's serviceable and the type of hustle and heart players you need to fill out a roster, but ordinary.
RE: I think Kennard is being a bit overshadowed by OBJ,
and understandably so, but this is a potentially huge development. After years of grasping at straws, drafting projects, putting guys out of position, and totally whiffing in regards to drafting LBers in the middle rounds it appears that they may finally hit on one.
It's clear that he's not a finished product and needs some seasoning, no doubt a result of constantly being moved around in college. But he has regularly flashed the tools to be a 3 down LBer. He's quick enough that, once he learns some finer points, he could do a little man coverage. He's already solid in short areas. He's instinctive against the run and throws himself in there. I've seen him get overmatched and engulfed but I've also seen him shed and slip blocks-a year in an NFL strength program is only going to help him in that regard. And we've already seen he has a nose for getting to the QB, I think he's probably already the best blitzer on the team, he's really come on the last 3 weeks and the sack numbers clearly reflect it.
Just a question: anyone else wonder if he could play in the middle? I understand McClain has put up nice numbers in Beasons absence but I'm really not sold on him being much more than JAG and I really don't think he ought to be in their long term plans. I just like the idea of Kennard's instincts, athleticism, and willingness to mix it up running wild as Big Hank occupies two blockers in front of them.
If I remember right, the talk was his fit as MLB after he learned the defense. McClain was insurance on Beason.
It would seem that his ability to blitz is better served on the outside, but I guess it depends on the scheme. I just don't recall any defenses that blitzed their MLB. Not even those that featured a Pro Bowler at the position (and my Pro Bowler I don't mean an NFL player who is also a professional bowler, I mean an NFL player who goes to the Pro Bowl).
Agreed. His voice could cut glass.
Much more talented than Wheatley or Dayne. I think he could be Rodney Hampton II.
Much more talented than Wheatley or Dayne. I think he could be Rodney Hampton II.
I expect Reese to stay put to see how this plays out.
It's clear that he's not a finished product and needs some seasoning, no doubt a result of constantly being moved around in college. But he has regularly flashed the tools to be a 3 down LBer. He's quick enough that, once he learns some finer points, he could do a little man coverage. He's already solid in short areas. He's instinctive against the run and throws himself in there. I've seen him get overmatched and engulfed but I've also seen him shed and slip blocks-a year in an NFL strength program is only going to help him in that regard. And we've already seen he has a nose for getting to the QB, I think he's probably already the best blitzer on the team, he's really come on the last 3 weeks and the sack numbers clearly reflect it.
Just a question: anyone else wonder if he could play in the middle? I understand McClain has put up nice numbers in Beasons absence but I'm really not sold on him being much more than JAG and I really don't think he ought to be in their long term plans. I just like the idea of Kennard's instincts, athleticism, and willingness to mix it up running wild as Big Hank occupies two blockers in front of them.
Giants have not had a guy like that since Michael Barrow.
Jennings is a better runner right now; he sees small creases and has outstanding vision. I can only hope Williams gets better as he goes on. I'm sort of counting on our Oline to come up to "average" next season and that will help his YPC.
I think Beasons injury sort of saved him, I don't think he could've played on the outside here. Eric, myself, and many others questioned his ability after watching some film of his last season with the Ravens. And before anyone points to the tackle numbers, it's an easy stat to misread. I'll bet close to 3/4s of those tackles are 5+ yards downfield, but he still jumps around like it was a sack. How many of those 100 tackles are for losses? How many impact plays has he made?
Average player made to look better by a strong surrounding cast, an earnest attempt at improving the LBers especially based on then market but not a long term solution and likely part of the purge. The only starting LBer for the 2015 Giants who is already Oman the roster is Kenner, and I hope he's in the middle. Beast in the making, especially behind Big Hank.
We agree violently on McClain, he's serviceable and the type of hustle and heart players you need to fill out a roster, but ordinary.
It's clear that he's not a finished product and needs some seasoning, no doubt a result of constantly being moved around in college. But he has regularly flashed the tools to be a 3 down LBer. He's quick enough that, once he learns some finer points, he could do a little man coverage. He's already solid in short areas. He's instinctive against the run and throws himself in there. I've seen him get overmatched and engulfed but I've also seen him shed and slip blocks-a year in an NFL strength program is only going to help him in that regard. And we've already seen he has a nose for getting to the QB, I think he's probably already the best blitzer on the team, he's really come on the last 3 weeks and the sack numbers clearly reflect it.
Just a question: anyone else wonder if he could play in the middle? I understand McClain has put up nice numbers in Beasons absence but I'm really not sold on him being much more than JAG and I really don't think he ought to be in their long term plans. I just like the idea of Kennard's instincts, athleticism, and willingness to mix it up running wild as Big Hank occupies two blockers in front of them.
If I remember right, the talk was his fit as MLB after he learned the defense. McClain was insurance on Beason.