In Mel Kiper's final mock draft before next week's NFL combine, he predicts Texas OLB Sergio Kindle to go to the New York Giants as the fifteenth overall draft pick.


In Kindle's four years at Texas, the 6-4, 255 lb. Kindle recorded 176 tackles, 43 for a loss. In 2009, Kindle's adept quickness helped the Longhorns rank first in rushing defense (62.2 ypg). His strongest performance of the 2009 season came against Oklahoma when he had a career-high three TFL. He also had six tackles in that game. In the BCS National Championship against Alabama, Kindle had eight tackles and two sacks.




According to Kiper, Kindle would be a smart pick for the Giants who need to get stronger in their linebacking corps. He says the Giants could also use some help with the pass-rush. Kindle would need to overcome size issues, but he's proven sturdier against the run than others.

Kiper has Kindle being the first OLB taken in the draft ahead of Missouri's Sean Witherspoon because Kindle is a more valuable commodity in a 3-4 defense.

Kiper thinks Kindle is the highest rated Longhorn in this year's draft, and the only one going in the first round. Surprisingly, safety Earl Thomas - who follows Tennessee's Eric Berry as the second-best safety in this year's draft - was not listed in Kiper's recent board.

Big_Pete wrote:
He seems to be an ideal fit as a rush OLB

TD wrote:

Big_Pete wrote:
He seems to be an ideal fit as a rush OLB

This is true, and that is why I think he might be a good fit.
If Osi is traded, Kindle would give us one more pass rusher on passing downs, or used as a decoy.