Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001 NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE CENTER CROP
Even though they rarely get any recognition, those that subscribe to the Paul Brown (former Bengals coach) and Chuck Noll (Pittsburgh) game plan, know that the center position is the most "pivotal" on the offense. While the left tackle seems to be the most glorified of the offensive line performers, the center is not only responsible for protecting the quarterback from an immediate onslaught, but also is assigned the task of calling blocking assignments on the front wall. Yet, one look around the league and you will find quite a few former tackles and guards residing at center, thanks to the lack of develop- ment by these center prospects at the collegiate level. Suddenness off the snap is critical for a center, as he will generally have to get out in space immediately to neutralize the oncoming linebackers, so smooth foot agility is a must for anyone trying to play the pivot. They must be very adept at angle blocking while also showing the foot shuffling skills to retreat quickly in pass protection. When gauging a center's agility tests, teams will put more emphasis on that player's 10-yard dash time (explosiveness off the snap) and shuttle drills (lateral movement) than on what they are timed running the 40-yard dash. With the defensive linemen become more agile, teams are shying away from that fireplug-type, squat center, favoring one with the athleticism of a Jeff Mitchell, who will be sorely missed in Baltimore. The best of the 2001 class appears to be Nebraska's Dominic Raiola, who has the sudden burst off the snap and lateral agility that perfectly match what teams are looking for. Rarely do you find capable offensive linemen developing in the small college ranks, but Texas A&M, Kingsville has shipped a nice handful of front wall products to the NFL over the last few years. Many feel that Robert Garza may be the best lineman the school has ever produced. His performances against major college competition in post-season all-star games all but assures that Garza will follow Raiola as the next center to be selected in the upcoming draft. Both Garza and Raiola have incredible quickness, making their short area blocking skills a premium in the NFL's recent return to emphasizing the ground game. Minnesota's Ben Hamilton walked away with several All-American honors and comes from strong bloodlines, as his father Wes, was an offensive lineman with the Vikings, but unlike Garza and Raiola, quickness off the snap is non-evident, knocking him out of the first day draft picture. Wisconsin's Casey Rabach plays a similar game to Hamilton, but shows better trap blocking skills, which could see a team shift him to offensive guard, much like Jacksonville did last year with Brad Meester. Pittsburgh's Jeff McCurley and Arizona's Bruce Wiggins will see their draft stocks continue to drop, thanks to injury woes. McCurley, projected as an early round pick, suffered a serious knee injury at the Senior Bowl, leaving his 2001 season in question. Wiggins battled injuries all year and failed to impress the scouts with his post-season performances. After the above mentioned players, the talent base quickly drops off here. That is why teams are looking for alternatives. Tulane's Bernard Robertson, Michigan State's Situpe Peko and Louisiana State's Louis Williams are prospects that will probably shift from their guard and tackle slots to center at the pro level. All have the hand quickness needed to make the adjustment inside, but timing and experience at center will have to be slowly developed before they can compete for a starting job. Purdue's Chukky Okobi is a former guard who had success in his move to the pivot last year, as All-American QB Drew Brees was capably protected up the middle for the first time in his career, thanks to the Nigerian's trap blocking skills. California's Reed Diehl could be a nice late round find, as he started at every position on the Bears' front wall during his career, seeing action at more than one position in the same game seven times as a senior. Another sleeper emerging from the pack is David Brandt, a steady, powerful drive blocker who was overshadowed by more hearalded linemates Steve Hutchinson and Jeff Backus during his days at Michigan. THE POSITION REPORT CARD…Raiola will be the first center taken, probably in the second round, but some team will not cry over getting the "consolation prize" here when they select Robert Garza. The center crop this year took a big hit when Jeff McCurley got injured, but possible position switches by Bernard Robertson, Louis Williams and Situpe Peko will add depth to the draft's second day. Thanks to the athletic ability of Garza and Raiola, I give this position a C+ grade. THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives...Little shorter than one would like, but will compensate with tremendous power and a very wide lower torso to get leg drive...While he has impressive lateral agility, he does drop to his knees at times when moving upfield to neutralize the linebackers. CAREER NOTES…Another in a long line of sensational offensive linemen to wear a Nebraska uniform in the last three decades...In 1999, he became the first sophomore center since Dave Rimington in 1980 to garner post-season honors...Became the first freshman offensive lineman to start a game since Rob Zatechka in 1991...The two-time Nebraska Lifter of the Year finalist has been very capable of "lifting" the Cornhuskers' formidable rushing attack, setting a school season-record with 140 knockdown blocks (11.67 per game) as a sophomore, only to better that mark the following year with 145 (13.2 per game)...Blessed with the perfect blend of power and quickness, he set school position records in their off-season conditioning program in the 10-yard dash (1.70) and 20-yard shuttle (4.20)...While known for his exploits on the football field, he has been equally impressive in the class room, garnering Academic All-Big Twelve Conference honors the last two years while making the conference's honor Roll three times….In 35 games, he participated in 2100 plays, graded 86.2% for blocking consistency, had 361 knockdowns and 34 touchdown-resulting blocks. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's Olin Kreutz. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Look for Raiola to be the first center taken, probably in the second round. Pittsburgh was eying him before signing Jeff Hartings, but look for the Lions to give him serious consideration after the first round. He's starting no later than year two. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives…Despite his power, he seems to be more of a finesse-type blocker...Slow at times in pass protection, lacking the shuffling ability to create much movement...Tends to get his hands too high, resulting in a lot of chest blocks...Works well at the point of attack, but is a little stiff pulling and trapping...Plays short-armed in pass protection. CAREER NOTES…Moved into the starting lineup at center late in his freshman
year...Standout weight man on the school's track team, winning the Lone
Star Conference title in the discus in 1999...Finished third in the
shot put at the 1999 NCAA championships and won the title the following
year with a toss of 57'0"...Started 39 of the team's last 40 games…In
his last three years, he graded 82.3% with 267 knockdowns, 19 touchdown-resulting
blocks and allowed only three sacks in 2109 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Ex-Chief
Tim Grunhard. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Forget the small college
competition he faced, as he still stood out when playing vs. the big
boys in all-star games. Could sneak into the second round, but Baltimore
is hoping he's still there in the third. Negatives...Generates some pop upon impact, but needs to develop more overall strength... Struggles to follow through in his attempts wall off and screen, lacking leg drive to consistently finish...Shows effort upfield, but only marginal ability in maintaining balance and foot agility on the move...Little slow to redirect, lacking sudden movements in his lateral slide. CAREER NOTES…Versatile lineman who started 36 of the 46 games he played in for the Wolverines...Began his career as an offensive guard before shifting center early in his sophomore campaign...Handled all blocking assignment calls for the last two seasons…In 2037 plays, he graded 81.1%, made 132 knockdowns and had 14 touchdown-resulting blocks. REMINDS ME OF…Cleveland's Dave Wohlabaugh. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…He is not a finished product, but has excellent trap blocking skills that could be better served at guard. Look for a team like Tampa Bay or Oakland to give him strong consideration later in the draft. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives…Lack of size is a big drawback, as he lacks the strong balance to withstand the punishment the more physical defenders deliver...Quickly loses contact with the defender due to his short arms... Overextends coming off the snap, resulting in a lot of time falling to the ground... Struggles to lock out the defenders coming off the edge rush...Frequently beaten by counter moves because he seems to bend at the waist, rather than sinking with his hips on contact... Impressive weight room numbers just don't seem to transfer onto the field...Has dyslexia, but the coaching staff says it hasn't affected his football learning ability. CAREER NOTES…Tech's most consistent lineman, starting his last 26 games...One of the major reasons that the team set Big East Conference rushing records during the last two seasons... Earned "Elite Athlete" honors for his performance in the school's off-season weight training program...Started at right guard as a sophomore before shifting to the left side in his junior campaign…In the last two years, he participated in 1390 plays, graded 84.8%, made 114 knockdowns and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks. REMINDS ME OF…Cleveland's Jim Pyne. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like his former Tech alumn, Pyne, he's too undersized to suit me and I am not convinced that he can cut it at the pivot, where he lacks the intelligence to make line calls. Go back and look at the Syracuse game this year. He should've been arrested for attempted murder for the way he let the Orange defense maul Michael Vick. THE SUPER SLEEPER Negatives…Still needs to further develop his upper body frame and has to improve his strength at the point of attack...When he can't overpower a defender, he will generally lunge at him, taking him off stride and causing him to look sloppy in body control... Crosses his feet a little too close on the trap...Has to get lower in his stance in order to take defenders off their feet as a drive blocker...Gets over-aggressive at times, which tends to take him out of his "game" as he will experience concentration lapses...Foot quickness is only adequate when he has to move upfield to neutralize the linebackers… Serious knee injury suffered at the Senior Bowl required reconstructive surgery, leaving his 2001 season in doubt. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay on the Panthers' front wall since arriving on campus, starting in his freshman year as a nose guard before moving to offensive guard as a sophomore... Again shifted positions as a junior, sliding inside to center...His versatility gave the coaching staff a solid alternative at any position on the offensive line...Played in 46 games (including bowls) for Pittsburgh, finishing his career with a streak of 42 consecutive starts...Enjoyed playing with his brother, Scott, a linebacker for the Panthers the last two years…Graded 82.1% as he saw action in 2203 plays, making 247 knockdowns with 19 touchdown-resulting blocks during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Miami's Tim Ruddy. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…If some team needs a center down the road, Jeff is well-worth the wait as he recovers from knee surgery. He has All-Pro makeup, if he can return to form. In the later stages of the draft, some team is certain to roll the dice and come up with a "7 or 11" instead of snake-eyes. FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES None. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Despite his power, he is more of a finesse-type blocker, rarely delivering the "knockout" punch to his opponents...Lacks a kick set in his initial movements off the line...Needs to develop a nasty streak, as he seems almost passive at times on the field...Has to develop more lower leg strength and improve upon rolling his hips through blocks...Does not shoot his hands up to deliver the proper punch that he should coming off the snap...Also has to improve on his hand placement while blocking, as he tends to "short arm" rather than extend into the defender... Overall power development is lacking from his game and frame. CAREER NOTES…Has started every game he's played in for the Green Wave...Developed into one of the premier pass protectors in the South...His string of 44 starts are the most ever for a Tulane offensive lineman…Graded 82.2% in 3117 plays, totaling 295 knock-downs and 24 touchdown-resulting blocks. REMINDS ME OF…New Orleans' Wally Williams. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Injury questions could see his draft stock slide a bit, but much like Williams, his ability to play a variety of positions will make some team give him mid-round consideration. A capable back-up type who will need a few years before earning a starting tag, but well-worth the wait. #55-BEN HAMILTON University of Minnesota
Gophers 6:04.3-283 Negatives…Lacks that snap into contact explosiveness needed to drive defenders back...Very tight in the hips, showing little flexibility and lower body strength to create movement off the ball...Goes to the ground too much when facing the more physical blockers as his knees seem to buckle underneath him from the bull rush, causing him to lose his ability to sustain the block... Does not generate a surge off the ball, rather containing the defender at the line, at best...Works better when the guards assist him as he does not have the body control to stay with the quicker pass rushers...Shows limited ability to anchor due to a lack of leg drive, which generally will cause defender to walk over him in their quest to get to the quarterback...Has to learn better hand usage, as he still has yet to develop skills to covertly grab the defender's jersey without being caught by the referee...Does not use his knees well while moving, appearing to bend more at the waist, which causes him to slide off his blocks...Lacks overall strength to be effective at either guard or tackle. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay on the Gophers' offensive line, starting every gam he's played in (46)...Mentally tough pivot man in the mold of Denver's Tom Nalen...Has outstanding character...I Invited to the Playboy All-American ceremonies last year, but declined because of his strong Christian values...Comes from fine bloodlines, as his father, Wes, played on the offensive line for the Minnesota Vikings... Called the best center to ever play at the University of Minnesota…Saw action in 3151 plays, grading 82.3% as he made 230 knockdowns and 25 touchdown-resulting blocks. REMINDS ME OF…Denver's Tom Nalen. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Good developmental prospect, but will rely more on finesse rather than power in his game. He may have cleared away the mantle piece for his All-American trophies, but he won't be earning anything outside of a paycheck at the NFL level, which is cool. #70-CASEY RABACH University of Wisconsin Badgers
6:04.3-301 Negatives…As well-built of an athlete that he is, he does not consistently demonstrate raw power...Lacks explosiveness coming off the snap and seems to have his feet slide out from under him when having to move past the short areas...Sloppy taking on linebackers upfield...More of a wall-off and screen-type of blocker than one that would manhandle the defender...Struggles to stay up on his blocks and lacks the vision to follow through and finish, at times...While he demonstrates good hand usage, he needs to develop more power behind his punch to rock defenders back...Ducks his head and loses sight of the defender working in space...Glides, rather than drive forcefully off the ball when called upon to trap for the ground attack. CAREER NOTES…Four-year starter with 48 games under his belt...Another in a line of standout blockers to perform for Wisconsin during the Barry Alvarez era...Since 1993, Alvarez' teams have produced three consensus All-American blockers (center Cory Raymer and tackles Aaron Gibson and Chris McIntosh) and eleven first-team All-Big Ten Conference offensive linemen...Evidence of his ability as a drive blocker is the fact that the Badgers have averaged 218.0 yards per game rushing during his career (over 10,000 yards total)...Has never mishandled a shotgun snap in his four years at the school...Holds the rare distinction of garnering All-Big Ten Conference first-team honors at two different position, picking up those accolades as a center in 1999, then as an offensive guard in 2000…Had 26 touchdown-resulting blocks, 357 knockdowns and an 83.2% grade in 3136 plays during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Washington's Mark Fischer. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Consistency and toughness are his strong suits. Like Fischer, his ability to also play guard will make him a valuable reserve until gaining starting status in a few years, but he's certainly a keeper. #70-BRUCE WIGGINS, III University of Arizona
Wildcats 6:02.4-281 Negatives...Has to rely on sudden quickness due to his lack of ideal size...Lacks the overall power to handle the bigger defensive tackles without assistance...Needs to add at least 20 pounds of bulk to his frame to withstand the inside punishment at the pro level. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who saw his senior season get sidetracked by a nagging ankle sprain...All-out hustler who competes on every play...One of the quickest trap blockers in college football...Started the final 30 games he played in for the Wildcats, grading 83.0% with 220 knockdowns and 18 touchdown-resulting blocks in 1988 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Dallas' Mark Stepnoski. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…An injury-plagued senior year drops him to the tail-end of the draft, but his deep snapping skills will get him a long look in training camp. Good back-up type, but doubt if he'll ever be a starter. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR Negatives…Former tight end who has been slow to develop as a pass protector...Still over-extends when trying to work the screen and can still use hours in the weight room to develop more strength...Maintains a narrow leg base in pass protection, causing defenders to knock him off stride...Very sloppy trying to pick up the blitz, as he tends to drop his hands too quickly after the initial hit...Has to show better backpedaling ability, as he has difficulties dipping his hips to contain the bull rush. CAREER NOTES…Began his career as a tight end at Cerritos (Cal.) College in 1996...Spent the next year on the sidelines due to injuries and then shifted to offensive tackle in 1998... Enrolled at Michigan State in 1999 and has started 21 of his last 22 games for the Spartans…In 1203 plays, he made 189 knockdowns with 14 touchdown-resulting blocks. #56-CHUKWUNWEZA "CHUKKY" OKOBI Purdue University
Boilermakers 6:00.4-316 Negatives…Player who is more concerned about lifting weights than conditioning himself... Woefully out-of-shape character who has the frame that looks like he's a human balloon...The added weight has seen him lose that quick first step he displayed when he first entered the Purdue program...Can gain movement off the snap, but is very stiff in his leg drive and keeps his base too narrow, causing defenders to consistently rock him back...Labors trying to get into second gear upfield and lacks the stamina to give full effort for the entire game...More of a push-&-shove type than a blocker that explodes into the defender coming off the ball...Struggles to make hand adjustments out of closed quarters...Has little recovery ability once he's beaten... Makes only passive swipes with his hands and prefers to lean into the defender with his body, rather than facing up...Has extremely small hands (8 ½-inch width) for a lineman. CAREER NOTES…Fifth-year senior who has earned starting assignments since his freshman year...Began his career at center before shifting to offensive guard, then returned to the pivot for his final year…Made 156 knockdowns with 19 touchdown-resulting blocks in 2870 plays, but also allowed 16 sacks. #70-LOUIS WILLIAMS, JR. Louisiana State University
Tigers 6:04.2-291 Negatives...Rarely is intelligence a liability, but he tends to out-think himself on the football field by caring more about proper technique rather than displaying it all the time...His hesitation causes the quicker edge rushers to escape his initial burst off the line...Gets too mechanical, almost robotic in his upfield movements and is more suited for an interior line position so he will only have to work in the short areas...Has to develop a nastier disposition...Needs to show more fluid movements in his feet in order to pick and slide on sweeps...Gets upright in his stance and straightens his legs too quick, causing him problems in attempts to gain proper leverage. CAREER NOTES…Rising star who has been not only a model of consistency for the Tigers, but also one of the most versatile linemen in the game...Started 33 consecutive games at Louisiana State, lining up at four different positions...The team captain has also excelled in the classroom, earning Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll accolades three-straight seasons…Had 196 knockdowns and graded 81.4% in 2169 plays. #60-REED DIEHL University of California Golden
Bears 6:03.1-302 Negatives…Lacks lateral agility...Needs to improve the bulk content and power of his legs, as he can be driven back due to poor foot plant structure...Has some knee bend, but looks very uncomfortable shuffling back in pass protection...Arms are shorter than ideal, limiting him to an interior blocking assignment...Won't deliver that forceful punch to rock defenders back and needs to get better separation after delivering the initial hit...Needs to have a nerve problem in his leg (2000 injury) further evaluated. CAREER NOTES…Consummate team player who will line up wherever the coaches need him to perform...Plays through injuries that would sideline most athletes...Has 31 starting assignments to his credit…Registered 127 knockdowns and graded 83.1% while participating in 1316 plays during the last two seasons. #73-LaSHAUN MACK Norfolk State University
Spartans 6:02.4-291 Negatives...Lacks a sense of urgency in his play, tending to take a few snaps every now and then...Has to shift inside at the pro level due to a lack of size, bulk and ability to handle the quicker edge rushers...Struggles to maintain contact working the backside due to marginal knee bend and hip-sinking skills...His stiffness in his hips causes him to get too upright in his stance during pass protection...Despite his leg drive, he tends to have problems anchoring vs. the more physical defenders...Takes too many shots to the chest from the defender's hands, resulting in him getting rocked back on his heels due to his narrow leg base...Lumbers in his movements upfield, but does use his hands well to neutralize the linebackers. CAREER NOTES…Anchor for the Spartans' offensive line at the demanding left tackle position since his junior season and has started on the offensive line since early in his freshman year...The two-time team captain has not allowed a quarterback sack in his last twenty appearances... Durable athlete who has never missed playing time because of injuries…Made 207 knockdowns with 22 touchdowm-resulting blocks, grading 82.8% for 2054 plays.
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