With the draft over and our profiles on all seven of the Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks complete, we’re dipping our toe into the undrafted territory. We profiled a couple of them before the draft but most of the 13, we didn’t. Next, we’re breaking down Tennessee DE Kendal Vickers.
#39 Kendal Vickers/DE Tennessee – 6’2/6 290
The Good
– Good play strength vs base blocks, able to hold the POA and clog up running lanes
– Tough player who dealt with and played through injury
– Fanatical effort and runs after the ball downfield, doesn’t quit on any play
– Lack of height makes for a decent dip/rip that can get under and leverage some guards/centers
– Capable of finishing plays
– Decent hand use to shed blocks in the run game when he plays with proper technique and keeps his eyes up
– Excellent starting experience with decent production
– Regarded as a leader on his team
The Bad
– Below average athlete in testing and on tape, not explosive off the LOS
– Fails to make an impact as a pass rusher and doesn’t have much of a go-to move
– Struggles to disengage as a pass rusher, two of three full career sacks come versus blown protections
– Has to anchor better against double-teams and down blocks, too easily washed and gives up his run fit
– Doesn’t always get his eyes up firing off the ball in the run game, has trouble seeing blocking scheme and loses fit/ball
– Limited upside
Bio
– Three-year starter, 38 career starts, most work came as a 3 technique
– Career: 108 tackles, 13.