2018 NFL Draft: Miami Hurricanes DT Kendrick Norton Drafted by the Carolina Panthers

There was a run on defensive tackles earlier in the draft. However, former University of Miami defensive tackle Kendrick Norton did not hear his name called as soon fans had hoped. Despite that, one team wisened up and decided to bring in the man known as “Big Thick”. With the seventh round selectionof the 2018 NFL Draft, Kendrick Norton is now a member of the Carolina Panthers and the ProCane NFL fraternity.

Norton brings the size and power necessary to be an an excellent run-stuffer in the trenches. Eating up blocks, Norton allows his linebackers to roam free to make plays on ball carriers without much interference from the offensive line. Norton is more than just a space-eating DT, with an ability to give chase to quarterbacks who scramble outside of the pocket. Norton should figure into the defensive line rotation and be a big plus in run defense.

It has been 14 years since the New England Patriots used a first round pick on Vince Wilfork, a selection that was the launch of a hall-of-fame worthy career. Today, Norton becomes the first 0/1 technique defensive tackle from UM to garner a draft pick since Wilfork did so many BBQ moons ago. Along with fellow linemate RJ Mcintosh, both players become the first UM defensive tackles taken in a NFL Draft since Kareem Brown was taken in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Norton joins CB Corn Elder and TE Greg Olsen as ProCane members on the Panthers next season.

Congratulations Kendrick!

Kendrick Norton’s Junior Declaration Profile

Kendrick Norton’s 2018 NFL Draft Profile

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