St. Louis Rams Closing Evaluations: What Grades Do the Tight Ends Receive?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lance Kendricks: As the Rams’ leader in touchdowns during 2014, Lance Kendricks had yet another strong season and put himself in position to earn a decent salary this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Kendricks’ role was limited once again this season as the Rams spread the ball around more to their receivers and starter Jared Cook, and Kendricks had 22 catches on 38 targets, which were the lowest numbers in both categories during his four-year NFL career. However, he did find his niche in the endzone, finishing with a career-high five touchdown catches and remaining a reliable target for Shaun Hill and Austin Davis throughout the season.

Though he was out on the field for plenty of run plays, Kendricks didn’t really make a noticeable impact as a blocker. That would be somewhat unexpected from a player like Kendricks who is a bit undersized for the position at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, except for the fact that he was a major contributor to the run game during his second season in 2012. If there’s one thing that Kendricks is going to try to improve this season, it should probably be regaining his exceptional ability as a run blocker.

It should be interesting to see if the Rams bring back Kendricks for 2015. While he hasn’t put up great numbers, he’s shown good ability as a receiver, and previously as a blocker, during his four-year career, which might make him attractive as a starter on the free agent market. An opportunity to be a number one may be more attractive for Kendricks than playing second fiddle to Cook on a team that has posted losing records for his entire career, so the Rams may not have the greatest leverage in signing him. If they can bring him back, though, Kendricks should continue to be a solid contributor to the offense and a dynamic endzone weapon next season.

GRADE: B+

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