Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001
NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE OFFENSIVE TACKLE CROP
While not as deep as it was in past drafts, the first round should see a lot of action from players at the offensive tackle position, especially on the left side. Size is a premium on the front wall in the NFL. With many defenses reverting to the 4-3 formation, the need for big blockers in the trenches is imperative to the safety of quarterbacks throughout the league. Most teams put their most athletic lineman on the left side, hoping that he can effectively protect the passer's blind side while playing in isolation. Pass protection is of more importance on the left side, where these blockers are known for their foot quickness and finesse. The right tackle position is quickly gaining equal importance, especially if you look at the money Tennessee (Fred Miller) and Philadelphia (Jon Runyan) dolled out for two of the best in the business last year. The right tackle is usually an aggressive brute who relies on smash-mouth, physical play. Foot speed is evident with these blockers, as most teams tend to gear their ground attack over the right side of the line. Lining up next to the tight end, the right tackle does not need to be as dominant in pass protection as the left tackle is, as he can work in unison with the tight end to neutralize the edge rushers. Teams looking for immediate help on the line are salivating at a trio of left tackles that should be scooped up early in the first round. Massive Leonard Davis is bigger than the state of Texas, where he played college ball, and is generally regarded as the best offensive lineman in the draft. Teams failing to secure Davis' services will not be crying over the consolation prizes though, as both Florida's Kenyatta Walker and Michigan's Jeff Backus have done nothing to hurt their draft stock, thanks to impressive post-season performances. Michigan could have their tackle tandem enter the NFL as first rounders, as teams at the bottom of that round are giving serious consideration to developing star Maurice Williams. Less-than-stellar senior seasons saw Penn State's Kareem McKenzie and Louisiana State's Brandon Winey slip out of first round consideration, but both will not have to sit around long on draft day, with second round calls expected. Washington's Elliott Shivers and Georgia Tech's Chris Brown has that massive size teams look for at tackle, but some question whether they have the foot speed needed to compete effectively at the next level. Injuries wiped out a strong senior campaign by Florida State's Tarlos Thomas, but if healthy, some team will have a very effective pass protector to develop with a first day draft pick. His replacement in the lineup at mid-season, Char-ron Dorsey, probably killed any hope of being drafted early when he showed up out of shape and has possibly the worst workout of any player ever at the Combines in February. Colorado's Tom Ashworth is another blocker who could slip on draft day due to concerns by teams over past injuries. Looking for the next Larry Allen? Scouts that have witnessed the maturing process of Temple's Mathias Nkwenti know that this is going to be a special talent, but some feel that his less than massive frame may be better suited inside at guard. Fresno State's Kevin Jordan, Alabama's Shawn Draper, Southern California's Brent McCaffrey, Princeton's Dennis Norman and South Florida's Kenyatta Jones are other collegiate tackles that could get a look at an interior line position, rather than lining up at tackle in the pros. Northern Illinois' Ryan Diem could also shift to guard at the next level, but his long arms and huge size seem better suited for playing on the edge. Shawn Draper could be a very interesting product, as the 300-pounder also has experience at tight end and clocks under 5.0 in the 40-yard dash. North Carolina State's Jarvis Borum and Illinois' Marques Sullivan will probably be drafted higher than their draft stock dictates due to their size and quickness, but both are coming off sub-par senior campaigns. A lack of quickness will be the reason that North Carolina's James Wagstaff will sit around well into the draft's second day. Teams also learned to leave their stop-watch at home when they recently timed Tait Afualo (Texas A&M, Commerce), Vanderbilt's Brian Gruber and Boston College's Mike Cook, all showing a lack of suddenness in their initial move that will prove to be their downfall on draft day. The small college ranks have little to offer here, especially if Kenyatta Jones (South Florida) moves to guard, as expected. The only player below the Division 1-AA ranks with any hope of being drafted here is possibly Kendrick Rogers of Alabama A&M. After the way he was "eaten alive" in one-on-one drills at the Blue-Gray Game, I have serious doubts that Mr. Rogers will be welcomed into the NFL "neighborhood" for too long, though. One very interesting small college find could be Fort Valley's Jerry Jackson, who has not allowed a sack while averaging eight knockdowns per game over the last two years. THE POSITION REPORT CARD…Outside of the "Big Three" (literally) of Leonard Davis, Kenyatta Walker and Jeff Backus, the talent level will take a steady dropoff in the later rounds. Most college tackles look the paet of pro guards, so look for more players taken at guard than at tackle in this draft. Without the "Big Three," I'd give this position a C- grade, but that trio drastically upgrades this position to a final grade of B. THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives...Has problems with in-line drive blocking vs. the smaller defenders, appearing to overextend and lunge at the opponent in order to get a piece of his man...While he moves well for a player his size, he needs to stay at no more that 350 pounds, as the added weight has caused nagging ankle problems in the past. CAREER NOTES…Has anchored the Longhorns' offensive line from his left tackle position for the last two years...Outstanding physical specimen who has exceptional quickness to go along with his impressive frame...Began his collegiate career as a defensive tackle... Started 21 of the team's final 24 games...One of those rare prep finds, coming from a high school (Wortham) that had less than 150 students while the town's population is listed at 1020 (must have counted Leonard twice)…Has not allowed a quarterback sack in 33 contests, finishing his career with 181 knock-downs, 23 touchdown-resulting blocks and an 84.4% grade in 1603 plays. REMINDS ME OF…St. Louis' Orlando Pace. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…If only the Arizona Cardinals were a smart team. They'd realize that after spending $30 million on QB Jake Plummer, that they'd need a massive blocker on his blind side. Oh well, hope Jake has good disability insurance. Whoever gets Davis, may end up with the best value in this draft. This is my favorite lineman in the last five years. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives...While he comes out of his stance quickly, he is not consistent in driving defenders away from the ball...Keeps his base a little too wide in drive blocking, causing him to lean into defenders at times...Needs to do a better job of locating other defenders after making his initial hit...Has to develop a nasty streak. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay at right offensive tackle since his freshman year, starting 28 of 33 games he's played in while logging action on 1892 snaps...Averaged one knockdown block for roughly every ten plays he's participated in...Carries on Florida's prestigious offensive line history as he became the 27th lineman to earn All-American honors and the sixth Gator to receive the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded annually to the best offensive lineman in the Southeastern Conference...Fifth Gator to earn semi-finalist recognition for the Outland Trophy, given every year to the nation's top lineman…Graded 82.5% with 228 knockdowns and 20 touchdown-resulting blocks in 1892 plays, but has given up nine sacks the last three years, a high figure for a quality right tackle. REMINDS ME OF…Baltimore's Leon Searcy. GAZIONG INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Walker's good, but he needs to add more bulk and show better pass protection skills before I put him up on a pedestal next to Leonard Davis. The thing I like about this kid is his athletic ability. The thing I don't like is his lack of concentration at times, which leads to high sack and pressure totals. Sure, he's a first rounder, but most teams already have a guy like this in place. He almost made my Most Overrated category. THE MOST UNDERRATED Negatives…Still learning proper foot technique, but that is due to limited time at his position...Little undersized to play tackle, but certainly has the strength to match up there…Bit clumsy in his movements upfield, not recognizing proper blocking angle technique in his attempts to neutralize the linebackers (keeps his arms short, not getting a good lock on his man)…Tries to win battles with his upper body strength while keeping his base too narrow, causing him to trip over his feet, at times…While fluid in his lateral movements, he is not sudden when changing directions…Battles tough at the line, but needs to be a little more aggressive using his arms and hands. CAREER NOTES…Did not begin playing organized football until his junior year of high school... Began his Owls career as a defensive lineman, but quickly found a home on the offensive front wall during his senior campaign...Regarded as the school's best line prospect since the Tre' Johnson era (1991-94)…Despite only one year on offense, he allowed only one sack, made 10 touchdown-resulting blocks, 59 knockdowns and graded 81.6% in 679 plays, performing for one of the worst offenses in the game. REMINDS ME OF…Seattle's Walter Jones. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…While he lacks the size that Walter Jones has, he is probably the best athlete I have seen at this position since Jones toiled for Florida State several years ago. He will probably move to guard, due to a lack of bulk, but this kid is going to be special, one day. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives...Classic underachiever who constantly needs a "fire" light under him to perform to his athletic ability...Tends to take too many plays off, appearing lazy at times as he is beaten around the corner by edge rushers due to his feeble attempts to shuffle back and sustain blocks...Can deliver a strong hand punch, but prefers to finesse the opponent rather than maul him...Gets a good push off the snap, but his strength and leg drive indicate he has more explosiveness than he cares to show...Has battled with left knee problems throughout his career...Biggest weakness is his inability to sustain blocks upfield, laboring in his moves to get into the face of the linebackers and then only making an initial hit before sliding off his man. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter at offensive tackle (saw action on both the left and right sides)...Made great strides in his pass protection skills under the guidance of coach Nick Saban, earning All-American honors for his performances during his senior year... Started 28 games in the last three seasons and did not allow a quarterback sack in his last six contests…Graded 81.1% with 148 knockdowns in 1831 plays, but also allowed eight sacks over his last 29 games. REMINDS ME OF…Green Bay's Mike Wahle. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Major case of a player not living up to his vast potential. Sure, some offensive line coach could possibly get this kid on track, but what general manager will really waste a first round on potential, rather than production. THE SUPER SLEEPER Negatives...Weight problems in the past had resulted in lost stamina by half time... Struggles with the quicker edge rushers, lacking the foot agility and slide to get back fast enough to seal and sustain...Does not always recognize the plays, looking hesitant on what he should be doing when the quarterback is flushed out of the pocket...Late off the snap at times in drive blocking and starts to get sloppy (lunging and over-extending) when he starts to run out of gas...Has to show better acceleration coming off the snap, as he appears to be a step late setting up in pass protection...Needs to stand more flat-footed coming off the ball, as defenders can get their hands into his chest to push him back on his heels...Has very small hands, making it tough to lock on to the defender and ride him wide. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter who made great strides in his conditioning program as a senior...Despite his size, he showed great short area quickness in clearing the rush lanes for the ground game...Did not allow a quarterback sack in his last sixteen contests… In 33 games, he graded 86.9%, totaled 259 knockdowns and made 25 touchdown-resulting blocks in 2163 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Chicago's James "Big Cat" Williams. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…What a great late round find this kid id going to be. He shed baby fat before the 2000 season and the maturity in his game was a remarkable sight. Sure, he went up against small level competition, but if a team shows patience, they will be greatly rewarded. FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Lacks the lower leg drive to anchor forcefully in pass protection...Has problems staying with the plays on the move, lacking that sudden burst to get ahead of the ball carrier to take on the linebackers...Lunges at times coming off the snap, causing inconsistencies as he tries to position himself and sustain blocks for the outside running game...Has to work on improving his overall strength. CAREER NOTES…Mainstay for the Wolverines at the left tackle position...Finished his career with 49 consecutive starts, one shy of the school career-record of 50 by offensive tackle Jon Jansen (1995-98)...Has earned All-Big Ten Conference honors four straight years...Teamed with guard Steve Hutchinson to man the left side of Michigan's offensive line since their freshman campaigns…Participated in 3235 plays, delivering 266 knock-downs with 28 touchdown-resulting blocks during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Tennessee's Brad Hopkins. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Some teams are looking at his trap blocking skills and projecting him as a guard. I actually think he will be more productive earlier in his career than Kenyatta Walker will be. Could be a nice fit up in Denver, who is looking for a finesse-type to replace Tony Jones on the left side. #54-MAURICE
WILLIAMS University of Michigan Wolverines 6:05.0-298 Negatives…Little late off the snap, at times...Has to improve his arm extension, as he tends to lunge at defenders while keeping his arms short...Aims high, at times, coming out of his stance, causing the speedier edge rushers to slip by...Still raw in his foot movements setting up in pass protection, but has shown steady improvement as a starter. CAREER NOTES…Late bloomer who emerged as one of the dominating forces in the college game at right tackle in his senior year...Began his Wolverines career as a defensive lineman and also saw action as an offensive guard before being converted to offensive tackle as a junior... Overshadowed by his more heralded linemates, tackle Jeff Backus and guard Steve Hutchinson, but the coaches feel that he is on the verge of reaching his vast potential…In his first full season as a starter (2000), he graded 85.7% with 106 knockdowns and ten touchdown-resulting blocks while allowing only one sack in 788 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Indianapolis' Adam Meadows. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL…Some teams are talking this kid up like he's a first rounder, but this is far from a finished product here, folks. Sure, he had a fine senior year, but where was he the previous three seasons? Besides, those that saw his less-than-stellar performance in one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl know that this kid still has a long ways to go before he can consistently contribute. #67-KAREEM
McKENZIE Penn State University Nittany Lions 6:06.1-321 Negatives…Has problems handling the finesse edge rushers, as he tends to lunge when his initial thrust does not work...Needs to develop better hand usage, for with all his power, he will tend to make only glancing blows...Looks sloppy when he has to make adjustment blocks in the open... Lacks explosion as a cut blocker and needs to show more consistency finishing his blocks. CAREER NOTES…Only played two years of prep football, but quickly developed into a blue chip prospect...Three- year starter who is only the fifth Nittany Lion to earn All-Big Ten Conference honors three times in a career...Consistency and durability are his strong suits, having played virtually every down in each game he has started during his career… In 2108 plays, he made 184 knockdowns with 19 touchdown-resulting blocks over the last three seasons. REMINDS ME OF…Pittsburgh's Wayne Gandy. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like Gandy, you never know what you are going to get from game-to-game with this guy. Earlier in the season, I thought he joined the U.S. Army, as it certainly looked like his play went "into the tank," but he recovered near the end to finish his career in style. To me, it was too little, too late to consider him worthy of a pick in the first two rounds, but some team is bound to bite. #68-ELLIOT
SILVERS University of Washington Huskies 6:06.6-321 Negatives...While his strength has greatly improved, he still has a long ways to go in the weight room to handle the defenders at the pro level...Has little knee bend, thanks largely to two very large and cumbersome braces he is forced to wear...Struggles to maintain contact moving upfield, lacking that sudden burst to gain leverage over his man...Very clumsy moving out on screens, frequesntly falling to the ground...Lacks a strong leg base and does not sink his hips properly to pop and drop back in his pass protection setup...Needs to control his emotions as he is prone to through a fair share of "cheap shots" that result in costly penalties...Not well-liked by his team-mates and has been labeled a "locker room lawyer" by the coaching staff...Biggest struggles at left tackle has been his inability to slide his feet out to head off the edge rushers, looking very awkward when trying to change directions. CAREER NOTES…Three-year starter whose career was sidetracked by a dislocated knee during his freshman year...Aggressive blocker who prides himself on his pass protection skills and has developed solid trap blocking ability as the Huskies have ranked among the national leaders in rushing during the last two years...Finished his career with a string of 26 consecutive starts… Posted 209 knockdowns, including 17 touchdown-resulting blocks over his last 2170 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Miami's Mark Dixon. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Still on a roll after a banner senior season, returning to the form he showed before getting hurt as a freshman. There is nothing pretty to his game, but he's a mauler who simply won't back down. A certain first day choice, with the tail-end of the second round my projected target. #59-MARQUES
SULLIVAN University of Illinois Fighting Ilini 6:04.7-323 Negatives…Plays on his toes a lot, causing problems maintaining balance and struggles to recover when beaten by the outside rush...Needs to show better hand usage as he will tend to make passive punches towards his man, with little effect...Lacks the agility to slide out on sweeps, crossing his feet and keeping a narrow leg base to make defenders knock him off-stride...May have a learning problem, as he just gets by in the classroom (also had a 13 score on his wonderlic test). CAREER NOTES…Four-year starter, seeing action at both tackle positions...Originally enrolled as an offensive guard...Superb pass protector who prides himself on his work in the weight room... Put together a string of 45 consecutive starts, totaling 207 knockdowns and 23 touchdown-resulting blocks in 3097 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's Jason Odom. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…One of those cases where you have to rate on athletic ability over production. Much like Odom, he shows great promise, but never really put it all together. While his size says he'll go on the first day, I put a "buyer beware" tag on him, based on the 11 sacks and 30 quarterback pressures he's allowed during his time with the Illini. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives...Despite his straight-line quickness, he lacks flexibility and change of direction skills needed to adjust and stick with his blocks coming off the snap (speed simply does not translate to the football field)...Stiff in his movements and comes off the ball too high in his stance, resulting in limited anchoring ability to mirror defensive moves while working in space...Keeps his leg base too narrow, preventing him from maintaining balance as he tries to slide out to sustain the edge rushers...Needs to upgrade his hand usage, as he lacks that explosive initial jolt to rock defenders back on their heels...His poor footwork prevents him from playing flat-footed, causing the pass rusher to effectively use rip-&-swim moves to slide off him...May be better suited inside due to his trap blocking skills and inability to maintain contactwith the defenders coming off the edge. CAREER NOTES…Fourth-year senior whose size and strength makes him an intimidating presence on the playing field...Started the last 35 consecutive games at the right offensive tackle position...Has also garnered honors for his work in the class room (3.23 grade point average)... One of the fastest offensive lineman in football, the two-time captain has not allowed a quarter-back sack in the last two seasons...Nicknamed "The Roadgrader" for his crunching knockdown blocks, opposing defensive lineman dubbed him the "Monster of the MAC" last year...Expected to be the first Northern Illinois offensive linemen to be drafted by an NFL team since Todd Peat in 1987 (St. Louis Cardinals)…In 42 games, he allowed only five sacks, grading 85.1% with 320 key blocks, including 26 that resulted in touchdowns on 2694 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Tennessee's Fred Miller. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Could possibly move inside to guard, thanks to incredible foot speed and impressive trap blocking ability. He still needs to refine his pass blocking technique before he can earn starting time, probably in another two years. #60-TARLOS
THOMAS Florida State University Seminoles 6:06.3-349 Negatives...For all of his power and quickness, you would think that he would simply manhandle defenders, but he's more of a "chess master," preferring to finesse rather than decapitate...Has had stamina problems in the past, running out of gas as the game progresses...When he tires, he tends to overextend and lunge at defenders, rather than wait for the attack to come to him...When he waist-bends in pass protection, he loses his balance by keeping a narrow leg base...Some of the coaches questioned his mental toughness...Has had a long history of weight problems. CAREER NOTES…Consummate team player who will line up at any position on the front wall that the coaches need him to play...Three year starter who is recognized as one of the nation's elite offensive line- men, evidenced by the fact that he was awarded the All-American honors and the Atlantic Coast Conference's Jacobs Blocking Trophy as a senior, despite missing the final five games with a knee injury...The two-time All-ACC choice has averaged at least five knockdown blocks and graded no lower than 75% for blocking consistency in 26 games as a starter…Made 160 knockdowns and 17 touchdown- resulting blocks in 30 games (1932 plays). REMINDS ME OF…Cincinnati's Rod Jones. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like Jones, you never know which player will be on the field during game day - the one that just goes through the motions or the one looking like he's on a "search and destroy" mission. The knee injury will scare off a few teams, but his poor practice habits will hurt his draft stock even more. #65-CHRISTOPHER
"CHRIS" BROWN Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 6:05.2-317 Negatives…Not the hardest worker you will find and his coaches had to constantly "motivate" him to get him going (has a lazy attitude)...Plays a little too high at times coming off the snap, bending at the waist and lunging at defenders...Has a lot of problems sinking his hips to mirror the opponent's inside counter moves...Can be beaten in pass protection as he tends to absorb blows to his body and keep his hands "short" rather than extend his arms to get a good push off his man...Needs to show that consistent intensity in his play to succeed at the next level. CAREER NOTES…Moved into the starting lineup early in his freshman year and has anchored the left tackle position for the last three seasons...Started 43 of 48 games that he has played in (including bowls) for the Yellow Jackets...The team has ranked near the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing all four years…Graded 83.3% with 274 knockdowns and 29 touchdown-resulting blocks in 2864 plays during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Cleveland's Roman Oben. GAZING INTO THE CRYTAL BALL…For all of his size and power, he spends too much time trying to out-finesse the pass rushers and will disappear for long stretches during the game. On talent alone, he's a first rounder, but productivity and consistency are certainly missing here. #68-JARVIS
BORUM North Carolina State University Wolfpack 6:06.7-339 Negatives…For a player of his size, he lacks that explosive pop you'd want to rock defenders back...Plays very high coming off the snap and frequently loses his man by lunging and over-extending...Does not show consistency driving with his legs, keeping his feet too narrow (gets caught up in them), especially in tight quarters...Takes too many arm swipes without making contact...Looks too heavy in the legs to be efficient upfield (added bulk causes him to look lazy and fatigued by halftime, but it is due to a lack of conditioning)...Likes to grab and control the defender, rather than deliver a solid hand punch, resulting in a fair share of penalties...Has problems adjusting his feet to slide back to neutralize the edge rush...His passive hand swipes frequently see the defender slip away from his initial thrust...Does not respond well to coaching criticism, as they tend to ride him at times over his "lazy nature."...Has to respond to the challenges, rather than sulking over a bad performance...Has the playing mentality of "Gentle Ben" and needs to develop a nasty streak. CAREER NOTES…A late bloomer, he did not compete in football until his junior year in high school...The massive two-year starter has made great strides in the team's off-season conditioning program, losing over 40 pounds since the end of the 1999 campaign... Nicknamed "Big Earth" for his huge frame, he has allowed only five quarterback sacks while participating in 1450 plays at the demanding left tackle position in the last two years…Collected 64 knockdowns and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks over the last two years, seeing action in 1450 plays. REMINDS ME OF…Buffalo's Robert Hicks. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…What is it going to take to get this kid to show some nastys! His business-like approach to the game is annoying, because you know he has the physical skills and talent to be much better than he's become. He'll be reminiscing about his pro career before it even begins, unless he shows up in training camp ready to tear off a few heads. #38-SHAWN
DRAPER University of Alabama Crimson Tide 6:03.4-294 Negatives…Still learning proper foot movement to compete as an offensive lineman...Waist-bends and gets into an awkward position, at times, retreating in pass protection…Keeps his left foot too far up in his stance, causing him to have a narrow base, allowing defenders to knock him off stride coming off the snap…Has trouble with inside redirection due to his narrow leg base…Can be jolted by the surge and is very erratic firing out to make contact on the linebackers upfield (tends to lunge at the defender)…Battles too chest-to-chest with defenders coming out of his stance. CAREER NOTES…Began his Tide career as a tight end before moving to the defensive line as a sophomore... Returned to tight end the following year and closed out his career alternating between left offensive tackle and tight end...Well-respected athlete who has sacrificed personal success for that of the team…In 737 plays on the offensive line over the last two years, he made 97 knockdowns with nine touchdown-resulting blocks. REMINDS ME OF…ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Conrad. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Could be a career backup, as he's a jack-of-all-trades and a master at none. He has great foot agility that teams are looking for in order for their linemen to get to the second level in a flash. Look for some team to shift him inside to guard, with Washington a potential suitor. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR Negatives…Not explosive in his blocks, rather preferring to finesse his defender...Needs to be more physical on initial contact...Has problems adjusting to the pass rusher's counter moves... Has to improve his hand punch technique and re-direct better when performing in-line blocking... Can be rocked back by the surge, as he tends to lean into the more physical defenders. CAREER NOTES…Became only the fourth player to ever earn All-Ivy League honors three times in a career...The team captain is a two-sport standout for the Tigers, serving as the Ivy League Heptagonal champion in the discus...The 2000 Poe-Kazmaier Trophy winner (given to the team's MVP) boasts 26 starting assignments for his career…Over the last two years, he graded 86.6% as he posted 160 knockdowns and 14 touchdown-resulting blocks in 1164 plays. #53-KEVIN
JORDAN California State University, Fresno Bulldogs 6:04.3-307 Negatives...Still stands around as if he has no inkling of the play developing...Needs to stop getting up on his toes in pass protection, as the more physical defenders capitalize on this to rock him back on his heels...Hits the target with good lateral agility, but has problems when defenders cross his face...Though he can make upfield blocks, his lumbering running style is better suited to the short area (running style has been affected by a 1998 fractured foot that was slow to heal. He ran 4.7 in the 40-yard dash before the injury, but was recently clocked at 5.1). CAREER NOTES…Tough battler who is just starting to come into his own as an offensive lineman...His progress was set back by injury problems and a position shift earlier in his career...Originally joined the Bulldogs as a defensive end, moving to defensive tackle as a sophomore before shifting to offensive tackle during his junior campaign…Had one knockdown for every ten plays (143 to 1439 plays) during his career. #78-KENDRICK
ROGERS Alabama A&M University Bulldogs 6:05.2-291 Negatives…Still a little raw, but he has all the tools you need to unearth his talents - size, strength, speed...Needs to refine his hip swerve, as he does not roll his hips through contact...Rolls off blocks, at times, and needs refinement in this area, also...Has to also work on his upfield block, as he does not quickly recognize the linebackers moving towards the ball and seems to stand around more than trying to get a piece of someone. CAREER NOTES…Tireless worker on the field, in the weight room and in the class room...Was originally a Proposition 48 student, but he fulfilled his academic obligations and was granted an additional year of eligibility...Began his Bulldogs career as a defensive end, but found a home at left offensive tackle as a sophomore, putting together a string of 34 consecutive starts...Has not allowed a quarterback sack in 23 games…Collected 299 knockdowns and 39 touchdown-resulting blocks over his final 2195 plays. #51-TOM
ASHWORTH University of Colorado Buffaloes 6:05.3-303 Negatives...Tends to lean into his blocks at times, possibly still favoring his reconstructed shoulder...While he has good foot quickness, he keeps his leg base too narrow, causing the edge rushers to slide off and penetrate...Slides off blocks when moving in-line, appearing to look uncomfortable working in space...Needs to use his hands better to keep defenders off his feet. CAREER NOTES…Self-made player who added 30 pounds to his frame prior to his senior year in anticipation of performing full-time on the offensive line...Originally recruited as an offensive tackle, he shifted to tight end before moving back to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman...Started at tight end in his sophomore campaign, then returned to weakside offensive tackle in 1999...Continuing his "team first" attitude, he again shifted positions as a senior, lining up at the "split" tackle spot…In 15 games on the offensive line, he made 119 knockdowns with 18 touchdown-resulting blocks in 904 plays. #75-CHAR-RON
DORSEY Florida State University Seminoles 6:06.7-367 Negatives…Lunges and over-extends at times when his initial move fails to lock onto a defender... Not as tough as you would like for a player of his bulk...Shows marginal hand skills (has the power, but seems to drop his hands too quickly on contact)...Short-arm blocks a lot and needs to extend his arm better...His large frame poses problems when he has to go down low...Simply lacks that aggressive nature to dominate the action...Would rather absorb the tackler that maul him…Slowest lineman in the country with 6.1 speed in the 40-yard dash, CAREER NOTES…Finally lived up to the promise the coaching staff saw in him as a prep star... Has battled injury problems and a position shift earlier in his career to slow his development, but more than made up for lost time with his play in the starting lineup in the second half of the 2000 campaign...Started the final eleven games of his career.
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