With a good caffine buzz going, onto the interior offensive linemen starting with the guards.
- Justin Blalock - Texas
A lot ''experts'' don't have him as the top guard in this draft, and personally I think they are retarded. I like Ben Grubbs as much as the next guy, as you will see below, but Blalock is a dominate... I repeat DOMINATE player. He wowed scouts at the combine bench pressing 225 40 consecutive times, which was more than any other player this year. I have had the privilege of watching the vast majority of this young super hulks games, and that weight room strength unquestionably translates into football strength. The four year stater for the horns plays with a mean streak like very few linemen do, and finishes his blocks. Blalock lead the way for the dominate Texas run game as he constantly jolted defenders, getting great push and racked up plenty of pancakes. He truly engulfs defenders. This consensus first team All-American last year (in addition to his other accolades: first team Freshman All-American 2003, first team All-Big 12 2004-2006) has great size, 6'3'' 320, combined with impressive speed, 5.1. The knock on Blalock is that he lacks ideal lateral quickness to play tackle, which is why I have him in my guard rankings. He played the final 6 games of last year at guard after starting the rest of his career at right tackle. I do think he could play right tackle, but I know he can play guard and make multiple pro-bowls. He needs to refine his technique a little bit, as does virtually every prospect, but Coach Mack Brown raves about this kid. He's legit, the size and strength to physically over match defenders at the line and the surprising speed and athleticism to get to the next level and protect his QB versus speed rushers. In case you couldn't tell I really like him. Blalock is an elite talent in this draft, but his position is one that very rarely gets picked high. Still Blalock is one of the few guard talents who warrants a first round pick, yet it looks like he will slide into the mid second round where he will provide one of the best values in this draft.
2. Ben Grubbs - Auburn
Grubbs is a very fine prospect in his own right and would be the premier guard in the draft, if he didn't happen to go into the draft the same year as Justin Blalock. At 6'3'' 310lbs Grubbs has the size to play inside but his greatest assest is his quickness, which isn't something you say for a lot of 310 pound guys. A bit of a freak athlete, Grubbs spent time playing defensive tackle and even tight end before settling into his role at guard for the War Eagle. Grubbs is a little smaller than Blalock and will never be dominate straight ahead power run blocking lineman but he will fit perfect for a team that pulls its guards often. He will have some trouble with giant two gap DTs and needs to improve his techinque, as he is fairly new to the position. Chicago and Indy at the end of the first round are possibilities, but he's more of a mid 2nd round guy who should be a very good pro.
3. Arron Sears - Tennessee
Giant and versitle are the best words to describe this four year starter for the Volunteers. At 6'3'' 320lbs Sears has started games at every O-line spot, except center: 13 starts at left tackle, six at right tackle, four at right guard, and one at left guard in his first three years as he started every game at left tackle last season. Sears has pretty good quickness for such a large man, but he doesn't maintain that athleticism over long distances, 5.45 40. He has had some problems keeping his weight in check, and isn't a great conditioned athlete which may say something about his desire to succeed at the NFL level. He also had an off field episode as he accepted illegal gifts from a store and had to return them to keep his eligability. Sears has the talent to play in the league for a long time, if he really wants to. Likely second round pick.
After the big three, or really two who stand a really good chance of being good and the one who may be good, there is a bit of a drop off. Josh Beekman - BC, Marshal Yanda - Iowa, Andy Alleman - Akron, Manny Ramirez - TT, Mansfield Wrotto GT, and Dan Santucci - ND all have a chance of being solid players, and it would be lovely to write about them but unfortuantely timing is something, I just won't be able to make it.
Centers
- Ryan Kahil - Southern Cal
A very very good center prospect. Not quite as good as Nick Mangold, but he's not that far behind. Kahil does everything well. He's very smart, and has tons of experience playing at the highest level. Very technically sound with good mobility. Great intangables, proven productive player who plays bigger than his size, 6'2'' 298. Able to get to the second level, 4.95 40. Virtually no negatives to talk about. Very well could go in the late first round and will be a steal if he goes after that.
2. Samson Satele - Hawai'i
There is probably a bigger drop off between Kahil and Satele than there is between any other 1 and 2 ranked player at any other position. That is not to mislead you into thinking that Satele isn't capable of being a good starter in the league, however. Samson is a very good, experienced pass blocker with versitility all over the line (has played guard and tackle as well.) However this native Hawain will have to make a somewhat difficult transition from playing in the Warriors offensive system to a pro system. He's not experienced as a run blocker, and needs to get stronger. He has had some problems keeping his weight in check, he weighed into the combine at and even 3 bills which is a decent wieght for his frame 6'2.5''. Satele has good short area quickness, but lacks downfield athletic ability that Kahil has. A bit of a project who may be best served sitting for a year learning the blocking system and getting stronger, Samson could be a player down the road. It isn't everyday a center comes along who has hit type of pass blocking ability. Third rounder.
3. LeRoy Harris - North Carolina State
Really sort of a 2b at the center position this year. Harris is a very hard worker, who finishes blocks and shows the ability to drive defenders back off the line. Anchors the line very well, and has a lot of experience. Good strength for his size, 6'2.5'' 300, but struggles a bit locking onto defenders at the second level. Good football IQ, will be able to bark out blocking assignments. Durability is the major concern with Harris and is what has him sliding down some boards, he missed games in his sophomore and senior seasons. Good news is that neither of the injuries was degenerate and he should be healthy for training camp. At worst he should be a solid back up in the NFL, and a probable Day 2 pick.
Now as much as I would love to spend the next hour talking to you about Dan Mozes of WV and Doug Datish of THE Ohio State University, again I don't if I'll have enough time. See you guys tomorrow for more of our position preview series.
No comments:
Post a Comment