UCLA Football: Kain Medrano NFL Draft Profile

UCLA Bruins linebacker Kain Medrano capped off his pre-draft process with a strong showing at the Bruins’ Pro Day, reinforcing the athleticism and upside he displayed throughout the scouting circuit. After impressing at the NFL Combine with elite testing numbers, Medrano used his Pro Day to showcase his agility and positional versatility in front of NFL scouts.

Pro Day Recap And Athletic Testing

Kain Medrano measured in at 6-foot-2⅞ and 222 pounds, a lean frame for an NFL linebacker but one that highlights his speed and coverage ability. He chose to stand on his NFL Combine numbers for key tests like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump—an understandable decision given his eye-popping results in Indianapolis:

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds (fastest among all linebackers at the Combine)
• Vertical Jump: 38 inches
• Broad Jump: 10’5”

Instead, Medrano focused on agility drills and linebacker-specific positional work. He moved well in space, flipping his hips fluidly in coverage drills and maintaining the quick footwork expected from a former high school receiver and defensive back.

Shrine Bowl And Pre-Draft Buzz

Before the Combine and Pro Day, Kain Medrano also made waves at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he showcased his versatility against top-tier competition. Reports from the event indicated that his speed stood out in coverage drills, an area where he could carve out a role in the NFL.

His performance at the Shrine Bowl helped get him on the radar of several teams, particularly those looking for a coverage linebacker who can contribute on special teams.

Kain Medrano Strengths And Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Elite Speed: Medrano’s 4.46-second 40-yard dash ranks among the fastest for any linebacker at the 2025 combine, giving him sideline-to-sideline range.
• Explosiveness: His 38-inch vertical and 10’5” broad jump highlight his lower-body power.
• Coverage Ability: He moves well in space and can match up against running backs and tight ends.
• Special Teams Potential: His athleticism makes him an ideal candidate for immediate special teams contributions.

Weaknesses:

• Size and Strength: At 222 pounds, he is undersized for an NFL linebacker, which could make it difficult for him to shed blocks and be a consistent run-stopper.
• Tackling and Play Strength: He will need to bulk up and improve his tackling technique to hold up in the NFL.
• Instincts in the Box: While he excels in space, his ability to read and react to inside runs needs refinement.

Draft Projection And Team Interest

Kain Medrano entered the draft process as a borderline draftable player, but his Combine and Pro Day performances have pushed him into late-round consideration. Initially viewed as a likely priority undrafted free agent (UDFA), he now has a strong chance of being taken in Rounds 6 or 7. Several teams have shown interest, including:

• Green Bay Packers: Looking for linebacker depth, Green Bay has reportedly taken notice of Medrano’s coverage skills at the combine.
• Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens value special teams contributors, and Medrano’s speed makes him a natural fit.
• Los Angeles Rams: With linebacker depth a concern, the Rams could target him in the late rounds or as a UDFA.

While Kain Medrano is unlikely to be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick, his elite athletic traits make him a valuable late-round option or post-draft signing. Teams looking for a developmental linebacker with special teams upside will have Medrano high on their boards.

NFL Outlook

Medrano projects as a special teams ace and sub-package linebacker early in his career, with the potential to grow into a larger role if he adds weight and refines his instincts. His coverage skills and speed make him a fit for today’s pass-heavy NFL, but he will need time to develop as an every-down player. If he lands in the right system, Medrano could carve out a career similar to that of a coverage-focused, hybrid linebacker-safety in the mold of a Keanu Neal-type role.

With his draft stock on the rise, Kain Medrano has done everything he can to prove he belongs in the NFL. Now, it’s just a matter of which team will take a chance on his upside.