Redskins Rookie Enemies: Kentrell Brothers

Kentrell Brothers, ILB

School: Missouri | Conference: SEC

College Experience: Senior | Age: 22

Height / Weight: 6-0 / 249 lbs

Draft Status

Projected: 2nd Round | Actual: 5th Round (Pick 160) by the Minnesota Vikings

Original Profile

College Statistics

Player Overview

Kentrell Brothers led the FBS in tackles this year with 152 of them, that's averaging 12.9 per game. He was snubbed in being named a semifinalist for Butkus Award given to the nation's top linebacker. Brothers acknowledged the snub bothered him a little bit he still thinks he has a lot to prove. Brothers won't be the strongest, fastest, tallest, or most athletic inside linebacker but it's clear he's one of the smartest, most instinctive, and has a non-stop motor. Brothers isn't going to run a 4.6 40 but he somehow will stick to his assignments at TE and even WR in coverage. Brothers won't bench 225 lbs 40 times but he will attack blockers, disengage, and get to the football. He's a good football player not flashy in his physical attributes but has out produced a few "body beautiful" (thanks Mayock) linebackers in college football in a lot of areas. He is solid in pass rushing, coverage, and run stopping and is physical in his play. He scored a 28 on the Wonderlic the average for linebackers is 19.

Recent News

How He Makes the Vikings Better and Creates Problems for the Redskins

Kentrell Brothers lasted all the way until the 5th round of the NFL draft before being taken by the Minnesota Vikings. While perhaps his lack of athleticism contributed to his slide I think he couldn't have landed in a better place for his development than the Minnesota Vikings. Brothers is competing for a backup role at the MLB spot with Audie Cole. While Brothers posted terrific production his senior year he is not nearly as physically talented or as good right now than starter Eric Kendricks. It seems Brothers has been doing what he does best in Vikings camp. He’s quietly gone about his business , made plays where he could, and is dedicating himself to learning the defense and preparing to make an impact on special teams. I went over to the DailyNorseman to ask about Brothers and here is what some commenters had to say:

Eric J. Thompson

Gone Fishin’

peterplaysbass

Viketoryordeath

Yggdresil

Opinions on Brothers seem to be overwhelmingly positive. He will start his career as a backup but there is a sense he could have an increased role in a couple years with the Vikings. For the Redskins to worry about him he’ll have to win the backup role against Audie Cole if Brothers does make the 53 look for him to be on a special teams coverage unit.