cbssports: top prospects at offense midway

cowboyjoe

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http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/14197755/repositioning-top-prospects-at-midway-offense
Tackle

1. Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State) 6-5/305/5.22/1
The SEC's best pass protector also impresses scouts with his agility in space. A lack of brute strength could cost him come draft time, however.
2. Anthony Castonzo (Boston College) 6-7/308/5.06/1
Castonzo has gotten stronger this season both against bull rushes and as a run blocker. He's gaining ground with scouts combining added strength to his natural athleticism.
3. DeMarcus Love (Arkansas) 6-5/315/5.18/1-2
Early in the year, Love was beaten occasionally because of poor technique. In recent weeks, however, his footwork has improved and he's as effective on the move as any lineman in the class.
4. Nate Solder (Colorado) 6-8/315/4.89/1-2
The former tight end will impress at the Combine with straight-line speed and strength, but he tends to bend at the waist too often instead of trusting his exceptional length and foot speed.
5. Jason Pinkston (Pittsburgh) 6-4/320/5.12/2
Similar in build to Duane Brown and Chester Pitts, a team will like Pinkston's combination of strength and agility enough to pick him in the top 64.

Guard
1. Rodney Hudson (Florida State) 6-3/284/5.26/1-2
Reminiscent of longtime Kansas City starter Brian Waters, Hudson's ability to get out in front of run plays and anchor in pass protection despite his relative lack of size are impressive.
2. Mike Pouncey (Florida) 6-5/312/5.29/2
Even taking his struggles with snaps out of the equation, Mike has not played as strong or balanced as brother Maurkice, a first-round pick in '09 and current starter for the Steelers, did a year ago. Still, he has the size and athleticism to be a long-time starter.
3. Orlando Franklin (Miami, Fla.) 6-7/318/5.30/2-3
Franklin sometimes looks vulnerable to speed at left tackle, but teams will view him as a starting guard or right tackle prospect with coaching because his strong hands and length make it tough for defenders to disengage.
4. Benjamin Ijalana (Villanova) 6-4/320/5.34/3
Already compared to last year's top FCS offensive line prospect, UMass OT Vladimir Ducasse, because of his build and length, Ijalana follows in Ducasse's footsteps by going to the Senior Bowl this January.
5. Steve Schilling (Michigan) 6-5/304/5.14/3-4
One of the reasons Denard Robinson has a lot of room to run when healthy. The former tackle can move opponents off the line with his bulk and feet or get into space to negate linebackers at the second level.

Center
1. Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State) 6-3/298/5.16/1-2
Known as the nephew of former Penn State (and Oakland) great Steve Wisniewski, Stefen is making his own name as a tough and technically sound lineman able to play guard (as he is now) and center.
2. Kris O'Dowd (Southern Cal) 6-4/300/5.16/3
O'Dowd might not be considered an elite prospect because of his injury history, but defensive tackles find it difficult to beat him one-on-one and his nimble feet and strength make him an ideal zone run blocker.
3. Kevin Kowalski (Toledo) 6-3/298/5.19/4-5
Another probable mid-round offensive line pick out of Toledo (along with former Rockets John Greco and Nick Kaczur), Kowalski's sturdy frame, durability and rough-and-tumble play endear him to scouts.
4. Brandon Fusco (Slippery Rock) 6-4/300/5.24/5
A late bloomer coming out of high school, Fusco's grown into a legitimate NFL-sized center prospect with the fiery attitude offensive line coaches love.
5. Tim Barnes (Missouri) 6-4/300/5.14/5-6
Just like the Tigers, Barnes is gaining respect in the scouting community for his strength inside and ability to handle covering the large area the team's wide splits require in pass protection.

Fullback/H-Back
1. Stanley Havili (Southern Cal) 6-1/230/4.64/3
Lacking the bulk of the typical pounding fullback, Havili is still a solid positional blocker, and brings receiving and running skills most NFL teams want in their fullback.
2. Charles Clay (Tulsa) 6-3/234/4.67/4-5
Has played anywhere and everywhere for the Golden Hurricane in his career, and could finish with 1,000 yards rushing, 2,000 yards receiving and 40 TDs. Should intrigue teams with his ability to line up as an H-back or reserve power back.
3. Owen Marecic (Stanford) 6-1/245/4.78/5
A Spencer Larsen-type prospect contributing to the Cardinal as a fullback, linebacker and special teams ace. He has two interceptions, two rushing touchdowns, five receptions, 30 tackles, and four pass breakups this season.
4. Shaun Chapas (Georgia) 6-3/238/4.72/7
The Sporting News tabbed him as the SEC's best blocking fullback last year, and his physicality has allowed the Bulldogs to improve their running game since he returned from an ankle injury.
5. Anthony Sherman (Connecticut) 5-11/242/4.65/7-FA
UConn's two-time co-captain is the type of blue-collar worker most teams want as blocking fullback and special teams contributor (58 career tackles).
 

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