It’s all about ball for Boston College’s Kendall | 2025 NFL Draft film review

Boston College first-team All-ACC offensive center Drew Kendall loves to compete down-to-down. That comes as little surprise for those who have followed his journey or watched him play.

We recently covered the father-son partnership between Virginia Tech’s Jaylin Lane and Westside High School head football coach Brian Lane. Part father, part coach is a good description of the pair.

Kendall -the son of former Eagles lineman and 13-year NFL veteran, Pete- is a longtime Eagles enthusiast. He shared as much during his appearance at the ACC Media Days last summer:

“I grew up going to games,” Kendall shared. “It was really special when I first got the offer. Just kind of visualizing wearing that 66 (his Dad’s number) at Boston College with Kendall on the back. I really do enjoy it every day. I think it’s special for me and my Dad.”

Coach Kendall

And the coaching part that we described between the Lanes (Brian coached Jaylin at Clover HS) also applies to the Kendalls.

“He’s coached me every day since I’ve put on pads,” Kendall went on to explain. “He didn’t let me play until fourth grade, which was earlier than he would have liked to be honest. I started playing in fourth grade, and that’s when he retired….so he could coach me. And so he coached me from fourth grade up until my senior year of high school.”

“Now when I go home, all we talk about is football,” Kendall shared glowingly during ACC Media Days. “But that’s great. That’s all I want to talk about.”

Kendall’s honest admission is backed by toughness. Prior to the 31 consecutive starts to end his career, he suffered a hand injury that required surgery. The surgery came during the team’s bye week in 2022 and yet he missed just one game (Wake Forest).

It was the last time he missed a game at Boston College.

That, too, follows a pattern set by his father.

Kendall had his share of injuries during an arduous 13-year NFL journey. A sprained knee, injured thigh and second-degree Lis Franc injury are just a few of those scrapes. Yet, he started 62 of his final 64 career games in years 11, 12 and 13.

The former Seattle Seahawks first-round pick began his career by starting 84-of-96 games through six seasons.

2025 Postseason

Kendall likely won’t be the first Eagles offensive lineman off the board during this year’s draft. Boston College offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (6’8, 316) is an excellent option for teams in Rounds 2-3. Fellow line mate Jack Conley is a 6-foot-7, 327-pound people mover at guard. He could be a candidate for teams in the later rounds or as an undrafted free agent.

Kendall showed off his athleticism catching a punt at the end of a team practice session (see video above) during 2025 East-West Shrine practices. And, in doing so, gave a preview of what to expect for NFL teams prior to the scouting combine.

More of a position blocker, Kendall’s overall anchor/strength component will be heavily scrutinized. The aforementioned athleticism, however, likely won’t be. At the 2025 NFL Combine, he posted the second-best 20-yard short shuttle (4.51), third-best 3-cone drill (7.56 seconds) and fifth-fastest 40-yard dash (5.05) among interior offensive linemen.

Kendall certainly put his best foot forward during this year’s pre-draft process. But, as he concluded after Boston College’s Pro Day on March 25th, it is what you do after the draft that matters most.

“Whatever you do with the opportunity, that’s the big thing,” Kendall explained. “It doesn’t really matter where or when you get picked or if you don’t. It’s about when you get in the building. What you make of that opportunity is really what’s going to set people apart.”

For Kendall, playing ball is what matters most.

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