The Dallas Cowboys seem to be of the belief this offseason that whatever the Los Angeles Rams had cooking over the last few years on the defensive side of the ball is worth replicating. And the Rams have been perennial powers, so that may not be such a bad idea.
After agreeing to terms with both Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant to improve a lackluster cornerback room, the Cowboys are banking on Sean McVay and Chris Shula's developmental energy.
Bret Stuter, part of the expert collection of minds over at the FanSided Rams website, Ramblin' Fan, identified Kendrick as a very frustrating player. Glimpses of potential and signs that he is putting it all together will be blunted by his shortcomings.
"Derion Kendrick is the epitome of a hot-and-cold cornerback," Stuter said. "He was a late draft pick who found himself forced into a starting role that he seemed to be growing into... He can be a solid contributor in a secondary with a clearly defined, limited role. But if counted on to fill a starter's role, buyer beware."
Rams expert has pessimistic prediction for Dallas Cowboys CB Derion Kendrick
Kendrick was a highly regarded recruit at Georgia once upon a time who slid as low as he did in the 2022 NFL Draft due to some abysmal workout results that saw him get timed as slow as the 4.7 range in the 40-yard dash.
The Rams took a chance on Kendrick's pedigree from his time as a Bulldog, and he has spent the better part of the last three seasons as a semi-regular starter and key backup. Kendrick's volatility is likely why Cowboys fans would not want to see him in a very prominent role.
With just three interceptions to his name in 47 games split between multiple teams, Kendrick isn't the ball-hawking type of player who takes risks. Dallas has played home to a few players like that, including Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. The results have been mixed, as fans know.
Dallas doesn't seem to be shying away from the thought that their cornerback room is largely going to be an unproven hodgepodge of veterans on one-year deals and youngsters trying to prove themselves, like Shavon Revel Jr. and rookie Devin Moore.
Kendrick has shown that his lack of great speed has not impeded his ability to carve out a respectable career as a depth piece. And if that's all he is for the Cowboys, then perhaps there isn't much reason to worry.
With a respected defensive backs coach in Christian Parker leading the charge for Dallas, Kendrick may be in a situation that can finally give him the perfect combination of coaching advice to show why he was considered one of the best in the business as a college star.
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