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|
2012 Draft
OFFENSIVE TACKLES |
Matt Kalil
6065 306 USC (Arm: 34½) |
Combine: 4.99 Forty| 30 Reps| 27.0 VJ| No BJ. 7.33
3C| 4.65 20Sh |
Pro Day - Solidified
himself as the player who will be the first
non-quarterback drafted in April during
Southern California’s pro day on Wednesday.
Kalil’s arms measured at 34 5/8 inches, good
for a 80 1/8-inch wingspan. He stood on
everything he did at the NFL Scouting
Combine, and I believe that this draft will
mark the first time in league history that
one school has had two offensive linemen
picked in the top 10 in back-to-back years.
Tyron Smith was picked ninth overall by the
Cowboys last year.
BRS (Gollin) –
Probably will be long gone by the
time we pick at #13, but write-ups suggest
he’d fit the bill perfectly and might be
worth trading up a few rungs to get. A lot
will depend on how the guys rated behind him
grade out.
Pro Football Draft Guide
–
Physically has everything
teams look for in a pass protector.
That’s enough to make him the first OT off
the board. Quality LT prospect with the
requisite length and athleticism but
sometimes slow to react.
From nfl.com -
Undisputed top tackle prospect. An
early-entry junior. Has all the physical
tools to achieve success at the next level
and has continued to develop his game
technically throughout his career. NFL
pedigree (Dad played semi-pro/ brother,
Ryan, is a Pro Bowl center. Should be the
first lineman off the board and could easily
be a top-five pick.
Kalil is tall with an impressive frame he
carries well. Equally thick and strong from
his upper body down through his thighs, and
has thin calves and ankles (which suggest
he’s a light-footed mover). Explodes off the
ball every snap and gets to his destination
point with ease. Will provide a punishing
first blow to keep his man off balance in
the run game, and is very comfortable
getting to the second level to fit on
backers. Has a very technically sound kick
step in pass pro and slides very smoothly.
NFL-ready in terms of using hands
de-cleating potential.
Some concerns about how well he can anchor
and stall bull rushers (given his tendency
to play upright). Limited level of knee bend
could be a concern. Rarely snaps his hips
through as a run blocker and is more of a
mirror/positional blocker. Should work on
his knee bend and flexibility to handle the
more explosive ends at the next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Strong combination of
size and athleticism as a blind-side
protector. Prototypical LT feet, bends
naturally at the knees and plays with
balance. Quickly gets into sets and can ride
speed rushers past the pocket with long
arms. Uses a strong punch and has shutdown
strength once he gets into proper position.
Has the lateral mobility to slide and mirror
to stay in front of rushers. Can sink and
anchor to counter effective bull rushers.
Only time he gets into trouble is when he
oversets or lunges.
|
Strong and powerful inline run blocker who
moves defenders off the ball. Above-average
quickness with first step and lateral
movements /consistently gets into proper
position. Sometimes will initially engage
with too high of pad level but quickly
resets and regains leverage. Balanced /is
rarely seen on the ground. Excels as a
second level blocker. Good timing and angles
coming off of combo blocks / easily engulfs
LBs. Above-average athlete pulling in the
open field and adjusting well to cover up
targets.
|
Instinctive / appears to have a thorough
understanding of assignments. Slightly
better as a run blocker than in pass pro.
Quickly locates and indentifies target in
the run game. Can adjust on the fly against
defensive line movement. Patient in pass
sets and does a nice job of staying at home
to pick up twists. Only concern in pass pro
is that he was late picking up defenders
from the third level a few times.
|
It's obvious he takes pride in his craft.
Plays with an edge and works to sustain
blocks. Has a nasty side and is not afraid
to mix it up. Will finish when given the
opportunity.
|
|
Jonathon
Martin 6053 312 Stanford (Arm: 34) |
Combine: Didn't participate in any drills.
Pro day
— Martin ran the 40-yard dash in 5.27 and 5.43
seconds. He notched a 30-inch vertical, an 8-8 broad
jump, a 4.68-second short shuttle and a 7.69-second
three-cone. Martin had 20 strength lifts, with arms
that measured 34 1/8 inches. The parents of the
likely first-round pick both went to Harvard and
practice law.
Mayock Pre-Senior Bowl Position Rank: 3.
BRS (Gollin) –
He's been flying below the radar in many Top
10 mocks. (Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll
fall into our laps at #13). The sense I get is that he’s
sounder in pass pro and the mental aspects
of the position than Reiff, but is more a
smart, athletic technician than he is a
street-fighter. If the Cards are looking for
a LT, I’d rate him slightly higher than
Reiff, but if we were looking for someone to
become our starting RT, I could see us
rating Reiff a tad higher.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment -
"I
don't like Martin. He is soft. I don't think
he's the athlete he's made out to be. He's
goiing to be drafted in the first round. I
would take him in the fourth. I would like
to play against him. I hope he comes to our
division."
Pro Football
Draft Guide
– Safe pick to become a starter and has LT
qualities but his less-than-elite
athleticism and power will limit his upside.
Big, steady NCAA
LT
who can run block, but has some limitations
in pass pro.
From nfl.com -
One of two tackle prospects in this year's
class who could be considered elite.
Aggressive, smart, technically sound
Stanford product prospect who should be able
to contribute immediately.
Has prototypical starting skills for the
position. Missed just two games in his
career and is extremely tough. Carries his
weight well and is one of the most
technically sound prospects in the draft.
Has a smooth, efficient pass-set that allows
him to get a solid, balanced base. Powerful
and aggressive vs. the run with very good
feet for his size. Anchored a very polished
offensive line - an NFL-ready tackle who
possesses all the traits.
But will tend to pop upright on contact and
get slightly off balance (usually when
slanting in the run game). Not a real
powerful or violent puncher(at times his
punches will slow his feet and he can get
caught off guard). Not a quick-twitched
mover off the snap and could have some
issues against the league's best speed
rushers.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - In pass pro, he quickly
gets into sets and plays with a wide base.
But doesn't always sink well and footwork is
inconsistent which can make him off-balance
and susceptible to effective power moves
Must be firmer protecting the edge and will
turn shoulders & provide rushers with a two
way go). Must be more patient in sets. But
he is a gifted athlete who is light on his
feet and can slide and mirror with defenders
once he’s gotten into position. Also uses a
quick and compact punch and resets quickly.
Bottom line is that he needs a lot of
technical work in pass prt but has good
upside due to athleticism."
|
In the run game, he has excellent initial
quickness and takes proper angles to get
into solid initial position and open up.
Stays low with a wide base to get initial
surge to open up running lanes. Inline power
base is good but he could get stronger in
the core. Easy mover in space. Quickly
transitions to the second level and can
adjust on the move when pulling around edge.
|
Natural football intelligence.
Assignment-sound in the run game.
Indentifies and locates targets at the 2nd
level. Can adjust on the fly against
defensive line movement. Good awareness in
pass pro. Locates pressures from the 2nd and
3rd level. Patient enough to stay home
working against defensive line stunts,
games, twists etc. "
|
We’d
like to see
him play with an edge more consistently.
Good fighter when locked in a phone booth /
works to sustain blocks. Will clean up piles
on occasion. Not yet a consistent finisher.
|
|
Reilly Reiff
6056 313 Iowa (Arm: 33¼) |
Combine: 5.23 Forty| 23 Reps| 26.5 VJ| 98.0" BJ|
7.87 3C| 4.75 20Sh|
Pro Day -
A projected top-10 pick. Reiff excelled in his
position workouts and recorded a 29 1/2-inch
vertical jump and 26 strength reps. He is almost a
carbon copy of former Hawkeye and current Packers OT
Bryan Bulaga, but Reiff is a little bigger and has
better feet.
BRS (Gollin) –
Compared to Kalil – key drop-off
may whether he can handle speed-rushers off
the edge.
Arm length is only an inch less than most
top picks.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– More upside than any OL in this year’s
draft. Technically raw,but big upside; a
pure athlete with length and power to become
a franchise LT.
From nfl.com -
Started every game for Iowa following a
redshirt year where he was actually on the
defensive side of the ball. (Very durable
considering how heavily Iowa relied on its
run game). Smart -
should
be able to adapt to the NFL speed and
playbooks with ease. It’s unlikely that
Reiff will last past the first round of the
draft.
Big body
who uses his frame well in pass pro.
Powerful blocker adept at rolling his hips
into his man to tap into his power and
explosion. Fluid enough to get out into
space and seal the edge or work up to
linebacker level. In pass pro, he keeps his
weight even to have a good anchor and stall
bull rushers. He has incredible body control
and is a true technician working within the
box. Uses his hands well but is more of a
catcher.
At Iowa, he was a very polished player who
didn't show many weaknesses. Not the
strongest prospect at the position, ( more
of a catch blocker in pass pro and won't
have the ability to decleat any ends in the
NFL). If any type of foe will give him
issues at the next level, it could be heavy
3-4 defensive ends who could out-leverage
him and blow him back.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Above average balance
for size /can mirror defenders. Resets feet
and absorbs bigger bull rushers. Long and
quick enough to protect the edge when
footwork is sound (appeared to make strides
in this area last year). But there are
concerns about his ability to protect blind
side at the next level. Kick step is still
inconsistent. Can get beaten around the
corner or overset to the outside and get
beaten inside. Sets a bit too high and
doesn't deliver a violent initial punch.
Vulnerable to speed-to-power pass rushers
who can get under his outside shoulder and
bend back inside.
|
Can get under defenders as a run blocker and
drive them off the ball when he keeps pads
down (he could be more consistent there)..
Agile enough to scoop backside 3-technique
and seal front side 5-technique as a zone
blocker. Takes adequate angles to second
level and can cut off backside linebacker.
|
Keeps head up and on a swivel. Picks up
stunts in pass pro but struggles to adjust
when defensive front stunts on zone running
plays.
|
Developed more of a mean streak as the
season progressed (and there’s more room to
improve). Can drive defenders eight yards
downfield and then put them on their back.
Can cover downfield and get under defender's
skin.
|
|
Zebrie
Sanders 6055 320 Florida St. (Arm: 35) |
Combine: 5.41 Forty| 28 Reps| 27.0 VJ| 100.0"
BJ| 8.15 3C| 4.99 20Sh|
Pro Day - Sanders
has 34 5/8-inch arms, which is a good indicator of
future success as a pro. He must improve his
strength, but he looked very good in position drills
and projects as a second-round pick.
BRS
(Gollin) – Apparently
projects as a starting RT, but
appears to have potential as a LT if
he can be successfully coached-up.
Interesting option (perhaps as a
trade-down target or later on
the first day).
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Has all the tools to be a solid
NFL starter potentially at LT. Just
needs the right coaching staff.
Tackle prospect with the size,
length and athleticism, but slow to
react and shaky balance.
From nfl.com -
Started all but two games at LT or
RT during his career.Quick for his
size, (though he could stand to put
on more weight). He excels in the
pass game, where he uses his size to
keep defenders at bay and does not
allow defenders to get by him. Smart
player who rarely gets out of
position and projects to be a
reliable option for teams at the
next level with the potential to
creep into the first round of the
draft.
An athletic big man. Holds his own
in the run game, but is a great pass
blocker who knows how to use his
hands and size to stay productive.
He has good feet and is very smooth
in his movements and pass-sets. Good
agility /can get his body on
defenders up field in the run and
screen game.
While smooth, he does not
necessarily display the strength and
explosiveness you want in a
first-round-type lineman. (Gets the
job done but will not “wow” anyone
with his ability to knock a defender
off the line).
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Gets set quickly and
does a nice job with the angle of
his first step. Can shuffle
laterally but has limited
mirror-and-slide range. Not a
natural bender. Absorbs some
defenders and occasionally will give
some ground to more powerful bull
rushers, but he consistently gets
set and in good initial position. A
big OT with long arms, so he's
difficult to get around. Adept at
using his long arms to ride
defenders wide. Lacks an
overpowering punch and tends to set
his hands wide, which leads to some
problems with clutching, grabbing
and falling off of blocks.
|
Leaves his feet a bit too often
(which usually occurs when he loses
leverage due to wide hand
placement). But overall he's a very
good run blocker.Great job with his
first step / consistently gets into
position. Shows good range for a RT.
Gets out quickly as a zone run
blocker and also covers a lot of
ground as a second-level blocker.
Big enough to engulf smaller
defenders. Adept at steering
defenders once he’slocked on. Fights
to finish."
|
Intelligent and well prepared. Knows
his assignments. Good at chipping
and getting out to the second level
to find a LB to seal off in the run
game. Keeps his head on a swivel and
can switch off of guys. Does a very
nice job adjusting to the blitz.
|
Hard worker. Mentally tough. Fights
through the whistle and looks to
finish his blocks. Not a classic
mauler but he flashes a mean streak
and does not play soft.
|
|
|
James Brown
6034 306 Troy (Arm: 34½) |
Combine: 5.30 Forty| 24 Reps| 25.5 VJ| 102.0" BJ|
7.70 3C| 4.78 20 Sh|
BRS (Gollin) -
Caught my
eye during Senior Bowl week.
Ranked #11 OT by US Today (NFLDraftScouts). Listed
as a guard by Scouts, Inc. and other draft mags. No Scouts Inc. write-up, but I rate him my #1
sleeper and project him as a possible 3rd
or 4th round Cardinal pick.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment -
"I
like Brown on the inside, but he's a really good
athlete. He can stay on the outside. He's just
really raw, technique-wise. I wish he were more
nasty finishing, but he holds his own."
Pro Football Draft Guide
–
Perhaps the highest developmental lineman available.
The tools are there for Brown to be a starter at RT
or OG in a zone system. College LT who doesn’t have
the length to stay there…outstanding feet…raw but
potential All Pro LG.
From nfl.com -
Rarely allowed a sack during his tenure as blindside
blocker, but he projects to guard in the NFL (he
doesn't quite have the height to stay outside at the
next level). He is a better run blocker than he is a
pass protector. If he can be taught the guard
position and excel there, his versatility gives him
added value. Figures to be taken toward the end of
the second round by a team looking for line depth.
Has the initial quickness to move inside to guard
and jolt defenders back off the snap. A
solid run
blocker who can clear gaps and keep his man near him
once engaged. Defenders rarely fall off his blocks,
and he‘s effective moving up field and can sink his
hips to fit on a block. A competitive blocker who
always works to the whistle.
Brown didn't play inside at guard in college, so
there will be a learning curve. Only an average pass
blocker. Footwork is effective but he can often get
beat by falling forward and being too aggressive. If
he were to remain at tackle, he
could face
going up against bigger, more athletic ends.
Mayock
Pre-Senior Bowl Position Rank: 4. |
Mike Adams
6072 323 Ohio State (Arm: 34) |
Combine: 5.40 Forty |19 Reps
|28.5 VJ
| 100.0" BJ | 7.94 3C | 4.95 20Sh | No 60Sh
|
Pro Day —
Adams just got measured and worked out in
position drills, and he looked good but not
exceptional. He’s a good athlete with long arms.
One of the things teams are concerned about is
his inconsistency, which isn’t something that
can be addressed in a pro day work out. If you
look his tape from the Nebraska game last
season, he looked like a first-round pick. He
didn’t look quite as good, however, in the
Purdue tape.
BRS (Gollin) -
Looks the part but may
lack game-production. Caught my
eye during Senior Bowl week.
Seems like the high talent-plateau atop the first
round drops off a bit here. Brian Billick
impressed by his sheer size and strength. Needs
more work in weight room.
Mayock
and staff were impressed during Senior Bowl week.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment -
"Put on a clinic against Whitney Mercilius."
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Has the physical traits to become a
starter but his game doesn’t translate well.
He’s likely a future swing tackle. Elite LT
measurables but knocked off balance a little
too easily. Still has upside left.
From
nfl.com -
Has flashed talent at left tackle, not
allowing many sacks when actually on the
field. Suspensions for violating team rules
and his part in Ohio State's "Tattoo Five"
scandal, as well as various injuries, have
kept him on the sideline too often during
his career. A rather un-exciting prospect
who can do the job and has the frame for the
next level, but figures to be initially more
of a backup option and would struggle if
thrown into a starting role. Off his
big-time school background and frame, he has
late round potential.
Has a good frame and just-good enough
footwork to not get beat at the collegiate
level. Employs a decent pass-set to get back
and anchor himself against the bull rush and
the footwork to shuffle and keep his feet
chopping when driving a man downfield in the
run game.
But not a very exciting player who’s not
very explosive.
More of a catch and react blocker
than one who delivers blows, and needs to
play with more fire to succeed at the next
level. Suspensions and injuries will also
eat away at his draft stock.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Struggles to sink hips
in pass pro and can give too much ground but
absorbs and resets feet more times than not.
Can slide feet and stay in front of
defenders when they try to shoot inside.
Quick and long enough to ride edge rushers
past the pocket. Strong punch /can knock
edge rushers off course. But a bit of a
swinging door who may turn shoulders when
taking away the edge, hurting his ability to
counter when defensive end redirects inside
after starting outside. "
|
Quick enough to get into position and can
wall off defenders in the run game. Can move
defenders off the ball but leg drive is
inconsistent / doesn't sink hips enough to
consistently generate push. Doesn't roll
hips and will slip off some blocks. Adequate
body control / can get into position
downfield but doesn't always take sound
angle when asked to cut off backside
linebacker.
|
Sometimes seems lost as a run blocker and
has problems locating assignment when
defensive front shifts at the snap of the
ball. Inconsistent at picking up line
stunts. Will miss defensive tackle looping
around when he overcommits to DE.
|
Won't back down from a challenge, bu, not a
traditional mauler and we’d like to see him
play with more of an edge.
|
|
Nate Potter
6057 303 Boise State (Arm: 34½) |
Combine: 5.36 Forty | 22 Reps | 28.5 VJ |
100.0"" BJ
|
7.49 3C | 4.67 20Sh |
BRS (Gollin) - Available
Players Above Him on Board: 3 (J Brown OL,
Reynolds and Dennard). Third offensive
lineman drafted by Cards. He brings LT
finesse to the table (whereas Massie and
Kelemete are considered more explosive
straight-ahead maulers.
Pro Day
did not do workouts because he hurt his back
lifting weights.
Pro Football Draft Guide –
Needs to add strength but has upside as a
potential LT in a finesse zone blocking
scheme
From nfl.com -
Reliable and athletic - started every game
the past two years at left tackle protecting
Kellen Moore. Takes good angles to the
second level and is a very heady player who
knows how to get to his blocks and has the
strength to stick on them. A bit underweight
at under 300 pounds and has fifth-round
talent – initially as a backup and
eventually a starter.
Quick off the ball to get into his blocks
and sustain in the run game. Has the
strength and balance to stick with it and
get movement. A very technical blocker who
employs a good pass set and quick feet to
get in position. Adept at getting up field
to the second level and sticking on
linebackers, (which gives him versatile
value as a guard).
But he’s non-explosive - gets movement from
his leg drive and not from initial contact.
Hasn’t pulled much at Boise State, and there
are some questions as to how his game will
translate right away at the next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Long framed and is light
on his feet. But not an elite athlete or
natural knee-bender. Balance and lateral
quickness is just average and speed rushers
can give him problems off the edge. While he
doesn't sink well he appears to have the
frame and enough strength to anchor against
power moves. Strong hands / can control
defenders once he gets into proper position
and latch on.
|
Not a dominating road grader but has the
frame and strength to cover up defenders to
open up running lanes. Has the short-area
quickness to establish position but will
take poor initial angles on occasion. Shows
good strength at the POA but needs to play
with better pad level. Will lunge and lean
on defenders and fall off of blocks.
Surprisingly transitions well to the second
level and he takes solid angles in this
area. However, he is a limited athlete who
does not have great ability to adjust on the
move when playing in space.
|
Good poise as a run blocker. Effective zone
blocker who can adjust when defensive front
shifts at the snap of the ball. Keeps head
on a swivel in pass pro and can pick up
blitz. But he can be a quarter-count late
recognizing and reacting to defensive line
twists.
|
More of a finesse blocker than a mauler.
Mean streak but not consistently). Not a
finisher at this point.
|
|
Brandon
Mosley 6055 314 Auburn (Arm: 34) |
Combine: 5.21 Forty | 30 Reps | 27.0 VJ |
103.0" BJ | 74.43 3C |4.78 20Sh |
Pro Day -
He only did position drills, administered by
scouts, as there were no offensive line
coaches involved. Mosley has lots of upside
and his athleticism showed during drills,
but he needs to get stronger. Could go in
the middle rounds.
PFW Scout's Candid Comment -
"Could be a riser because there is no one
else. He's tight-ankled and plays tall, but
the mushroom club is going to fall in love
with his toughness."
Pro Football Draft Guide
– One of the most intriguing developmental
prospects in the draft. Could deliver a huge
reward to a patient team in 2 or 3
years.Converted TE still learning the
position. College RT but has the tools to
play LT if coached up.
From nfl.com -
Has not been playing tackle long. Continues
to develop both physically and with his
skill-set. Expect him to be selected in the
seventh round by a team with the depth and
patience to develop his big body on the
outside.
Can mirror the defender and keep his man in
front of him. Not a violent blocker but can
move people enough to create a hole. Has
played in a spread offense where he was
responsible for walling defenders off and
getting to the second level (something he
excels at).
A clear developmental prospect for two
reasons: (1) He hasn't played the position
long, (2) he played in a spread. He will
have a serious developmental phase and a
tough time playing immediately.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Tall, long-armed OT. Not
a natural knee bender but does show good
natural agility for his size. Wide wingspan
/ difficult to get around. Adequate
quickness in his pass pro set. Must improve
his footwork and hand placement consistency.
Developmental project but has upside due to
his size potential, agility and balance. "
|
Fires out of stance as a run blocker and
shows the quick feet to consistently get
into position. No mauler but he has the
frame to engulf smaller defensive linemen
with good upper body strength to lock out
and steer. Plays with balance and almost
always under control. Rarely leaves his
feet. Can get in position and hit a moving
target on the second level.
|
Adequate awareness as a blocker in space and
should continue to improve with more game
experience.
|
Aggressive, tough and physical player.
Fights to finish. Still learning his craft
but does not play tentatively. Plays the
game with tenacity.
|
|
Matt Reynolds
6044 302 BYU (Arm: 33¼) |
Combine:
5.37 Forty | 25 Reps | Didn't Jump |
Pro Day -
Reynolds was at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran the 40-yard
dash in 5.12 and 5.20 seconds, recorded a 29-inch vertical,
an 8-foot-11 broad jump, a 4.68-second short shuttle, a
7.55-second three-cone. His arms measured 33 1/8-inches
long, and he didn’t bench press.
He’s older, because he missed school to go on a religious
mission. He had a good workout, though he didn’t knock
anyone’s socks off.
Pro Football Draft Guide
–
Potential starter in a power scheme, but it seems likely it
will be at RT or inside
From nfl.com -
A bit undersized for the position and could potentially be
moved inside where his height wouldn't inhibit him. Has
fifth- or sixth-round talent but could have trouble if kept
outside to protect the quarterback at the next level.
Powerful run-blocker who can snap off the LOS into his man
quickly and leg drive sufficiently to keep his man occupied.
Decent athletic ability can get upfield nicely and position
on lLB’s, (which makes a switch inside even more viable).
Quick off the ball but a bit of a slow mover once
working up field. Can fall off blocks at times and must show
that he can sustain at the next level. Older than the
average rookie due to his Morman mission time away from
football.
|
Tony
Bergstrom 6053 313 Utah (Arm: 32) |
Combine: 5.27 Forty
| 32 Reps | 29.5 VJ | 101.0" BJ |
4.87 20Sh |
PFW Scout's Candid Comment -
"The only reason I pushed him up into the
third-round is because of where Zane Beadles went (midway
through the second round). I would have liked to leave him
in the fourth. That's how he plays, but someone will jump
him early. The linemen always pop off fast."
Pro Football Draft Guide
–
Not much upside here, but he could be a nice fit at RT or
inside for a run-heavy power-blocking scheme
From nfl.com -
Like Reynolds, an older prospect (went on a religious
mission for two years). Reliable/ hasn't allowed many sacks.
Avery good mover in space who works well to the second level
- could be an option
for teams to work at guard. A solid, reliable, risk-free
prospect who could eventually develop into a starter and
should settle into a backup role nicely early on;
a late-round value.
Moves well in space. Not very aggressive blocker, but when
pulling he is very good at chopping his feet, gatherimg his
weight and settling into a block to put himself into a
position to get movement and keep sustained. A technically
sound player who uses his hands well. Looks natural in his
pass set and gets his hands readied early to fight off
rushers. Not very strong, but relies on feet and technique
to work on the line and make reliable blocks.
Lacks explosion and seems almost weak. Doesn’t get much of a
jolt when working off the ball and struggles to get a lot of
movement as a run blocker. Unaggressive blocker and is more
of a catcher who uses his feet and hands to react and
mirror. He is what he is: Reliable, big, and a student of
the game, but he isn't going to blow anyone away at the next
level.
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Andrew Datko
6060 315 (Arm: 33¾) |
Combine: 5.32 Forty | Didn't Lift |
29.5 V | 100.0" BJ | 7.71 3 | 4.54 20Sh
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Pro Day -
Datko did 20 strength reps. He performed
position drills, answering questions about
whether he can pass a physical after he had
shoulder surgery last year.
BRS (Gollin) –
Smart, lunch-pail type who may have
technique flaws but enough athleticism and
savvy to make it as a swing backup player or
even a future starter down the road. (Note
he’s not on the USA Today NFLDraftScouts.com
list of 26 tackles, guards or centers and
may, therefore, turn out to be a late round
or UDFA sleeper).
Pro Football Draft Guide
– If he comes out, he should win over a
position coach and become a starter on the
right side.
From nfl.com -
A much better run blocker than pass blocker
and will need to work on his pass-set and
overall strength to handle NFL-caliber
defensive ends. Has the drive and
competitive spirit necessary to succeed at
the next level; and certainly has the size.
A big man who can get overpowered at times,
Strength training should be a postseason
necessity for him.
Fast off the LOS and immediately fits on his
blocks whether it be linemen or at the
second level.
Not an explosive mover, but can stay
with his blocks once on them. May struggle
in pass pro but usually blocks long enough
to get the job done. He Makes up for average
athletic ability by being technically sound
and understanding how to use his hands and
feet to keep defenders occupied. As a run
blocker, he works hard to move defenders
and, despite his weaknesses, is a "get the
job done" player at the end of plays and
games.
He can be stiff at times and struggles
noticeably with certain movements. While he
is an effective blocker, it’s usually not
pretty and when he has to move a lot - and
when inconsistencies in his play can show
up. Does fit on blocks OK, often struggles
to get there. A catcher as a blocker, but it
has served him well up to this point.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Light on his feet. Gets set quickly. Can get
depth in his set and cut off speed rushers
without overextending. Quick feet to shuffle
laterally. Can change directions smoothly.
He generally does a nice job with his hand
placement. But
he plays like
he has shorter arms. Will occasionally lunge
for initial contact, dip his head and let
his feet go dead. Plays with a bit of a
narrow base and powerful bull rushers can
drive him back into the QB.
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Not a mauler. Lacks lower body strength to
drive blocks. Will leave his feet on
occasion and fail to finish a bit too often.
But he is a very effective zone-run blocker.
Quick first step / outstanding job with his
blocking angles. Consistently gets into
position and plays with good balance in the
run game. A technician in the run game. Some
upper body power. Very good awareness in
space and consistently hits the moving
target. "
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Great awareness in space as a run blocker.
Understands angles and is technically sound.
Experienced and consistent. Well prepared /
work in film room translates to the field.
Knows his opponents tendencies. Shows good
instincts versus the blitz in pass pro.
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Good motor. Hard worker for four quarters
and mentally tough. Has a mean streak but
we’d like to see him finish more
consistently. Lacks killer instinct at times
and it occasionally costs him.
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Matt McCants
6057 308 UAB (Arm: 35½) |
Combine: 5.52 Forty | 17 Reps | 25.5 VJ
| 97.0" BJ | No
3C | No 20Sh |
BRS
(Gollin) - Evidently
not a weight room warrior.
Pro Football Draft Guide –
An intriguing finesse blocker with the potential to play LT
down the line if he gets after it in the weight room
From nfl.com -
A late-round value pick as a developmental project at
tackle. Has the natural size and frame for the next level,
but will need to put on some weight to hold his own. An
inconsistent on/off type player, but overall has late-round
value based on his potential and could continue to rise as
the postseason progresses.
A very good positional blocker with fluid hips. Has the body
control to get up in a defensive lineman's face, and if he
falls off, can recover and continue to shuffle and mirror to
keep position. (This serves him better in pass protection,
where he hardly ever allowed a sack). But he can struggle at
times in the run game due to lack of strength and explosion.
He’s athletic when moving in space and plays much better
when pulling or sealing than in a phone booth, which could
make him a guard prospect
Not very big or strong (he played the
majority of his career under 290 pounds). Struggles coming
out of a three-point stance and has some very telling and
troubling tendencies which could scare NFL teams. Not very
technically sound with his hands. (All these things come
together to scare off teams considering whether they want to
develop a big frame into a NFL-ready competitor.
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Bobby Massie
6061 316 Ole Miss (Arm: 35) |
Combine: 5.23 Forty | 22 Reps | 27.5 VJ |
103.0" BJ | 7.70 3C | 4.95 20Sh |
Pro Day - Stood
on everything from last month’s combine.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Road-grading tackle with the length and
athleticism to play LT but must be coached
up. A developmental prospect with some nice
upside. Has LT potential but could start on
the inside as Plan B.
From nfl.com -
Massive OT, four years removed from a year
at the renowned Hargrave Military Academy.
Not a standout player in college and will
have to find the right opportunity to get
drafted late to a team with a need.
Size is Massie's best friend, since he can
excel as a blocker in the run game simply
from being able to maul his man and control
from his girth. Rarely got blown back by
defensive linemen in college and has a
strong anchor that he sits nicely in after
his pass set. More of a react-and-catch
blocker who gets away with this technique
solely due to his leg strength. Decent range
in his pass set /controls his man once
engaged.
But not a very dynamic athlete and a
slow-footed mover. Not a natural bender and
rigid in many of his movements. Labors to
work to the second level and and struggles
when sifting through traffic to engage his
man. Relies on catching his man in pass pro
and will get in trouble with that technique
at the next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Above average upside as
a pass blocker. Sets too high and gets
knocked off balance by power rush but his
ability to recover from initial power surge
and reset is excellent. Protects the edge
well though initial quickness is just
average. Effective kick step / long arms.
Upper body strength seems above average -
can knock edge rushers off balance with
punch (though he needs to be more consistent
in delivering it). While can redirect once
locked on, he can also overset to the
outside and get beaten to the inside at the
snap. Top-heavy and vulnerable to pull
moves.
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Quick enough to get into position and drive
legs in the run game. Footwork could be
crisper but has lateral mobility and balance
to develop into an effective zone blocker.
Washes defenders down the line when extends
arms but fails to lock out at times. Doesn't
generate enough surge as a drive blocker.
Doesn't deliver a violent initial punch or
roll hips on contact. Plays high. Leans /
spends a little too much time on the ground.
Engulfs linebackers when he can reach them
but angles are inconsistent and h has some
problems adjusting to moving targets in
space.
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Keeps head up and locates assignments when
asked to combo block up to the second level.
Seems to make sound pre-snap reads and can
be seen pointing out assignment on film.
Picks up blitzes and line stunts when he
keeps head on a swivel but can overcommit at
the snap and get caught out of position.
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Short memory (negative plays don't
snowball). Won't back down in phone booth -
average effort, but more of a positional
blocker than a mauler. Lacks a mean streak /
not a finisher.
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Brandon Brooks
6-5 343 Miami (O) |
Pro Day - Senior
guard Brandon Brooks was the main focus of Pro Day, as he is
projected as a middle-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL
Draft. Brooks completed 36 reps
on the bench press and had a vertical leap of 32 inches. He
also clocked a sub-five second
40-yard dash.
BRS (Gollin) - My radar screen started blinking in
early April about this guy. Missing a 2nd round pick, the
Cardinals - badly in need of OT help - may have to look to
the mid-late rounds to uncover one or two "diamonds in the
rough." Brooks fits the profile.
Miami (O) Scouting Reports -
An all-star candidate in his final season ... although he
sat out spring drills because of an injury, Miami's coaches
have penciled him in as a starter at right guard ... Brooks
has to be a a factor for the RedHawks to be dominant up
front ... has the potential to be a game changer because of
his athletic ability ... coaches are counting upon him to be
a team leader.
East-West Shrine (Miami PR Dept)
- Brooks was one of the players who most
helped himself during the week. Displaying a huge 6 ft 5,
343 pounds, Brooks absolutely dominated all week long and
finished strongly in the game. He displayed power in his run
blocking, good technique in his pass blocking and has a
chance to be a day 2 pick thanks to his strong Shrine Game
showing.
Another website,
BleacherReport.com, was equally complimentary to Brooks:
The West's power running game
led the way to their game-winning drive late in the fourth
quarter, and this was mostly due to the terrific play of the
trio playing on the interior line at the time. Miami
University guard Brandon Brooks, Connecticut center Moe
Petrus, and Saskatchewan right guard Ben Heenan all did a
great job throughout the game of lead blocking in the middle
to open up holes for the running game. The player who really
helped his stock this week was Brooks. Weighing in at 353
pounds, Brooks is an absolutely massive player, and he uses
his strength and power to his advantage. Brooks really
turned heads with his performance in this game, and went
from a late-rounds draft selection to a player who will be
selected in the middle rounds.
National
Football Post - "The guard prospect everyone needs
know about. He wasn't a Combine invitee but could be
starting in the NFL from Day 1." Has experience playing left
tackle and both guard spots, but his body type says more
guard only in the NFL. He is a long armed guy for his size.
However, possesses a physical make-up and carries his weight
well. Struggles in space when asked to get out and pull.
Looks a little top heavy, doesn't possess "plus" range when
asked to get into the second level and lacks ideal balance
when trying to breakdown and take proper angles. Has a tough
time changing directions once he gets his momentum going and
routinely will whiff into contact. Nevertheless, is a
naturally strong kid in the run game as an in-line guy.
Showcases good bend when asked to coil up into his stance.
Did a much better job as a senior keeping his pad level down
and running his legs through contact while staying engaged.
Showcases quick hands off the snap. Doesn't have a real
explosive first step, but is so powerful he can create a
push in-line as a run blocker.
Does a good job
sitting into his stance in the pass game. His size and
natural power allows him to be a "plus" anchor player vs.
the bull rush. Plus, his length again allows him to gain
leverage into contact and he's really improved his punch as
the year went on. Is an above-average athlete for his size
and exhibits solid change of direction skills. But, isn't
real technically sound with his footwork in pass protection
at times. Doesn't stay real balanced, wants to be aggressive
and get his hands on lineman, and will get caught lunging
into contact. .
Impression: Is a
big, strong kid who has some lateral quickness for his size
but needs some technique work. Nevertheless, has some upside
and can win consistently in the run game and pass game and
looks like an NFL starter in an angle scheme to me.
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Blake
DeChristopher 6050
305 Virginia
Tech |
Pro Day -
Forty: 5.52 | Ten: 1.94 | Twenty:
3.28 | BP: 25 | VJ: 26 | BJ:
8.05 | Sh Sh: NA | 3C: NA |
BRS (Gollin) -
Reddog (posting
on ASFN) had a legitimate question: "If he's as good as
Mitch says he is, why wasn't he drafted?" Maybe it was the
subpar forty time, but his write-ups suggest he should be
included with Massie, Kelemete and Potter as keys
torebuilding our O-line.
Walter Mitchell (posting on
ASFN) - 2011: graded over
90%, averaged 10+ knockdown blocks a game, best in ACC. Won
the ACC Jacobs Blocking Award give annually to the ACC's
best offensive lineman. narrowly winning it over Zebrie
Sanders. Watched him in a few games---have seen quite a lot
of him anyway and have always liked him---very stout and
strong on the edge---probably one of the top 5 RTs in
college football the last two years. Plays with the same
type of temperament that David DeCastro does. And plays on
strength and technique. Might be best suited to play guard
in the NFL---but this kid, imo, has an excellent chance to
succeed.
NFL
Draft Scouts -
Draft Scout Snapshot:
2010: Started every game … Led the
team with eight knockdowns against NC State … Graded 88
percent at Miami with six knockdown blocks … Collected
seven knockdown blocks in the ACC title game against FSU
and graded out at 87 percent … Won the Don Williams TEAM
UNITED Award during the spring for the offensive player
who put the team first. 2009: Started every game but one
… Sat out the Duke game with an ankle injury … Bounced
back with a career-high eight knockdown blocks in the
Boston College game … Shared the Coaches Award for the
offensive player who had an exceptional spring with
tight end Andre Smith. 2008: Started the first game at
right tackle, played just four plays before suffering a
thigh bruise and a bruised kidney … Was forced to sit
out two games, returned to start final 10 games … Led
the team with seven knockdowns in the Maryland game.
2007: Dressed for several of the Hokies’ early games as
a backup at right tackle … Was held out of action and
redshirted … Won the Paul Torgersen Award as the top
offensive newcomer during spring practice.
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