UCLA at the NFL combine

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Thuc Nhi Nguyen

UCLA has five players participating in this week’s NFL combine, which starts Tuesday and ends March 6. Linebacker Jayon Brown, defensive linemen Eddie Vanderdoes and Takkarist McKinley, offensive lineman Conor McDermott and defensive back Fabian Moreau will go through the biggest job interviews of their football careers so far in Indianapolis.

The group of former Bruins, along with more than 300 other prospects, will go through formal interviews with teams as well as on-field workouts prior to April’s NFL draft.

Combine links:

A feature on Brown, who is ready to grab the spotlight this week
McKinley told Bleacher Report that he is scheduled for shoulder surgery after the combine
- Despite the injury, NFL.com lists McKinley as a potential breakout star of the combine
From the San Jose Mercury News: NFL Network’s Mike Maycock told reporters that the Oakland Raiders might be keeping a close eye on Vanderdoes at the combine.
From the Times-Picayune: Moreau could be on the New Orleans Saints’ radar as the team tries to take advantage of a deep defensive class

You can watch their workouts on NFL Network on the following days, starting at 9 a.m. ET each day:

March 3: McDermott
March 5: Brown, Vanderdoes, McKinley
March 6: Moreau

Eddie Vanderdoes accepts invite to Senior Bowl

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Thuc Nhi Nguyen

Eddie Vanderdoes celebrates a sack against Tyrone Swoopes #18 of the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium on September 13, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, the organization announced Monday. Vanderdoes, a fourth-year junior, is able to play in the showcase event despite leaving UCLA with a year left of eligibility.

One year removed from an ACL injury that ended his true junior season, Vanderdoes started 12 games for the Bruins in 2016. He was the target of constant double-teams and tallied 29 tackles with 1.5 sacks in his last year at UCLA.

Seven former UCLA players are expected to play in all-star games this month prior to April’s NFL draft: Continue reading “Eddie Vanderdoes accepts invite to Senior Bowl” »

Eddie Vanderdoes declares for NFL Draft

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Thuc Nhi Nguyen

To my Bruin family, After long discussions with my family, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to forgo my last year of eligibility and enter the 2017 NFL Draft. I would like to thank everyone affiliated with UCLA Athletics, the UCLA football program, and UCLA Academics for allowing me to progress where I am at today. It’s been a honor to represent this University both on and off the field. Thank you to each and everyone of my teammates and my outstanding coaching staff that has helped me and will continue to help make my dream of pursuing a NFL career possible. ONCE A BRUIN ALWAYS A BRUIN!

A photo posted by EDDIE VANDERDOES (@eddiev_47) on Nov 28, 2016 at 5:14pm PST

Redshirt junior Eddie Vanderdoes officially traded his final year of eligibility at UCLA for a chance at the NFL on Monday, announcing on social media that he would be entering the NFL Draft this spring.

Vanderdoes was honored as a senior prior to UCLA’s last home game of the season this year and was carried off the field after his final practice, as is the UCLA tradition for seniors.

In replacing Kenny Clark, who declared for the NFL Draft early last year, Vanderdoes had 29 tackles this season with 1.5 sacks while starting all 12 games for the Bruins. His 29 tackles were a career-low for him in a season, except for 2014 when he played only one game before tearing his ACL. Continue reading “Eddie Vanderdoes declares for NFL Draft” »