Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001
NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE OFFENSIVE GUARD CROP
Even though the West Coast Offense is still being incorporated by several teams in the league, most are going back to conventional offenses that feature a more balanced ground attack. With the changes taking place, one position that will have to evolve with those changes is at offensive guard. In the West Coast formation, teams relied upon guards that excelled in trap blocking, pulling on sweeps and getting out quickly to the second level to angle block the linebackers. With so much emphasis on the short area passing game, it was necessary to have guards with excellent foot quickness, sacrificing bulk in their blockers for lateral agility. While the smaller, quicker angle blockers are not a dying breed, more teams are starting to convert large tackles into offensive guards. In a conventional 4-3 defense, the offensive line is usually matched up against a defense that features two mammoth tackles that come on relentlessly from the interior. To combat these defenders, teams are now looking for offensive guard who are big, physical pass protectors. Strength is a premium over quickness. Suddenness off the snap and a punishing hand jolt have replaced the small trap blockers. Despite the change to bigger interior blockers, lateral agility still is a big priority, for without that sideline-to-sideline acceleration, cutting off the defensive tackles would be extremely difficult. This year, you will see more than a handful of quality college tackles shifting inside at the pro level. Georgia's Jonas Jennings, South Florida's Kenyatta Jones, Idaho's Pat Venzke and Purdue's Matt Light are a quatrtet of collegiate tackles expected to reside at the guard position in 2001. Hawaii's Kynan Forney and Texas Christian's Mike Keathley greatly enhanced their draft stocks based on their success in moving inside during post-season all-star games. Northwestern State's (La.) Albert Traylor, Washington's Chad Ward, Arizona State's Victor Leyva, Mississippi State's Floyd Womack and Minnesota's Adam Haayer are others with experience at both guard and tackle. While learning the pro system, these athletes will play a key role in reserve, thanks to their versatility. Much of tailback Anthony Thomas' success at Michigan came running over the left side of the line, where Steve Hutchinson established himself as the best drive blocker in the collegiate ranks. Even though most teams tend to run to the right over the tight end area, Hutchinson's dominance in the trenches and superb work in tandem with tackle Jeff Backus resulted in the Wolverines gaining over 70% of their ground yardage over the last three years. Notre Dame was another team that went "against the norm" by gearing their ground game over the left side, where Mike Gandy delivered huge holes up the rush lanes. With anticipated moves inside, the guard position is deeper than it has ever been, with Jonas Jennings, Matt Light and Kenyatta Jones all expected to join Hutchinson and Gandy as first day draft selections. Chad Ward is probably the best pass blocker of the bunch and has drawn comparisons to former Husky, Oakland's Lincoln Kennedy. Boston College passers can attest to the pass protection skills of Paul Zukauskas, who is likened to former Eagle alumn, Pete Kendall, who takes his skills to Arizona from Seattle this year. Injuries sidelined Floyd Womack for a good portion of the 2000 season, but he proved in the Independence Bowl that he is more than just a big body filling out a jersey. Anyone with the name of Pork Chop will quickly endear himself to his next quarterback. One player that was overshadowed throughout his career, but has that smash-mouth mentality teams love is Illinois' Ray Redziniak, who may be a late round steal, as teams shy away from him due to medical concerns. Russ Hochstein hopes to join Will Shields as the next great Nebraska guard to make it big in the NFL, but traditionally, Husker blockers don't cut it in the prose due to a lack of pass blocking skills. Omar Smith was touted as one of the best guards in the country before the season, but a less than enthusiastic senior season at Kentucky, capped off my a listless performance in the senior bowl sees his draft stock doing the Harry Belafonte "Limbo Trick" (how low can you go) as draft day approaches. Albert Traylor is another highly regarded prospect who has struggled to return to prominence the last two years, but his excuse is tied to injury woes.
THE POSITION REPORT CARD… THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives…Looks a little awkward with his foot movements when trying to adjust to the line-backers blocking upfield...Needs to maintain balance on the move, as he tends to overextend in order to stay with his man, resulting in the defender's hand slaps knocking him off stride...Ducks his head before making initial contact. CAREER NOTES…The two-time team captain has started 45 games at the left guard position for the Wolverines in the last four years...Joined left tackle Jeff Backus in giving Michigan the best blocking tandem in the collegiate ranks...Was originally recruited as a defensive tackle, after starring at that position, in addition to tight end, during his prep days...His 45 career starts rank fifth in school history among offensive linemen...Became the second player in school history to earn first-team All-Big Ten Conference honors four times, joining defensive tackle Mark Messner (1985-88) and joined Messner, Michigan State punter Ray Stackhowitz (1977-80) and Purdue offensive guard Dick Barwegan (1943-46) as the only Big Ten performers to earn first-team conference honors in every year that they played for their schools…Made 28 touchdown-resulting blocks and 286 knockdowns in 47 games, participating in 3189 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Kansas City's Will Shields. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…The first team to go looking for a guard in this draft will quickly scoop up Hutchinson. Like Shields, you'd wish he'd be more physical, but he compensates with textbook blocking angles and pure athleticism. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives…Lacks foot quickness needed to be effective pulling on sweeps, laboring at times to maintain balance in the open field...Looks sloppy adjusting to moves upfield... Needs to sink his hips better when setting up in pass protection...Plays flat-footed, at times, causing him to look hesitant sliding laterally. CAREER NOTES…Has been a mainstay on the Fighting Irish offensive line since late in his sophomore season... Regarded as the best athlete among the Notre Dame linemen... Closed out his career with a string of 26 consecutive starts…Allowed only one sack in his last 20 games… Made 138 knockdowns with 14 touchdown-resulting blocks over the last two years. REMINDS ME OF…New York Jets' Randy Thomas. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Don't be surprised if this kid is converted to center, where Detroit seems to be coveting him to play, possibly in the second round. He's a wide body just coming into his own and can only get better. THE MOST UNDERRATED Negatives…Drive blocking technique is very raw...Bites on defenders fakes and struggles to engage the quicker rushers coming off the edge...Defenders tend to get their hands into his face and he spends more than his fair share of time on the ground...Bit of a waist-bender who plays too high to take his man off his feet...Needs to do a better job of maintaining his balance and sustaining contact...Seems like his motor stops if he has to block upfield...His lack of balance often results in him being caught in tight spaces... Very stiff in the knees, having problems adjusting to linebackers on the move. CAREER NOTES…Four year starter at left tackle, answering the opening gun in 40 of 44 games he's appeared in...One of the strongest players in the collegiate ranks, boasting a 490-pound bench press...Showed his athleticism by also performing on the school's basketball team in 1999-2000…Over his last 1332 plays, he delivered 27 touchdown-resulting blocks and 224 knockdowns. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Washington Redskin Tre' Johnson. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Rawer than sushi, but what promise! This kid works very hard to improve his craft. He could be a nice pickup in the third round and a starter by his sophomore campaign. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives…Needs to add some lower body strength to handle the more physical pro defensive tackles...Inconsistent at times getting his hands up properly…Somewhat awkward getting his hands up in pass protection, swinging his arms needlessly before getting his hand-set…Little stiff in his knee-bend, causing him to overextend and go to the ground too much…Not fluid in his movements upfield when trying to get to the linebacker, tending to lean into his blocks…Needs to find another defender to hit after making his initial block, rather than stand around and "admire" the play…Not that aware when having to pick up the blitz…Has problems with defenders' counter moves due to improper arm extension. CAREER NOTES…Did not get consistent playing time until his junior year, but has quickly established himself as one of the best trap blockers in the collegiate ranks...Appeared in 27 games during his career, earning 23 starts...Only player on the team to be on the field for every offensive snap in the last two years...Has answered the opening bell at three positions during his time with the Wildcats - right tackle, left tackle and right guard…Made 173 knockdowns with 19 touchdown-resulting blocks over the last two years (1705 plays). REMINDS ME OF…Ex-Buffalo Bill Joe Panos. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Went through the motions as a senior and further confused teams with less-than-stellar performances in post-season all-star action. Can he turn his career around? It's up to him, as he needs to show better dedication. THE SUPER SLEEPERS Negatives...Lacks the foot speed to play tackle, as the quick stunts by pass rushers on the edge have been his major problem in the past (can't get out of his stance quick enough, due to an extra 25 pounds around his soft mid-section, in order to gain advantage)...More of a mauler-type, needing to trim down and learn proper arm extension and overall technique...While he uses his size well, he needs to dedicate the off-season to the weight room to add needed strength (has only a 300-pound bench press)...Until he gets in better shape, he may only be useful to teams that emphasis zone blocking, as he does not have the foot agility or change-of-direction skills to be effective past the short area. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter for the Buffaloes at the right offensive tackle position... Established himself as one of the premier trap blockers in the NCAA Division II ranks...Joined the program after spending his first two seasons at Cerritos (Cal.) Junior College…Has 20 touch- down-resulting blocks and 176 knockdowns in 1194 plays. REMINDS ME OF…San Diego's Kendall Jacox. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Type of guy that San Francisco loves to work with. Probable late rounder or more likely a free agent, but you have to love the intensity in his play. #60-PATRICK
VENZKE University of Idaho Vandals 6:06.1-316 Negatives...Over-aged athlete who will be 26 at the start of training camp...Still very raw, technique-wise, as a pass protector...Plays on his toes too much in pass protection, preventing him from getting a proper anchor and needs to develop a more flat-footed stance to prevent defenders from taking him off balance...Lacks knee bend in his stance and spends too much time on the ground because of his narrow leg base causing balance problems...Despite his short-area quickness and explosion off the snap, he struggles to sustain his quickness at the second level, preventing him from consistently getting a piece of the linebackers...Needs to dedicate more than a few hours in the weight room to increase his overall strength, as he generally relies on his size to get him by. CAREER NOTES…German native who has made steady progress learning the game of foot-ball...Was an exchange student at Blackfoot (Id.) High who fell in love with the game before returning to Germany to complete his high school education...Spent two years serving in the German military before enrolling at Idaho in 1997...Despite "learning on the job," he has 42 starts in 44 games for the Vandals…Participated in 2356 plays, totaling 180 knockdowns and 19 touch- down resulting blocks over his last 33 games. REMINDS ME OF…Denver's Matt Lepsis. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Very raw talent, but he has good upside, the perfect body for drive blocking and a willingness to learn. Late in the draft, what better way to use your pick than on a player who has nowhere to go but up. FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives...Lacks classic knee bend and the second gear to make downfield adjust-ments...Has adequate change of direction skills and keeps his feet too narrow on the move...Holds a little too often, resulting in costly penalties...Better suited for guard as he has problems containing the quicker pass rushers off the edge...Struggles to maintain body control coming off the snap, as his feet tend to get ahead of him. CAREER NOTES…Versatile lineman who has started at several positions since forcing his way into the starting lineup as a freshman...One of the strongest athletes to ever wear a Husky uniform, boasting a school record 733-pound squat...One of only three players on the 2000 squad to play in every game during the last four years...His dominance as a drive blocker has resulted in Washington ranking with the national leaders in rushing during the last two seasons…Has only allowed three sacks (last one in 1998) while making 337 knockdowns and 28 touchdown-resulting blocks in 2825 plays during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Oakland's Mo Collins. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Few big men have his sudden acceleration out of the stance. Perfect fit for a team that faces a conventional 4-3 defense and doesn't use the West Coast offense. Some teams are not crazy about this guy - that's crazy. #78-MATTHEW
"MATT" LIGHT Purdue University Boilermakers 6:04.3-304 Negatives…Little bit of a trash talker...Not a self-starter, needing the coaches to "crank him up" in order to perform properly in practice...Little lean at 300 pounds...Shows inconsistencies with his hand punch, lacking proper recoil after making the initial strike...Keeps his feet too narrow on the move, making him look sluggish upfield...Slow to react to the blitz and is generally beaten off the edge by the quicker pass rushers due to his narrow base and improper hand usage...Lacks the power to anchor and gain leverage inside...Has had problems adjusting to the defender's counter moves. CAREER NOTES…Former tight end who has been responsible for protecting QB Drew Brees' blindside from the left tackle position for the last three years...Outgoing personality who has really matured over the years...Former complainer who has responded well to the coach's discipline and now lets his actions (and his trash talking) speak for himself on the field...Intelligent player who uses his explosiveness off the snap to contain and control some of the top pass rushers in the nation while competing against Big Ten Conference foes…Has 20 touchdown-resulting blocks and 172 knockdowns over his last 2751 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Dallas' Solomon Page. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Before the 2000 season, his immaturity was going to keep him unemployed in 2001, but he got a case of "the smarts" real quick. No longer a problem child off the field, he began to channel that energy into becoming one of the more dominant blockers in the Big Ten. If he can stay the course, he's a starter by his second year. If not, he'll put on a business suit and get on with life. Strictly boom or bust. #75-JONAS
JENNINGS University of Georgia Bulldogs 6:03.5-320 Negatives…Not that much of an inspired player and seems to always need the coaches to get him "motivated"...Makes passive attempts to ride the defender out coming off the snap...Loses contact too frequently as he insists on playing with short arms (keeps arms close to the body, rather than extending them)...Has mediocre balance when pulling for the ground game...Gives up too quickly when engaging defenders if his initial move does not work...Plays too high coming off the snap in pass protection, causing him to struggle with the defenders counter moves...Lacks natural knee bend, appearing too rigid in his stance...Makes no attempt to punish the defender, preferring to take them on with finesse...Could use a major attitude adjustment. CAREER NOTES…Versatile blocker who has started at guard, tackle and center over the last three years...One of the team's strongest players, boasting a 480-pound bench press...Finished his career with the most starting assignments among the 2000 Bulldogs roster (34)…Collected 153 knockdowns and 18 touchdown-resulting blocks while appearing in 1942 plays. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneer Frank Middleton. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Joins Matt Light in players undergoing an attitude adjustment in 2000. His ability to play a variety of positions seems very appealing in the early rounds to Dallas, who has had success in the past bouncing their linemen around (Larry Allen, Solomon Page, Flozell Adams), so this kid is born to be a Cowboy, partner. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Too much of a waist-bender, lacking the foot speed to makes adjustments on stunts... Has problems protecting the edge from speedy blitzers due to a lack of quickness...Leans into blocks and has difficulties rolling his hips to get proper explosion off the snap...Also needs to improve his foot technique and sustain his blocks on the move...Looks clumsy shifting to take on blockers upfield for the running game...Lateral agility is highly questionable, making it hard for him to locate, adjust and strike after making the initial block. CAREER NOTES…Regarded as the premier left offensive tackle in the South...Anchored that position for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year, starting 29 consecutive games before being forced to the sidelines by an injury midway through his final season...His emergence as a pass protector saw the MSU aerial game generate 6358 yards during his tenure as a starter…Came up with 175 knockdowns and 25 touchdown-resulting blocks in 1738 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Dallas' Flozell Adams. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Teams like Dallas and Buffalo have to love this road grader. He is not the prettiest sight to look at, but he will get the job done. While the safe bet says fourth round, it would not be a surprise if he goes earlier. #60-WILLIAM
"BILL" FERRARIO University of Wisconsin Badgers 6:02.2-314 Negatives…Keeps his feet too wide moving past the line, appearing to be a step behind in his quest to provide run blocking in space...Has only adequate quickness off the snap, with no sudden movements in order to gain advantage...Inconsistencies arise when he has to position himself to screen off the defender, as he does not have the feet to stay up on his blocks and finish...Best working near the line of scrimmage, as he is too heavy-legged to offer much support upfield...While he has a thick lower frame, toned muscles are not part of his physique. CAREER NOTES…A rock on the Badgers' offensive line, joining former teammate Chris McIntosh (1996-99) and Michigan's Jon Jansen (1995-98) as the only players in Big Ten Conference history to start 50 consecutive games during their careers...Manned the left guard position, playing a major role as the team rushed for well over 10,000 yards during his four years on the offensive line...Switched to offense as a redshirt freshman after being recruited as a defensive tackle...Only player in school history to block for a 1000-yard rusher four-straight years (Ron Dayne from 1997-99 and Michael Bennett in 2000)….Credited with 286 knockdowns and 22 touchdown-resulting blocks over the team's last 2419 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Tennessee's Benji Olson. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Lacks pass protection technique, so a team looking for instant contributions better have a strong ground game. #66-PAUL
ZUKAUSKAS Boston College Eagles 6:05.6-318 Negatives...Has serious agility problems, as he rarely moves his lower frame in unison with his upper body, causing him to lunge off the snap and generally overextend to try and get a piece of his man...Does not sink his hips properly to get a good anchor in drive blocking and will lose his balance when trying to contain multiple defenders...Struggles to make upfield adjustments on the linebacker, thanks largely to a lack of natural foot agility...Plays too high coming out of his stance, preventing him from gaining momentum... Not an effective trap blocker due to difficulties with his mobility and adjustment skills on the hoof...Too straight-legged in his stance, causing defenders to yank and tug on him while consistently getting their hands into his chest. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who became the first freshman in over twenty years to start on the offensive line (vs. Virginia Tech in 1997)...Physical drive blocker who established himself as one of the most dominating linemen in the Big East last season... Has 33 starting assignments to his credit, registering 198 knockdowns and 16 touchdown-resulting blocks in 2120 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Philadelphia's Doug Brzezinski. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Let's hope he doesn't have a sophomore slump as bad as Brzezinski had in 2000. Nothing pretty about his game, but he gets the job done and won't get you hurt with costly penalties. #75-VICTOR
LEYVA Arizona State University Sun Devils 6:03.4-322 Negatives...While he delivers a solid hand punch, he is not quick to recoil and lacks power behind his arm swipes...Effective on the move, but very stiff in his lateral movements, keeping his feet too narrow when attempting to change direction...More of a finesse-type than a mauler...Does not look athletic in his upfield movements and lacks natural quickness coming out of his stance...While he makes good hand adjustments in tight quarters, he will never be known for providing the impact blocks as he exhibits only adequate pop getting into a defender's chest. CAREER NOTES…Fifth-year senior who has started throughout his career for the Sun Devils... Collegiate tackle whose trap blocking skills could see him shift to guard at the pro level...Has never graded lower than 80% for blocking consistency in any of his starting assignments the last two years…Participated in 3255 plays, making 26 touchdown-resulting blocks and 324 knock- downs during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Philadelphia's Jermane Mayberry. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…A move inside is a necessity, as he's allowed 19 sacks and 33 quarterback pressures while lining up at tackle. It is obvious that he's too slow to cover the edge, but he has the size and power to clear the rush lanes. #52-MICHAEL
KEATHLEY Texas Christian University Horned Frogs 6:03.2-296 Negatives…While he uses his hands well to control, he lacks that forceful punch to out-muscle defenders...Needs to develop better upper body strength...Even though he has great foot speed, he lacks that sudden burst off the snap...Does not have the power to create immediate move-ment...Has good flexibility, but looks uncomfortable when pulling (keeps his legs crossed and plays with a narrow base, leading his to look off-balanced)...Little but undersized. CAREER NOTES…Joined the team as a tight end, but moved into the starting lineup at "quick" offensive tackle midway through his redshirt freshman campaign...Has registered an impressive 278 knockdown blocks during his final two seasons...Boasts 38 career starts (2000 offensive line unit starting the last 23 games together)...One of five players on the team that can bench press over 500 pounds. REMINDS ME OF…Oakland's Steve Wisniewski. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Post-season all-star game action allowed the scouts to see him operate away from the veer offense and they discovered that Mike has not only exceptional foot speed, but also a very aggressive temper that refuses to back down from a fight. One of those mid-round types that will leave other general managers ticked off they did not scout him better. #62-KYNAN
FORNEY University of Hawaii Warriors 6:02.5-304 Negatives…Bit of a waist-bender at times...Seems to lean into blocks vs. the larger defenders, possibly an aftereffect from shoulder surgery...Not a consistent upfield striker, as he tends to lunge at the linebackers...Needs to widen his base to curtail the problems he has at times with outside speed...Sets up well in pass protection, but needs to keep his momentum under control... Gets too far forward at times, slipping off his blocks after initial contact. CAREER NOTES…The two-year letterman returned to action in 2000 after being granted a medical hardship in 1999 after undergoing surgery on both shoulders...Began his collegiate career at Trinity Valley (Tex.) Community College...Team's most versatile lineman, seeing action at both guard positions, in addition to right offensive tackle during his time with the Warriors…Posted 122 knockdowns with 13 touchdown-resulting blocks in the last two years (1137 plays). REMINDS ME OF…New England's Adrian Klemm. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Scouts were eagerly looking forward to seeing him perform at the Senior Bowl, but if that is one of the "best kept secrets" in the draft, you can keep him. His medical scares the hell out of me. Hopefully, some general manager does not bite the hype and waste a first day pick on this guy. #69-RAY
REDZINIAK University of Illinois Fighting Ilini 6:02.3-297 Negatives…Struggles in sustaining blocks for the ground game, showing limited adjustment skills going after the linebacker in the open...Little sloppy dropping back in pass protection, showing poor recovery speed...Not that physical with his hands and tends to slide off blocks…Battles chest-to-chest coming off his stance, causing his leg base to narrow…Has good blocking angle awareness, but lacks the lateral agility to bend his knees properly and show solid body control moving upfield…Looses strength in his anchor as he tends to waist-bend at times. CAREER NOTES…Has been a mainstay on the Fighting Illini offensive line since the fifth game of his freshman year, putting together a string of 41 consecutive starts...Two-time team captain...Has not allowed a sack in his last 26 games, making 179 knockdowns and 25 touchdown-resulting blocks over his last 2328 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Cincinnati's Matt O'Dwyer. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…If I was going to war, I'd want this guy in my trenches. He's one of those types that will maul the defensive lineman to death and then get to the second level to manhandle the linebackers. Just sit back and let this guy kill people. #55-RUSS
HOCHSTEIN University of Nebraska Cornhuskers 6:03.3-288 Negatives...Tends to over-extend and lunge in pass protection, a problem with most Nebraska lineman...While he has good strength, he's not a mauler, relying more on finesse and assistance from the fullback...Very awkward in his running motion trying to turn upfield...Bit of a waist bender...Sometimes gets too aggressive, causing him to lose balance...Has to keep his foot base wider to prevent from being knocked off-balance. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at right offensive guard who emerged as one of the best trap blockers in the collegiate ranks...Combines power, quickness, desire, effort and leadership to carry on the school's storied tradition of standout offensive linemen... Registered 343 knockdown blocks during his career, despite starting only 26 games. REMINDS ME OF…Jacksonville's Brad Meester. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Before the season, he wasn't even considered a draft prospect, but through typical hard work, he is developing into a player that at least will give you quality off the bench. He could break the string of recent Husker offensive line busts, but needs to pack on a few pounds. #74-ADAM
HAAYER University of Minnesota Gophers 6:05.6-297 Negatives…Has to get nastier...Lack of raw power could see him shift inside to guard at the pro level...More of a finesse-type and won't play "smash-mouth" football for anyone.. .Plays too upright coming out of his stance, losing explosion off the snap...Seems passive when taking on the more physical defenders, generally backing away from the battle... Seems to go through the motions working the backside, showing little effort to get upfield and block...Problem could arise from 1999 off-season back surgery taking away his burst (medical concerns could cause some teams to fail him on his physical)...Seems motion-less at times trying to get to the edge rusher, appearing to be a step late trying to get to his man...More of a grabber with his hands rather than one that will deliver a forceful punch...Likes to grab on and hold onto the opponent's jersey too much...Struggles to catch up when beaten on the in-line surge...Has very small hands (8 ½-inch width) for an offensive lineman). CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter on the offensive line who originally began his career at Minnesota as a tight end...Tall, lanky pass protector with the frame to add needed bulk...Finished his career with 34 starts in the team's last 47 games, delivering 156 knockdowns on 2485 plays. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Minnesota Viking Corbin Lacina. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Some team should draft Ray Redziniak and then take Haayer, room them together and hope the Illini's nasty nature wears off on the Gopher. If not, Haayer won't be long for the league. #79-ALBERT
TRAYLOR Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demons Negatives...Struggles at times to come out of his stance...Seems to drag his back leg when called upon for pulling purposes...Needs to generate a better hand punch in order to gain leverage and sustain his blocks...Does not always work to finish his blocks, lacking the foot agility to adjust to the defender's inside swim moves...Needs to add bulk and muscle to his frame, but the additional weight could cause him to lose what little quickness that he has. CAREER NOTES…Collegiate offensive tackle who will probably shift inside to guard ath the pro level...Saw his career get sidetracked by injury problems during his junior year, spending the 2000 season re-establishing his presence on the field...Started 30 games during his career with the Demons, registering 82 knockdowns over his last 1373 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Kansas City's Jeff Blackshear. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…It looked like he was returning to form at the end of the season after being hampered the last two years while recovering from a bad groin injury, but he takes too many swings with his arms without connecting to convince me he's anything more than camp material. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR Negatives...The move inside to guard was more suited to his skills, as he had problems sliding out to handle the edge rushers as a tackle...Struggles with his footwork at times shuffling back in pass protection, appearing to go up on his toes to cause balance problems...While he has the speed to make blocks upfield, he will struggle at times to chip and land...Tends to stop his feet upon contact and needs to develop better leg strength to anchor up. CAREER NOTES…Regarded as one of the best trap blockers in the West, he quickly established himself as a dominant force for the ground game after the coaches wisely moved him to strong-side offensive guard from weakside offensive tackle prior to his senior campaign...Has been a part of the starting lineup in some fashion ever since his freshman year...Has not allowed a quarter-back sack in his last 23 starts, posting 291 knockdowns and 28 touchdown-resulting blocks in his last 1544 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Denver's Mark Schlereth. #66-JEFF
CHASE Texas A&M University, Kingsville Javelinas 6:03.7-301 Negatives...Only has two years experience as an offensive lineman, so he is still learning his craft...Needs better drive technique coming off the snap, as he's more of a "push-&-shove" type of blockers than one that would try to deliver some power behind his strikes (despite being the strongest player on the team)...Does not get much movement when asked to drive block as he does not properly extend his hands to gain leverage...Lacks a forceful hand punch, preferring to reach, feel and control...Sluggish in his second move towards the outside, which allows the edge rushers to slip past his blocks...Everyone deserves a second chance in life, but his series of off-field problems earlier in his career makes his character very questionable...Thrown out of high school as a junior for marijuana use...Spent most of 1995 fighting federal drug charges for dealing and was incarcerated in a federal facility for all of 1996 and part of 1997. CAREER NOTES…Late bloomer who is just starting to come into his own...Began his collegiate career in 1994 as a defensive end at Mount San Antonio (Walnut, Cal.) College...Stepped away from the game for two years to deal with personal matters (see above) before returning to the gridiron as a defensive tackle at Long Beach (Cal.) Junior College...Transferred to Texas A&M, Kingsville in 1998, earning a starting job as an offensive tackle...Academically ineligible in 1999, but came back strong with a solid senior campaign at offensive tackle in his final season. #71-CHRISTOPHER
"CHRIS" VALLETTA Texas A&M University Aggies 6:02.3-302 Negatives...Seems to be quicker laterally than in his straight-ahead charge...Will gain advantage on the defender coming off the snap, but lacks explosion in his initial move...More of a push-&-shove blocker than a mauler...Will finish his blocks, but needs to show more aggression...Drops his head at times when retreating in pass protection. CAREER NOTES…Pleasant surprise for the Aggies, earning a starting job as a junior to develop into one of the best drive blockers in the Big Twelve Conference...Cited by the coaching staff as the team's hardest worker...Takes great pride in his playing ability and the progress of his linemates, who have done a remarkable job of protecting Aggie quarterbacks the last two years, despite playing in a conference known for their sack artists. #54-DAVE
COSTA University of Wisconsin Badgers 6:05.5-307 Negatives…His big body is in need of muscle refinement...Labors to get into gear past the line of scrimmage and has only adequate strength to sustain blocks...Does not show fluid foot move-ments to stick with and lock onto the defender...Comes off the snap with hesitation and keeps his feet too wide-based in pass protection, preventing him from moving out fluidly to engage... Struggles to play flat-footed, displaying little lateral agility. CAREER NOTES…Tough drive blocker who suffered through an injury-plagued senior season...Helped the ground game register a 1000-yard rusher in each of his four seasons... Has been an invaluable performer for the Badgers, collecting 41 starts during his career, seeing time at right offensive guard, right tackle and left tackle since arriving on campus as a freshman. #71-MARQUES
McFADDEN University of Arizona Wildcats 6:04.6-317 Negatives...Needs to develop better muscle tone...Gets only adequate explosion off the snap... Lacks natural athletic ability...Better suited inside as he struggles to mirror the pass rusher's moves coming off the edge at tackle...Works better in the short area, laboring to get in gear moving in space...Little stiff in the knees coming on the rise from his pass set. CAREER NOTES…Two-year starter at a variety of positions for the Wildcats, who utilized his versatility to fill in when injuries depleted the depth on the offensive line...Has started at left and right tackle while also seeing starting action at left guard during his time with Arizona...Attended Pima College in 1997 to improve his academics. #72-WILL
CUTHBERT University of Alabama Crimson Tide 6:04.6-333 Negatives...Very sluggish moving his feet, lacking almost no quickness to get out and cut off the linebackers upfield...Hesitates at times coming off the snap and tends to play on his toes, causing defenders to knock him off balance...Does not always keep his feet under him when driving (back foot seems to drag, causing him to shift balance)...Has little lateral quickness and tends to play "short armed" (one extend into the defender) in his pass protection set, causing problems when trying to adjust to the rusher's multiple moves. CAREER NOTES…One of the team's "Iron Men," as he performed in nearly every offensive snap over the last three years, running up a string of 37 consecutive starts...Participated in 2494 plays during his four years in a Crimson Tide uniform. #79-LEON
HIRES University of Florida 6:03.5-288 Negatives…Transfer player who did not get to show his talent until his senior year…Needs to add upper body strength and more bulk to his frame in order to compete at the next level.
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