Kendric Burney NFL Draft scouting report
5’9, 190 pounds | CB | North Carolina
Strengths: Burney is a quick and instinctual cornerback, two traits needed in the cover-2 scheme. Burney is an incredibly instinctual cornerback, especially in zone coverages. He can give up some space to receivers because he has the quick twitch movements to break on the ball. Shows a lot of tenacity in the run game and will get physical at the line. Burney may never be a No. 1 corner, but he’s a good all-around defensive back who could even line up at safety. Makes up for his lack of height with above-average leaping ability and good ball skills. Had 11 interceptions during his career.
Weaknesses: Is a short cornerback with average timed speed. Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.71 seconds at the NFL Combine. Size and speed limitations may force him to be a nickel or dime cornerback only. Though he plays faster than his time suggests, he’ll have trouble catching receivers who beat him cleanly off the line. Sat out six games of the 2010 serving a suspension for illegal contact with an agent. Prior to that, he started three-strahgt years for the Tar Heels.
Final word: If one player considerably helped their stock at the Senior Bowl, it was Burney. He showed he could handle the goal line slant pass and that he’s a good enough tackler. Burney will have to play the right scheme – either cover-2 or off slot – but he should be solid. His speed and size will scare several teams off.
