Marcus McNeill RT (Auburn)

[Qwickdraw]

Marcus McNeill
College: Auburn
Year: Senior
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 335
Birthday: November 16, 1983

Auburn left tackle Marcus McNeill plays with a mean streak, so his opponents probably don’t think he’s funny at all. His teammates and coaches see another side of him: the team comedian who knows just when to break the tension and monotony of a practice or meeting with his quick wit.

With a scary combination of size, strength, and quickness, McNeill dominates as a run blocker. An excellent athlete for such a massive man, he starred in multiple sports in high school and seriously considered playing both football and basketball at Auburn. He’s been very durable throughout his college career, and played through a lower back injury as a sophomore.

McNeill is not a weak link as a pass blocker, but speed rushers can give him some problems. He could play left tackle in the NFL, but his best position at the next level may be right tackle.

Because he’s not a “pure” left tackle, McNeill may not be drafted quite as high as some might expect, but among teams looking to boost their running games he could be highly coveted.

 

[Hiero]

my #1 choice for the draft this year. hop on my bandwagon.

 

[Qwickdraw]

my #1 choice for the draft this year. hop on my bandwagon.

I think my sig clearly states that I'm DRIVING the bandwagon.

 

[InmanRoshi]

I would be extremely happy with McNeil at #18. I don't know why he's not treated like a premiere left tackle.

 

[MrPhil]

I too would be happy with Marcus McNeil.

Of course, I would also be happy with:

Santonio Holmes
Michael Huff
Haloti Ngata
Jon Scott
Eric Winston
Winston Justice
Manny Lawson

 

[Hiero]

I think my sig clearly states that I'm DRIVING the bandwagon.

I have been driving it for months, just not on this site, on another draft site.

 

[Hiero]

I would be extremely happy with McNeil at #18. I don't know why he's not treated like a premiere left tackle.

I would love to have him here at RT. I think he would be a better fit for us there. I could see him being an LT somewhere, although he would have some problems with the speed guys.

 

[marchetta]

Top of my board since the last bowl game. He has good footwork, and is as tenacious as Erik Williams (former cowboy ORT). The only concern I have is his back problems. I'm not sure they are a thing of the past. I'll post Drew Boylhart's (thehuddlereport.com) assessment of him in a minute.

 

[marchetta]

Here ya go!

Strengths
Marcus has been one of the better LT’s in college. In the past, he's been dominating in blocking for both the run and the pass. He is an excellent pulling tackle and he reminds me of a big train coming into the station for a stop once he gets going. He has long arms, long legs and is extremely athletic. He plays his position with ease, has a touch of nastiness to him and he reminds me of Walter Jones of the Seahawks. Marcus has played in some big games and has always shown up and been an impact player in those games.


Needs to Improve
First of all, this year Marcus looks like he's with child! I mean, really! He looks like Doctor Evil carrying around Mini Me! The announcers have mentioned that he has some back problems and some ankle problems, but all I know is on film this year, he's not played with a lot of consistency and has not been as dominant as in previous years.


Bottom Line
Marcus has been a big disappointment this year and I think that all of his problems are because he is carrying too much weight. If he can’t control his weight in college, how will he be able to control it when you give him a million dollars? Maybe all of this is because he does have an injury and can’t work out. I don’t know! All I know is that this kid has Walter Jones-like talent and unless he shows different in his workouts and at the combine, he's lost himself a lot of money because of his inconsistent play this year. If he's played with an injury all year long, then I say draft him as soon as you can because even with an injury, he is one of the best pure LT’s in this draft. He is further along in his football maturity, techniques and overall play than the Ferguson kid; however, until I find out otherwise, I would have to list him behind Ferguson and put a yellow flag on him: proceed with caution. Marcus (Big Train) McNeill -- I hope someone can get him back on track.

- Drew Boylhart (thehuddlereport)

 

[Qwickdraw]

I would be extremely happy with McNeil at #18. I don't know why he's not treated like a premiere left tackle.

Because he's a RT.
He's started at RT since a freshman and while he may be able to man LT, he's built for the right side. He and Dallas form a perfect marriage.

 

[jksmith269]

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46155

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I think McNeill would be a great pick at 18.

 

[lane]

I think McNeill would be a great pick at 18.

i would love to get marcus at 18.........bring it on!

we better get one of those tackles with the first pick.

 

[Big Country]

SHHHHH!!! Not so loud... Don't give anyone a heads up. Hopefully the hype is worth the wait.

 

[Qwickdraw]

Prediction:

Between now and the combine, McNeill will climb the charts into a top ten pick.

Then he will either shoot into the top five or drop back into the teens based on his weight and conditioning at his combine/workout.


Ultimately, I'm afraid he comes off the board before we pick at 18.
and I am sad.

 

[Rush 2112]

Not that it matters but I think McNeil played LT the bulk of his career.

 

[neosapien23]

Does anyone know what medical problems McNeil is having? Something about his neck or spine.

 

[austintodallas]

How's his back? We don't need anymore Jacob Rogers'.

 

[JonJon]

Speaking of Jacob Rogers....has anyone claimed him yet? I believe he passed waivers earlier this season. If he is still available, do you think Parcells brings him back in for another look in the offseason? I know he has been injured, but my stomach gets weak whenever I think of a blown second round pick...would be nice to get him back and see what he can do.

Edit:
Added Marcus McNeill to my bandwagon list :write: