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Peak performers: O-line likely to produce bumper draft class again
Yahoo! Buzz Digg Newsvine Reddit FacebookWhat's this?By Frank Cooney, Special to USA TODAY
This year's draft will have plenty of offensive line talent, even if it can't provide the record eight first-round tackles the 2008 draft boasted. Starting with Baylor's Jason Smith, as many as five offensive tackles are expected to be taken in the first round, including four of the top 15 picks, according to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com.
The center position adds more talent to the draft than usual with a pair of proven Pac-10 stars — California's Alex Mack and Oregon's Max Unger— who will be gone by the end of Round 2.
PREMIER POSITION: Left tackle emering as NFL's money men
A mediocre group of guards is topped by Oklahoma's massive Duke Robinson.
A closer look at the top O-line prospects in this year's draft (school, height and weight listed; *indicates underclassman):
Tackles
1. Jason Smith, Baylor, 6-5, 309: He is just coming into his own as a tackle after converting from tight end in 2006. NFL teams love his combination of athletic ability and hustle. Teammates nicknamed him "Smooth" for the way he moves. He has excellent speed and can pull, trap and track down a defender in space. Smith missed some time in 2007 with a knee injury but seemed fine in 2008. According to the Bears' coaching stats, he allowed three quarterback pressures and 4½ sacks in his 24 games at left tackle the past two years. At the combine, Smith's best time in the 40-yard dash was 5.09 seconds, and he had 33 repetitions with 225 pounds on the bench press.
2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia, 6-5, 309: A top-rated prospect since high school, Monroe is still not a finished product and is always improving. He battled back from a 2007 knee injury and showed impressive durability in 2008. He has a prototype build to play tackle and comes complete with excellent footwork, balance and the ability to maintain his position against active defenders in pass protection. On running plays, he is nimble and tough, which often gets him into the second level where he can take on a linebacker. In fact, he was flopped to the tight-end side when Virginia wanted to take advantage of his blocking on strongside runs.
3. Michael, Oher, Mississippi, 6-5, 309: There seems to be no consensus on this natural athlete. Oher (pronounced "or") is a quiet, reserved man who speaks loudly on the field, where he has demonstrated the ability to absolutely out-quick, outmuscle and totally manhandle opponents. However that athleticism didn't seem to show up in his rather average combine workouts. Still, some scouts say he is so physically gifted that he will be a standout tackle, while others are concerned that he might not understand the complexities of his position or quickly grasp NFL blocking concepts. Oher was highly visible coming out of high school as a USA TODAY All-USA selection and a prominent subject in the book The Blind Side.
4. * Andre Smith, Alabama, 6-4, 332: Controversy follows this huge man, who was dominant when he played and conspicuous by his absence (for interaction with an agent) in the 2009 Sugar Bowl when Alabama was handled in a shocking loss to Utah. His latest dramatic episode came during his March 11 pro day workout even as he was trying to quiet controversy after leaving the NFL combine early. His weight was down a few pounds from the combine, to 325 pounds, but he looked bad as he ran 40 yards shirtless, his midsection jiggling for 5.25 seconds. He also had a disappointing 19 repetitions on the bench with 225 pounds. But on the field, his play was outstanding, and he won the Outland Trophy as the top lineman in the country. Until his suspension, Smith started and excelled in every game since his freshman season. He is a dominant run blocker who has surprising agility as a pass protector.
5. * Eben Britton, Arizona, 6-6, 309: Although he used sheer size, strength and athleticism to be a force, Britton could have used another college season to hone his game. He started all 37 games he appeared in at Arizona, lining up at right tackle for the first 24 contests before shifting to left tackle in 2008. Britton is a very bright, high-character type who was a team captain and is expected to work hard to get ever closer to his significant potential. He was flagged for four infractions in 2,461 snaps, according to coaches' stats. He made 17 blocks that led directly to touchdowns in 2008.
6. William, Beatty, Connecticut, 6-6, 307: Still growing into his body and his role, Beatty began his college career as a 265-pounder and has maintained the quick feet, agility and strength required to play left tackle in the NFL. He was impressive at combine workouts, with a best time in 40 yards of 5.06 seconds and 27 repetitions on the bench press with 225 pounds. He was the Huskies' anchor at left tackle the past two years after making a comeback from a broken leg that ended his 2006 season. Beatty allowed 6½ sacks in 689 plays over the past two years, according to coaches' stats.
7. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina, 6-5 304: Meredith has the natural strength and athletic ability to play guard or tackle. He is a quiet, thoughtful person who might be more effective if he played with more aggression. He was impressive during East-West Shrine practices, where he showed strong initial punch and excellent footwork. Meredith started 38 games, including eight at right guard, 11 at right tackle and 19 at left tackle. In the past two seasons, coaches' stats credit him with 17 blocks that resulted in touchdowns while allowing seven sacks on 753 pass plays. Meredith graduated in May 2008 with a 3.7 grade-point average.
8. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma, 6-8, 332: He earned All-America honors throughout his career, including two years at Garden City (Kan.) Community College. Loadholt has the size, strength and flexibility to be a dominant drive blocker in the running game. He had pass-blocking challenges at the Senior Bowl that validated concerns about his ability to stay at left tackle in the NFL. He might be a good fit at right tackle for a team that plays smash-mouth football. If he weren't so tall, he might be a better prospect at guard. Despite extremely long arms (36½ inches), he managed 24 repetitions with 225 pounds on the bench at the combine.
Guards
1. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma, 6-5, 329: A massive blocker who creates freeway-sized access for runners, Robinson was a finalist for the Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman in the nation last year and is a two-time All-American. During his last two seasons, he had 229 knockdown blocks and had a key block on 29 touchdowns. He is exceptional at getting into the second level and bullying linebackers and defensive backs, often to the point that he gets the attention of officials; he was penalized a dozen times the past two seasons. He is a great nephew of singer Smokey Robinson.
2. Herman Johnson, LSU, 6-7, 364: Even after dropping almost 20 pounds in the past year, Johnson is the biggest man in this draft. Still, he appeared to be in acceptable condition during Senior Bowl practices. He ran and lifted (21 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press), but didn't jump at the combine because of a groin injury. He did post a 26½-inch vertical leap at his recent pro day. He relies on his size to obliterate everything, including more than his share of sunlight. If he locks on to a defender, Johnson usually has an easy time controlling him. But he often plays too high and is susceptible to being pushed back by a low bull-rush. He is alert to twists, stunts and blitzes and has decent footwork in a small area. However, he is unable to go any distance to get into position against a moving target.
3. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin, 6-5, 328: When his streak of 45 consecutive starts ended against Penn State in 2008, the Badgers line struggled, and the team lost five of six games. Urbik is not an elite athlete but is big enough and works hard enough to be a force that is difficult to handle. He is best rolling forward in a power running game but is not effective seeking prey in open space. He started 50 games at Wisconsin, lining up at right guard 34 times and 16 more at right tackle. According to coaches' stats, in his final two seasons Urbik had 26 blocks that resulted in touchdowns and allowed three sacks on 680 pass plays.
4. Andy Levitre, Oregon State, 6-3, 305: Although he played tackle in college, Levitre will need to move inside at the NFL level to maximize his aggressiveness and minimize his lack of height, arm length and speed. He finished college with 35 consecutive starts and 39 overall. In his last two seasons, he started 17 times at left tackle and nine times at right tackle. During that time, he had 23 blocks that led to touchdowns and allowed 10½ sacks in 863 pass plays, according to coaches' stats.
5. Trevor Canfield, 6-5, 307, Cincinnati: A mauler, Canfield is as subtle as a punch in the mouth. He has a good combination of height, long arms, agility and a nasty disposition between the snap and the whistle. He not only blocks defenders, he blocks through them. He started 39 consecutive games, and coaches credit him with 300 knockdown blocks in that time. He also had 37 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. He was by far the most effective pass blocker on a team that gave up 134 sacks while he was starting. He was responsible for seven sacks in his career and as a senior gave up three sacks on 472 pass plays.
Centers
1. Alex Mack, California, 6-4, 311: He graduated last May, and among his many honors was the 2008 Draddy Award, given to college football's top scholar-athlete. Cal coaches call Mack the complete package at center, with great intelligence and technique, tremendous vision and an amazing awareness of his surroundings. At his pro day, he looked good in drills and was timed between 5.17 and 5.25 seconds in 40 yards but had a pedestrian 20 repetitions on the bench press with 225 pounds. According to coaches' stats, he registered 32 blocks that resulted in a touchdown and as a starter allowed one sack. After struggling against the bull-rush as a junior, he was improved last season and during Senior Bowl workouts.
2. Max Unger, Oregon, 6-5, 309: Versatility will add to Unger's value. He started 51 consecutive games and earned all-conference honors in every season — at left tackle in 2005 and 2006 and at center in 2007 and 2008. During his two seasons at center, coaches' stats credit him with 180 knockdowns and 29 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. In his last 786 plays, he was not penalized and allowed 6½ sacks. Although he is adept at the shotgun snap, Unger needs experience with the quarterback under center and might need more bulk to hold his ground at the next level.
3. Eric Wood, Louisville, 6-4, 310: Although taller than most centers, Wood is able to make the cut block. He gets off the ball and into his man in a blink and can drive back smaller tackles. Wood was team captain in 2008 and took pride in making all the line calls. In the last two seasons, coaches' stats credit Wood with 27 blocks that resulted in touchdowns and 164 knockdowns. On his last 992 pass plays he allowed two quarterback pressures.
4. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas, 6-4, 301: He has great initial explosion off the snap that gets him into the defender with startling quickness, but he needs to improve his lower-body strength to be consistently successful with the NFL's big boys. Luigs might be tried at guard to utilize his speed and quickness. Despite great competition, he won the Rimington Trophy in 2007 as the top center in the nation and shared the Southeastern Conference's Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Alabama's Andre Smith as the conference's top offensive lineman. Luigs started all 49 games he played at Arkansas, lining up at center in 42 contests and at right guard in seven. In his final two seasons at center, Luigs allowed 4½ sacks on 756 pass plays.
Cooney is publisher of NFLDraftScout.com, the scouting service of USA TODAY
Yahoo! Buzz Digg Newsvine Reddit FacebookWhat's this?By Frank Cooney, Special to USA TODAY
This year's draft will have plenty of offensive line talent, even if it can't provide the record eight first-round tackles the 2008 draft boasted. Starting with Baylor's Jason Smith, as many as five offensive tackles are expected to be taken in the first round, including four of the top 15 picks, according to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com.
The center position adds more talent to the draft than usual with a pair of proven Pac-10 stars — California's Alex Mack and Oregon's Max Unger— who will be gone by the end of Round 2.
PREMIER POSITION: Left tackle emering as NFL's money men
A mediocre group of guards is topped by Oklahoma's massive Duke Robinson.
A closer look at the top O-line prospects in this year's draft (school, height and weight listed; *indicates underclassman):
Tackles
1. Jason Smith, Baylor, 6-5, 309: He is just coming into his own as a tackle after converting from tight end in 2006. NFL teams love his combination of athletic ability and hustle. Teammates nicknamed him "Smooth" for the way he moves. He has excellent speed and can pull, trap and track down a defender in space. Smith missed some time in 2007 with a knee injury but seemed fine in 2008. According to the Bears' coaching stats, he allowed three quarterback pressures and 4½ sacks in his 24 games at left tackle the past two years. At the combine, Smith's best time in the 40-yard dash was 5.09 seconds, and he had 33 repetitions with 225 pounds on the bench press.
2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia, 6-5, 309: A top-rated prospect since high school, Monroe is still not a finished product and is always improving. He battled back from a 2007 knee injury and showed impressive durability in 2008. He has a prototype build to play tackle and comes complete with excellent footwork, balance and the ability to maintain his position against active defenders in pass protection. On running plays, he is nimble and tough, which often gets him into the second level where he can take on a linebacker. In fact, he was flopped to the tight-end side when Virginia wanted to take advantage of his blocking on strongside runs.
3. Michael, Oher, Mississippi, 6-5, 309: There seems to be no consensus on this natural athlete. Oher (pronounced "or") is a quiet, reserved man who speaks loudly on the field, where he has demonstrated the ability to absolutely out-quick, outmuscle and totally manhandle opponents. However that athleticism didn't seem to show up in his rather average combine workouts. Still, some scouts say he is so physically gifted that he will be a standout tackle, while others are concerned that he might not understand the complexities of his position or quickly grasp NFL blocking concepts. Oher was highly visible coming out of high school as a USA TODAY All-USA selection and a prominent subject in the book The Blind Side.
4. * Andre Smith, Alabama, 6-4, 332: Controversy follows this huge man, who was dominant when he played and conspicuous by his absence (for interaction with an agent) in the 2009 Sugar Bowl when Alabama was handled in a shocking loss to Utah. His latest dramatic episode came during his March 11 pro day workout even as he was trying to quiet controversy after leaving the NFL combine early. His weight was down a few pounds from the combine, to 325 pounds, but he looked bad as he ran 40 yards shirtless, his midsection jiggling for 5.25 seconds. He also had a disappointing 19 repetitions on the bench with 225 pounds. But on the field, his play was outstanding, and he won the Outland Trophy as the top lineman in the country. Until his suspension, Smith started and excelled in every game since his freshman season. He is a dominant run blocker who has surprising agility as a pass protector.
5. * Eben Britton, Arizona, 6-6, 309: Although he used sheer size, strength and athleticism to be a force, Britton could have used another college season to hone his game. He started all 37 games he appeared in at Arizona, lining up at right tackle for the first 24 contests before shifting to left tackle in 2008. Britton is a very bright, high-character type who was a team captain and is expected to work hard to get ever closer to his significant potential. He was flagged for four infractions in 2,461 snaps, according to coaches' stats. He made 17 blocks that led directly to touchdowns in 2008.
6. William, Beatty, Connecticut, 6-6, 307: Still growing into his body and his role, Beatty began his college career as a 265-pounder and has maintained the quick feet, agility and strength required to play left tackle in the NFL. He was impressive at combine workouts, with a best time in 40 yards of 5.06 seconds and 27 repetitions on the bench press with 225 pounds. He was the Huskies' anchor at left tackle the past two years after making a comeback from a broken leg that ended his 2006 season. Beatty allowed 6½ sacks in 689 plays over the past two years, according to coaches' stats.
7. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina, 6-5 304: Meredith has the natural strength and athletic ability to play guard or tackle. He is a quiet, thoughtful person who might be more effective if he played with more aggression. He was impressive during East-West Shrine practices, where he showed strong initial punch and excellent footwork. Meredith started 38 games, including eight at right guard, 11 at right tackle and 19 at left tackle. In the past two seasons, coaches' stats credit him with 17 blocks that resulted in touchdowns while allowing seven sacks on 753 pass plays. Meredith graduated in May 2008 with a 3.7 grade-point average.
8. Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma, 6-8, 332: He earned All-America honors throughout his career, including two years at Garden City (Kan.) Community College. Loadholt has the size, strength and flexibility to be a dominant drive blocker in the running game. He had pass-blocking challenges at the Senior Bowl that validated concerns about his ability to stay at left tackle in the NFL. He might be a good fit at right tackle for a team that plays smash-mouth football. If he weren't so tall, he might be a better prospect at guard. Despite extremely long arms (36½ inches), he managed 24 repetitions with 225 pounds on the bench at the combine.
Guards
1. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma, 6-5, 329: A massive blocker who creates freeway-sized access for runners, Robinson was a finalist for the Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman in the nation last year and is a two-time All-American. During his last two seasons, he had 229 knockdown blocks and had a key block on 29 touchdowns. He is exceptional at getting into the second level and bullying linebackers and defensive backs, often to the point that he gets the attention of officials; he was penalized a dozen times the past two seasons. He is a great nephew of singer Smokey Robinson.
2. Herman Johnson, LSU, 6-7, 364: Even after dropping almost 20 pounds in the past year, Johnson is the biggest man in this draft. Still, he appeared to be in acceptable condition during Senior Bowl practices. He ran and lifted (21 repetitions in the 225-pound bench press), but didn't jump at the combine because of a groin injury. He did post a 26½-inch vertical leap at his recent pro day. He relies on his size to obliterate everything, including more than his share of sunlight. If he locks on to a defender, Johnson usually has an easy time controlling him. But he often plays too high and is susceptible to being pushed back by a low bull-rush. He is alert to twists, stunts and blitzes and has decent footwork in a small area. However, he is unable to go any distance to get into position against a moving target.
3. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin, 6-5, 328: When his streak of 45 consecutive starts ended against Penn State in 2008, the Badgers line struggled, and the team lost five of six games. Urbik is not an elite athlete but is big enough and works hard enough to be a force that is difficult to handle. He is best rolling forward in a power running game but is not effective seeking prey in open space. He started 50 games at Wisconsin, lining up at right guard 34 times and 16 more at right tackle. According to coaches' stats, in his final two seasons Urbik had 26 blocks that resulted in touchdowns and allowed three sacks on 680 pass plays.
4. Andy Levitre, Oregon State, 6-3, 305: Although he played tackle in college, Levitre will need to move inside at the NFL level to maximize his aggressiveness and minimize his lack of height, arm length and speed. He finished college with 35 consecutive starts and 39 overall. In his last two seasons, he started 17 times at left tackle and nine times at right tackle. During that time, he had 23 blocks that led to touchdowns and allowed 10½ sacks in 863 pass plays, according to coaches' stats.
5. Trevor Canfield, 6-5, 307, Cincinnati: A mauler, Canfield is as subtle as a punch in the mouth. He has a good combination of height, long arms, agility and a nasty disposition between the snap and the whistle. He not only blocks defenders, he blocks through them. He started 39 consecutive games, and coaches credit him with 300 knockdown blocks in that time. He also had 37 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. He was by far the most effective pass blocker on a team that gave up 134 sacks while he was starting. He was responsible for seven sacks in his career and as a senior gave up three sacks on 472 pass plays.
Centers
1. Alex Mack, California, 6-4, 311: He graduated last May, and among his many honors was the 2008 Draddy Award, given to college football's top scholar-athlete. Cal coaches call Mack the complete package at center, with great intelligence and technique, tremendous vision and an amazing awareness of his surroundings. At his pro day, he looked good in drills and was timed between 5.17 and 5.25 seconds in 40 yards but had a pedestrian 20 repetitions on the bench press with 225 pounds. According to coaches' stats, he registered 32 blocks that resulted in a touchdown and as a starter allowed one sack. After struggling against the bull-rush as a junior, he was improved last season and during Senior Bowl workouts.
2. Max Unger, Oregon, 6-5, 309: Versatility will add to Unger's value. He started 51 consecutive games and earned all-conference honors in every season — at left tackle in 2005 and 2006 and at center in 2007 and 2008. During his two seasons at center, coaches' stats credit him with 180 knockdowns and 29 blocks that resulted in touchdowns. In his last 786 plays, he was not penalized and allowed 6½ sacks. Although he is adept at the shotgun snap, Unger needs experience with the quarterback under center and might need more bulk to hold his ground at the next level.
3. Eric Wood, Louisville, 6-4, 310: Although taller than most centers, Wood is able to make the cut block. He gets off the ball and into his man in a blink and can drive back smaller tackles. Wood was team captain in 2008 and took pride in making all the line calls. In the last two seasons, coaches' stats credit Wood with 27 blocks that resulted in touchdowns and 164 knockdowns. On his last 992 pass plays he allowed two quarterback pressures.
4. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas, 6-4, 301: He has great initial explosion off the snap that gets him into the defender with startling quickness, but he needs to improve his lower-body strength to be consistently successful with the NFL's big boys. Luigs might be tried at guard to utilize his speed and quickness. Despite great competition, he won the Rimington Trophy in 2007 as the top center in the nation and shared the Southeastern Conference's Jacobs Blocking Trophy with Alabama's Andre Smith as the conference's top offensive lineman. Luigs started all 49 games he played at Arkansas, lining up at center in 42 contests and at right guard in seven. In his final two seasons at center, Luigs allowed 4½ sacks on 756 pass plays.
Cooney is publisher of NFLDraftScout.com, the scouting service of USA TODAY
