He was one of the best high school players in the nation, but injuries and inconsistencies have cast a cloud over Joshua Kaindoh’s 2021 NFL Draft stock. Can the Florida State edge rusher overcome his adversity to carve out a role in the NFL?
Joshua Kaindoh NFL Draft Player Profile
- Position: EDGE
- School: Florida State
- Current Year: Redshirt Junior
- Height: 6’7″
- Weight: 265 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Joshua Kaindoh Scouting Report
Positives: Athletic pass rusher who flashed ability throughout his college career. Possesses excellent length and good change-of-direction skills and fluidly moves about the field. Quick off the snap, plays with proper pad level, and keeps his feet moving. Forceful off the edge, rarely off his feet, and works his hands throughout the action.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Negatives: Inconsistent and marginally productive throughout his Florida State career. Must get stronger, as he’s easily controlled at the point and gets out-positioned by a single blocker.
Analysis: Kaindoh was a favorite of scouts the past three years and flashed ability as well as athleticism, but he never elevated his game. He possesses excellent length and growth potential and comes with an upside, but Kaindoh needs a lot of development and at present time is nothing more than a situational pass rusher.
Joshua Kaindoh’s Player Profile
Florida State edge rusher Joshua Kaindoh’s NFL Draft stock is the polar opposite to his reputation coming out of high school. The Baltimore native already had multiple college offers before he transferred to the IMG Academy in Florida for his senior season. He originally had committed to Maryland before arriving, but soon de-committed when high profile colleges caught on to his disruptive skillset and insane physical attributes.
As a senior at IMG, the physically gifted defensive end became a productive pass-rush monster. He racked up 41 tackles and 7.5 sacks, proving to be an efficient run defender as well as a dominant edge rusher.
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His senior season earned him first-team All-USA Today honors and an invite to the Under Armor All-America Game. He displayed his dominance to the nation, leading his team in tackles while registering a quarterback hurry and breaking up a pass.
Having de-committed from Maryland, he narrowed down his options to five teams. Ultimately, he would choose Florida State over Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, and Penn State to pursue his college career.
Joshua Kaindoh’s college career at Florida State
As a result of his high profile recruiting, and DeMarcus Walker’s departure to the NFL Draft, expectations were that Joshua Kaindoh would make an immediate impact for the Seminoles. He made his debut against Alabama and went on to play in all 13 games as a freshman. He racked up 17 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
In a standout game against Delaware State, he was a dominant force with 4 sacks. In fact, it was just one shy of the single-game sacks school record, but it was enough to earn him ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. It certainly appeared to be the catalyst for great things. However, despite registering more tackles, he had a less productive sophomore season than his freshman campaign.
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Joshua Kaindoh started off his junior season brightly. In three games, he contributed 9 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. The production that Florida State had expected from their five-star edge rusher appeared to be on its way. Unfortunately, in a game against Virginia, he was tripped, and as a result, suffered a season-ending lower leg injury.
Kaindoh rebounded in 2020 to start the most games in a season of his career. Although FSU had a torrid season at times, he impressed as the Seminoles did upset North Carolina. The Florida State edge rusher snagged an interception off Sam Howell and returned it for a touchdown. In doing so, he became the first FSU defensive lineman to secure a pick-six since 2009.
Following the 2020 college football season, Florida State edge rusher Joshua Kaindoh declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Joshua Kaindoh’s best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Florida State edge rusher Joshua Kaindoh is an intriguing 2021 NFL Draft prospect. His long arms, physical gifts, and pass-rushing ability all exhibit solid functional strength. He also possesses decent pass-rushing tools. However, Kaindoh’s college career has lacked the production and promise of his high school reputation. Additionally, his injury history headlined by his missed season in 2019 will raise concerns for NFL teams.
In truth, Kaindoh best fits as a traditional defensive end in a base 4-3 scheme. Therefore, some scheme and need fits for Joshua Kaindoh in the 2021 NFL Draft include the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, and Minnesota Vikings.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.