Grizzlies: The Offensive Front Line

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OT Derek Sherrod ~ PreSeason

OT Derek Sherrod: No. 79 (6-5, 305)

A tall, long-armed athlete who possesses good overall size and length for the position. Exhibits above-average balance, range and body control on his kick-slide from a two-point stance. Does a nice job reaching the corner, staying somewhat compact with his footwork and is fluid changing directions in space. However, isn’t the most natural of benders, struggles to really sit into his stance and keep his pad level down through the play. Isn’t the most patient of punchers either and will lunge into defenders off the edge, lose balance and doesn’t exhibit great hand placement on contact. Too often gets his hands too low at the point or outside the frame of pass rushers, loses balance and ends up on his toes when asked to sit into his stance and anchor. Does a nice job working to stay engaged, but isn’t real heavy handed and doesn’t play with ideal leverage. Can be bullied into the backfield and gets himself into trouble against physical rushers.

Exhibits a good initial burst out of his stance in the run game, understands angles and has the ability to quickly zone step and seal defenders away from the play. Looks natural on the move, is quickly able to get out of the second level, drop his pad level and hit a moving target. But isn’t overly dominant on contact. Allows defenders to work their way off his blocks and doesn’t have the type of power or mental makeup to simply lock out and drive opposing linebackers into the dirt. Needs to do a better job with his hand placement on contact in the run game as well. Too often keeps his hands too low when asked to engage and can be easily swatted on at the point. However, does exhibit good body control and footwork on the move when trying to mirror on slide-down blocks or get around and reach.

Impression: A smooth, graceful blocker with good range, change of direction skills and quickness in both the run and pass game. Needs to learn to play with better hand placement and leverage. But, has the ability to mirror in space and possesses the makeup to get some looks as a potential left tackle in the NFL.

Nevertheless, I think he looks more like a right tackle in a zone scheme.

Mocking the Draft on Derek Sherrod

Derek Sherrod ~ 6'6, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Mississippi State

Agility: Is a very good athlete for the position. Can move around with ease and doesn't have heavy feet. Very fluid. Is decent on the move.

Movement: Sherrod has good movement in the short area. He's fine moving left, right and backward. Where he struggles some is going forward. When Sherrod is on the move, he tends to lunge at defenders and lose leverage.

Pass blocking: Is exceptionally light on his feet with great quickness and agility. Has a very good first move to beat speed rushers to the outside. Against power rushers, Sherrod gets good knee bend to absorb and redirect. Has to get better using his hands to work inside. Struggles when stronger defenders get inside his pads and drive him back. Doesn't always finish off blocks.

Quickness: Sherrod has elite foot quickness, which is what makes him such a good pass blocker. Really fires off the snap. Doesn't get beat to the first move by defensive linemen.

Run blocking: Is solid as a run blocker. Does well holding up defensive linemen, but doesn't always overpower defenders. Properly works defenders to the inside allowing rushers to work outside. Uses his quickness to seal the outside to allow inside rushing lanes. However, Sherrod doesn't have the leg strength to power defenders backward. Could be nastier as a blocker.

Strength: Possesses only average strength. Will need to get stronger to handle power rushers in the NFL. Has an athletic frame, so you wonder how much bulk he'll be able to add. Needs to especially get stronger in his lower body.

Technique: Maintains good balance, even against powerful defenders. That's thanks to getting good knee bend. Hand usage needs refinement. Gets his arms too wide instead of keeping them in the defender's chest. Will struggle at times to pick up stunts.

Final word: Sherrod has started since his freshman season at Mississippi State. He played his first year at right tackle before moving to the left side. He's made his name as an athletic left tackle who can handle speed rushers.

Where he needs to get better is in the power aspects of the game. He doesn't drive block especially well and can be moved around by power rushers. It would also be nice to see Sherrod play with more of a mean streak and finish off more blocks.

Draft Insider on Derek Sherrod

Derek Sherrod is a thinking man’s left tackle and a blocker that uses angles and body positioning to protect the edge. Quick setting up in pass protection, Sherrod immediately gets his hands into defenders, keeps his feet moving and stays square. He blocks with good knee bend, stays with assignments and stands out in pass protection. Sherrod lacks naturally quick footwork and possesses just average strength at the point. In many ways he reminds us of Troy Kropog, fourth round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2009.

Bleacher Report's Danny Flynn on Derek Sherrod

SideLine Scouting on Derek Sherrod

Derek Sherrod - Mississippi St. (HT: 6-5½ - WT: 307)

Positives: Solid athlete... Good length and reasonably long arms... Good pass blocker... Sets up quickly... Good lateral movement and slide... Mirrors very well... Good footwork... Hard worker... Good hand placement... Good base strength and anchor... Can control defender once he locks on... Keeps his feet moving through the action... Very solid run blocker... Fires off the line into his run blocks, explodes out of his stance... Solid drive blocker... Can pull and get to the second level, brings his feet... Plays with good balance, seldom on the ground... Gets to the second level... Breaks down reasonably well and can generally hit a moving target... Takes good angles... Solid flexibility and body control... Good position blocker, does a nice job walling off defenders... Plays with reasonably good balance when run blocking... Finishes his assignments... Heady, smart, good football IQ.

Negatives: Doesn't dominate at the POA... Not especially strong at POA, needs to improve overall playing strength... Not a natural bender, will play too upright and overextend trying to reach the corner... Base gets a little too wide, leans into some blocks... Doesn't appear to play with a lot of aggression.

 

[Off The Grid]

~ To PigPile on Brother Apropos' Work ~

NFP's Wes Bunting on OT Anthony Castonzo

OT Anthony Castonzo: No. 74 (6-7, 297)

A tall, natural athlete for the position who displays good length and above-average athleticism when asked to reach the edge. Does a nice job sitting into his stance off the snap and is very comfortable playing from a three-point stance. However, isn’t as technically sound as advertised. Struggles to consistently keep his base under him and will bend at the waist and overextend into blocks — especially from a two-point stance — and his footwork on his initial kick-slide isn’t the cleanest. Has a tendency to get a bit overextended, will open up his hips prematurely and get caught with his feet parallel to one another vs. speed to the corner. Now, is a natural athlete with fluid hips and displays the ability to cleanly/quickly redirect and cut off blocks inside and counter moves. However, isn’t real heavy handed and doesn’t have the kind of power to simply lock out and keep defenders from pumping their legs through contact.

Displays good range and body control on the move in the run game. Is natural when asked to get around defenders and seal on perimeter runs, and he looks comfortable chipping at the line and reaching the second level as well. However, again, doesn’t generate much power from his lower half on contact. Has a tendency to roll his hips into contact and doesn’t get much movement off the snap. More of a finesse guy who understands angles, leverage and does a nice job of getting his hands inside on the target, but lacks the natural strength to simply eliminate defenders from the play.

Impression: The size, length and natural athleticism is there, but he needs more time to mature physically. I don’t think he’s a guy who you can pencil in as a starter on the left side from day one, but with some time he has the skill set to eventually develop into a serviceable starting left tackle in the NFL. However, as of now, isn’t an elite offensive tackle prospect by any stretch in my book.

Another Snippet from Bunting at NFP

As for potential left tackles, Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo possesses above-average range off the edge, does a nice job maintaining balance when asked to change directions and redirects well inside while extending his long arms/hands into blocks. However, he’s just not a real physical kid at this stage. And although he can bend and sit into his stance, he is susceptible to the bull rush, doesn’t show much pop on his punch and can get knocked off balance at times vs. more powerful defensive ends. Now, he’s an experienced kid who needs to get stronger, and I think he will end up manning a starting left tackle spot in the NFL. But, he isn’t the kind of blue-chip prospect people were making him out to be earlier in the year.

Draft Insider on Anthony Castonzo

Offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo received high grades from the scouting services and is ranked as the premiere left tackle prospect in the senior class. Castonzo quickly gets into blocks, keeps his feet moving and is a solid pass protector that shows the ability to slide out off the edge. He’s a solid position blocker that makes good use of angles and fights throughout the action. Castonzo is mechanically sound and has a long, lean build and the ability to add bulk to his frame. When we watch Castonzo there’s no wow factor on film, the way there was with guys like Russell O’Kung last season. We think he’s a terrific developmental prospect yet not a sure thing. Evidently Castonzo’s camp thinks otherwise as sources have told us his “handlers” are telling people the tackle will be a “guaranteed” top five pick next year.

SideLine Scouting on Anthony Castonzo

Anthony Castonzo - Boston College (HT: 6-7 - WT: 303)

Positives: Intelligent, heady... Very good athlete... Good pass blocker... Plays with good overall technique... Natural knee bender... Good length and long arms... Agile with reasonably quick nimble feet... Good initial quickness, sets up quickly... Good body control... Quick kick step... Good lateral movement and slide... Good blocking range... Does a real good job mirroring defenders... Very good short area quickness... Carries his pads well... Does a good job bringing his feet along with him... Gets into defenders quickly... Solid strength at POA... Good quick punch... Can get to the second level... Reasonably good flexibility and COD... Plays with good balance... Tough... Works hard to finish blocks... Perfect fit in ZBS, similar in many ways to Houston's Eric Winston.

Negatives: A little thin, needs to add 12-15 lbs... Needs to improve his footwork, especially when re-setting against speed rushers... Not real strong or powerful... Needs to improve lower body strength... Doesn't hold up especially well to bull rushers, can be knocked off balance... Will occasionally reach or lean on the edge versus good speed... Looks a little unsure and awkward on the move... Doesn't always break down particularly well in space... More of a wall-off blocker than actual contact maker in space.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on RT Gabe Carimi

OT Gabe Carimi: No. 68 (6-7, 320)

A long, well put together offensive tackle prospect who has some real nasty to his game and possesses good overall strength for the postion. However, isn’t the most flexible of linemen when asked to sit into his stance and doesn’t consistently take the most positive of first steps off the line. Struggles to consistently keep his base down and footwork compact on his kick-slide and can be bullied at the point at times because of overextended footwork. Now, is a very patient puncher and does a nice job delivering a compact, strong jolt into contact. But too often explosive defensive ends are able to reach the corner on his kick-slide, forcing him to quickly open up his hips and lunge into his target, hoping to push them past the play. Displays the ability to anchor with consistency against the bull rush and exhibits good power in his upper body once he get his hands on you.

Exhibits a good first step off the snap in the run game and is able to keep his pad level down much more consistently, creating initial movement as an in-line guy and looked comfortable when asked to seal defenders away from the play. Also, was pretty impressive in the open field for a guy his size, getting out to the second level with ease, reaching a target and sealing them from the play.

Impression: Isn’t a guy who I would trust on the left side at this stage in the NFL, but he can win for you in the run game and looks more like a solid right tackle prospect to me.

Draft Insider on Gabe Carimi

Mention the name Gabe Carimi and you’ll get a wide variety of opinions. In our minds the senior is one of the better left tackle prospects in the nation and deserves recognition as such. Carimi displays terrific footwork in pass protection, shows the ability to adjust and knocks pass rushers from their angle of attack with good hand punch. He makes good use of angles, body positioning and blocks with leverage. Carimi really does not finish blocks nor possesses dominant strength at the point. He’s not Joe Thomas yet is a terrific blind side protector.

Mocking the Draft on Gabe Carimi

Gabe Carimi ~ 6'7, 315 pounds | Offensive tackle | Wisconsin

Agility: This is what makes Carimi more of a right tackle prospect. He's fine on the left in Wisconsin's power run offense, but has heavy feet and doesn't move in space especially well. Can't be relied on to get out and block on the move.

Movement: Tends to lose his balance too often. Must maintain a better base and get a more sound knee bend. When on the move, Carimi can lunge and miss a defender. Shows stiffness on his power step. Compensates for a lack of movement with power. Shouldn't be used as a cut blocker.

Pass blocking: Needs to be more stout as a pass blocker. Typically strong against bull rushes, but was knocked around at times by Iowa's Adrian Clayborn. The problem isn't in power base, but he doesn't always properly use it. Tends to let speed rushers get under his pads. Shows great instincts, due to his experience, to pick up counter moves.

Quickness: Is quick enough in the short area, but not long to the outside with his feet. Because of this, he can lose Has quick hands to win hand placement. Doesn't get his punch out quick to knock linemen around. Doesn't recover especially quick.

Run blocking: Carimi's strength is first contact with defenders in the run game. He gets off the ball pretty well and pops his opponents. Could do a better job finishing. He sustains fine but doesn't always close out with power and aggression. Is more of a latch-on run blocker. However, Carimi doesn't let go once he engages.

Strength: Carimi has NFL strength and should be able to be plugged into an offense immediately. Powerful throughout his frame. Has the strength to seal the edge.

Technique: Needs to maintain his base a little better. If Carimi can do that, he'll do a better job against speed rushers. Gets good hand position.

Final word: Being the guy who had to follow Joe Thomas at Wisconsin was a daunting task. Carimi, while nowhere near as good as Thomas, has done well. He's a power tackle best suited for the right side of the line. Carimi struggles some against speed rushers, but has good strength to anchor and seal.

SideLine Scouting on Gabe Carimi

Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin (HT: 6-6½ - WT: 317)

Positives: Good athlete... Very solid pass protector... Ideal size and reasonably long arms... Very good strength... Good anchoring strength, holds up to bull rushers well... Reasonably good lateral movement and slide... Good position blocker... Stays on his blocks, adjusts reasonably well... Uses his hands well... Can control and manhandle defender once locked on... Good upper body strength... Good power... Good run blocker... Very solid drive blocker... Gets off the line reasonably quick... Can open holes in the running game... Can get to the second level, can seal linebackers from the action... Breaks down reasonably well in space... Does a nice job hitting moving targets... Tough, possesses a mean streak... Confident.

Negatives: Inconsistent footwork in pass protection... Can be beat by speed... Bends at the waist, leans, reaches and lunges versus outside speed... Needs to work on maintaining his balance better... Doesn't always re-direct smoothly, especially on inside counter moves... Lateral footwork can get too long... Inconsistent kick step, either gets too wide or goes with heavy short steps... Has trouble on inside counter-moves... Gets too upright in pass protection, allows defenders under his pads, loses some battles for leverage... Struggles to stay low when firing off the ball when run blocking, allows his body to get ahead of his feet... Doesn't always get great movement in the running game...

Doesn't possess the consistent footwork to play Left Tackle in the NFL.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OT Nate Solder

OT Nate Solder: No. 78 (6-8, 310)

A physical specimen for the position who possesses a rare combination of size, length and overall athleticism. You can tell he’s a former tight end by the way he lines up in pass protection, as he exhibits good flexibility but coils up as if he’s almost trying to release off the line and get into a pass route. Then, he simply stands straight up off the snap, extends his long arms and uses his athletic ability to mirror on the edge. He’s still very raw with his kick-slide, which causes him to get overextended with his base and lose balance on contact. Does a much better job maintaining his balance and staying quick and compact with his footwork when he knows he has help on the outside in the form of a chip. However, when left on an island he's more athlete than technician and is consistently susceptible to the "up and under move." Also, he lacks the upper body strength to stick to linemen once they gain a step on him.

Now, he is a gifted athlete in space and showcased better pop and power as a run blocker than I expected. Looks natural on the move and has the ability to get into blocks quickly and create a bit of a surge at the point of attack.

Impression: A guy who will likely be over drafted based on upside, and rightfully so as he has the skill set to be as good as he wants to be in the NFL. However, isn't nearly as comfortable in pass protection when trying to play with proper technique and it will be interesting to see how far he has matured this offseason.

Draft Insider on Nate Solder

Nate Solder has been a terrific left tackle for the Buffalos and is a solid next level prospect. Bending his knees, he effectively works his hands throughout the action and keeps opponents away from his passer. Agile, he adjusts to speed rushers or knocks out linebackers on the second level. He makes good use of blocking angles and body positioning but is just a marginal run blocker that must improve his balance. We presently grade Solder as a third rounder but feel he could end up as a top 50 pick next April.

SideLine Scouting on Nate Solder

Nate Solder - Colorado (HT: 6-8½ - WT: 310)

Positives: Extremely athletic... Intelligent, heady... Good agility... Good length and long arms... Excellent speed, quick feet... Good pass blocker... Flashes the ability to play with good knee bend... Good lateral movement and slide... Good run blocker... Very solid drive blocker... Carries his pads well... Solid strength... Can coil up and generate reasonably good power... Does a good job staying on his blocks... Uses his hands well... Can get to the second level... Good flexibility... Breaks down well and does a nice job blocking on the move... More of a wall-off blocker than a mover... Hard worker.

Negatives: Inconsistent knee bend... Footwork needs a little work... Choppy kick slide... Rises too early in pass protection... Will occasionally lean and overextend... Gets beat by good inside moves... Will allow his technique and footwork to get sloppy... Gets too upright when run blocking... Not especially strong at POA... Needs to add some bulk to rangy and over-tall frame... Lacks a great anchor, can be walked back... Inconsistent balance... Kind of a project coming into the 2010 season.

A very intriguing prospect, indeed.

 

[IllegalContact]

A blurb on OT Carimi:

It should not be a surprise when opposing offensive tackles struggle battling Purdue’s defensive end duo. It should come as somewhat of a surprise when the struggling tackles belong to the best offensive line in college football. Ryan Kerrigan is a nuisance for all blockers, but highly rated tackle prospect Gabe Carimi had issues with the speed and quickness of the undersized Gerald Gooden. Carimi’s struggles are derived from a lack of depth on his kick step, which has been a result of his added bulk this offseason.

not a good thing against some of the guys the pats face


A blurb on wisniewski:

The marquee match-up last weekend featured JoePa and his Nittany Lions fresh off his 400th victory visiting the “Horseshoe” against The Ohio State Buckeyes. The offensive lines, in particular, were on display. It should be noted that highly rated center prospect Stefen Wisniewski has switched back to right guard the second half of this season. He has started the past six games away from the pivot due to injuries and issues along Penn State’s line.

he can play RG as well as C.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OT/OG Jason Pinkston

OL Jason Pinkston: No. 77 (6-4, 305)

Possesses good overall thickness through his upper body and looks a lot broader than his height/weight numbers would indicate. Also plays long and does a nice job of keeping his elbows inside his frame and maximizing his length on contact. Is a pretty natural bender out of his three-point stance and does a nice job of keeping his base under him and really firing off the football in the run game. Exhibits an impressive combination of body control and pop when asked to reach linemen off his frame and is really powerful on contact eliminating defenders on kick-out blocks inside. Displays good coordination on the move and can break down in space, but he seems to get a bit confused at times and struggles to find a man to block at the second level. Will consistently make his way out into space, but at times gets caught blocking no one.

Showcases natural balance out of his stance in the pass game and does a nice job of quickly redirecting laterally. Generates a good burst off his left foot when asked to change directions back inside while keeping his base down and feet under him. Does a great job keeping his hands up where his eyes can see them at all times and is a quick puncher who can sit in and anchor at the point. Doesn’t waste much motion off the snap when asked to reach the corner out of his three-point stance. Does a great job of getting his left foot moving initially toward the edge and gracefully sliding his feet together in sync on his kick-slide. However, the biggest concern I have with him at this stage is his overall range as I don’t think he’s a good enough athlete to reach speed off the edge at the next level. He’s consistently forced to open up his hips/shoulders toward the outside and push the pass rusher past the pocket on their outside speed rush if they get on top of him quickly.

Impression: He’s physical and coordinated in the run game and very fluid redirecting vs. the pass. Just lacks the kind of range needed to play left tackle at the next level. However, he looks like a very capable right-sided player with Pro Bowl potential if kicked inside to guard.

SideLine Scouting on Jason Pinkston

Jason Pinkston - Pittsburgh (HT: 6-3½ - WT: 307)

Projection: 2nd-3rd Round


Positives: Will get some consideration at Offensive Tackle... Athletic... Reasonably good length and long arms... Good pass blocker... Good burst out of his stance... Very solid knee bend... Good footwork, reasonably good lateral movement and slide... Good agility and COD... Uses his hands reasonably well, good hand placement... Does a nice job re-directing... Carries his pad reasonably well... Very solid run blocker... Fires off the ball when run blocking, stays low and plays with leverage... Adequate upper body strength, solid punch... Does a nice job at POA... Very solid anchor, good base, can generally stop the bull rush... Good mobility... Can pull and get to the second level... Good flexibility and body control... Does a solid job blocking on the move... Reasonably good balance... Similar in many ways to former Packer and Brown Ross Verba.

Negatives: Inconsistent... Has some durability concerns... Doesn't always get good depth on kick slide... Doesn't have the feet to play Left Tackle in the NFL... Can be beat by good outside speed, doesn't possess good outside lateral range... Slow getting squared up to counter-moves... Will stop his feet and reach and lean... Gets too high on some run blocks, will bend at the waist... Not an especially hard worker... Durability/knee concerns.

Draft Insider on Jason Pinkston

Left tackle Jason Pinkston is a player we’ve been high on since the 2008 season. Mechanically sound, he blocks with terrific leverage and uses effective body positioning to seal defenders from the action. His footwork is solid as is his use of blocking angles in pass protection. He lacks the dominant base and does not get much movement run blocking. Sources have told us Pinkston could work a bit harder as well. He stands under 6-feet, 4-inches and some may question his ability to hold down the left tackle spot in the NFL. We disagree as Pinkston has all the tools necessary to be a blind side protector until he proves otherwise.

Tremendous looking Guard prospect. He'll probably get over drafted as a Tackle, but, like Pouncey, a guy to keep an eye on, just in case...

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OT/OG Marcus Cannon

83. OL Marcus Cannon, TCU (6-5, 350)

A massive, thickly built offensive lineman who displays good power and knows how to anchor on contact. He does have a tendency to get too upright in pass protection off the edge, but he possesses the versatility to play right tackle and guard at the next level.

More Good Stuff from Bunting!!

When TCU needs a big yard in the run game, look left as they have one of the most physically imposing offensive linemen in the nation in left tackle Marcus Cannon. At 6-5 and nearly 360 pounds, Cannon is an absolute monster at the point of attack, he showcases an explosive first step for his size, can really generate a snap through his hips and uses his long arms and good body control to finish blocks down the field. The guy really is a rare athlete for his size and even though I don’t think he’s a left tackle prospect in the NFL, he certainly has the ability to hold up in pass pro on the left side at the college level.

SideLine Scouting on Marcus Cannon

Marcus Cannon - TCU (HT: 6-5 - WT: 352)

Projection: 2nd-3rd Round


Positives: Will get looks at Right Tackle as well... Reasonably good athlete... Reasonably long arms... Good agility for a man his size... Good short area quickness... Good run blocker... Gets off the snap quickly when run blocking... Strong... Plays with good power... Possesses a good hand punch... Very solid drive blocker... Stays low and plays with reasonably good leverage... Gets movement in the running game... Can dominate at POA, sustains his blocks... Can get under the pads of his opponent and turn them from the action... Does an adequate job getting to the second level... Solid flexibility and body control... Very solid in pass protection... Good anchor... Very solid lateral movement and slide... Reasonably good short area quickness... Reasonably good balance, seldom on the ground... Can be aggressive, hard worker.

Negatives: Can be a little slow getting into his pass set... Gets to upright in his slide to the outside edge... Slow to recognize delayed blitzes and stunts... Doesn't breakdown especially well on the move... Doesn't always get his hands on linebackers in space... Will throw his body into defenders when blocking on the move... Lacks good lateral blocking range... Struggles with speed rushers... Bends at the waist, leans and overextends into blocks on the edge... Doesn't always play with passion, appears to occasionally play down to his opponent... Too heavy, needs to play at 330-335 lbs.

Some Concerns from Bunting

Protecting Dalton on the left side is massive offensive tackle prospect Marcus Cannon. The 6-5, 358-pound lineman is a pretty good athlete for his size who looks surprisingly comfortable on the move. However, he needs to continue to improve his initial burst off the football. He has struggled with speed off the edge during his career. Therefore, his ability to hold up one-on-one in the pass game will be the biggest determining factor in deciding if this guy can in fact play tackle at the next level or will be ultimately be forced to kick inside to guard. My money is on the latter.

Yet More from Bunting...

Kick him inside

I touched on TCU offensive tackle Marcus Cannon slightly in my Weekend Primer, sharing how talented of an athlete he was for his size. But it was key to watch the 6-5, 358-pounder this weekend to see if he had the kind of range to reach legit speed off the edge. And the answer: no. Cannon routinely struggled to quickly get to the corner in pass protection, wasn’t real compact with his footwork and consistently was doubled over at the waist when asked to anchor. Now, he is extremely powerful in the run game as he has the ability to coil up much better into his stance, fire off the football low and simply engulf and rag doll defenders lined up in front of him. However, he’s still pretty raw with his hand placement into contact, but can simply dominate at this level because of his impressive physical power and body control at the point. Therefore, Cannon strikes me more as a guard-only prospect in the NFL who will need some additional time to develop. But he’s a physically gifted kid with a strong upper and lower body and has the upside to definitely start inside; you just need to be patient with him.

My GOD, do I love this guy: A Mauling BEAST of a Grizzly!! :rocker:

But of course: No way in HELL he fits, here.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OG/OT Danny Watkins

OL Danny Watkins: No. 59 (6-4, 310)

A tightly built, compact tackle who lacks ideal length and isn’t flexible when asked to sit into his stance. More of a waist bender who looks content to pop upright initially out of his stance in the run game, then simply fire low off the ball. However, exhibits good body control and a stronger lower half when asked to get his feet around the target and anchor defensive ends away from the inside run. And although he isn’t real long armed, exhibits a quick punch and good hand placement, allowing him to control blocks initially on contact in the run game.

Struggles with his pad level in the pass game and fails to consistently keep his base down and anchor with much leverage. Is a pretty good athlete with some natural range off the edge, but gets too high and narrow with his footwork on his kick-slide and can really be jolted on the point of attack. Exhibits decent change-of-direction skills to quickly redirect and mirror in tighter quarters, but too often allows defenders to get into his frame and fails to stay on blocks in pass protection.

Impression: Lacks the physical skill set needed to play on the outside at the next level. Will need to make the move inside to guard if he hopes to get a shot in an NFL training camp next summer.

A Mid Season UpDate from Bunting

OL Danny Watkins: Baylor (6-4, 310)

Watkins, a former hockey player from Canada who decided to take up football in 2007, is now anchoring the left side of the offensive line for one of the better offenses in the nation. He’s a strong, smooth kid who does a nice job extending his arms into contact, maintaining balance and sticking to blocks through the play. However, the downfall on him is that come draft time the guy will be 26 years old. Nevertheless, he has put himself in position to come into an NFL training camp and fight for playing time early in his NFL career. I see him as more of a guard prospect, but he’s a mature kid with some upside to his game still — despite his age — and I expect him to garner some interest within the top-100 picks.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OL Marcus Gilbert

OT Marcus Gilbert: No. 76 (6-6, 316)

I’m slowly warming up to him

Coming into the season I was less than impressed with the play of Florida offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert and was even more confused due to the fact that in some draft circles he was ranked as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation. However, after watching him a number of times this year, I still don’t think he’s an NFL-caliber left tackle, but he showcases good enough power, balance and fluidity in my opinion to hold his own on the right side of an NFL offensive line. He possesses a thick lower half, has a good first step off the football, keeps his base down through contact and knows how to extend his arms under the pad level of defenders and drive his man off the snap. Plus, he showcases good balance not only through the play in the run game, but when asked to redirect and quickly pick up a free man at the second level. As for the pass game, he isn’t overly rangy off the edge and will get caught having to open up his hips and lunge into blocks toward the corner. However, he displays good body control and can regain his balance quickly. Is a physical, coordinated puncher and does a nice job anchoring at the point and moving his feet through contact. Overall, he’s not in the same class as some of the other top offensive tackle prospects, but this guy definitely has the ability to mature into a potential starting right tackle at the next level

Draft Insider on Marcus Gilbert

Tackle Marcus Gilbert is highly regarded by NFL scouts and it’s understandable why this is so. Big and very athletic, Gilbert is a right side player we think offers the footwork, agility and movement skills to be considered for the blind side. Gilbert makes good use of blocking angles, jolts defenders with terrific hand punch and controls opponents once engaged at the point. He displays the ability to adjust blocking in motion and can hit a moving target. Explosive at the point, Gilbert does a solid job bending his knees and blocks with a wide base. He needs to improve his run blocking yet the arrow is pointing north for the senior.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OL James Carpenter

OT James Carpenter: No. 77 (6-5, 300)

Possesses good overall thickness in his lower half with decent initial body control off the snap. Showcases average range when asked to reach defenders off his frame in the run game, but has the body control to drop his pad level and get a chip on them off the line on runs away from his frame. Looks natural in sealing opposing linemen on runs away from his frame. However, he lacks the type of coordination to cleanly chop down linemen on contact. But, he seems a lot more comfortable when asked to chip on his man at the line and get down the field in the screen game. Has a tendency to lumber a bit, but possesses good balance into contact and consistently gets his hands on defenders in space.

Seems too overextended with his footwork initially off the snap, although he does do a nice job quickly getting off the snap and reaching the edge vs. the speed rush. However, he allows his base to get too narrow on his initial kick step, which causes him to get too upright on contact and struggles when asked to re-direct back inside. Also, has a tendency to stop moving his feet on the edge after his initial kick-side. And although he does do a nice job extending his long arms and using his length to push defenders past the pocket, he simply isn’t much of a real Velcro player and fails to consistently stay on blocks.

Impression: There is some untapped potential to his game because of his initial range off the edge. However, he’s really a finesse guy who plays too high and lacks any kind of pop in the run game as an in-line guy. Therefore, you won’t be able to run behind him in the NFL, and although he is a decent athlete, he’s not good enough to be anything more than a late round/reserve type lineman.

Draft Insider on James Carpenter

Offensive lineman James Carpenter is a college left tackle better off in confined quarters. Carpenter makes good use of blocking angles and is a solid position blocker that bends his knees and works to play with leverage. Strong at the point, he easily controls defenders once engaged in a block. Carpenter is heavy footed and struggles sliding out to protect the edge at left tackle. We think he’ll get looks on the right side or at guard in camp next year.

A Bit More From Bunting...Not so Kind!!

James Carpenter: Alabama

Carpenter is a longer, leaner athlete who does a nice job off the snap extending his arms/hands into the opposing lineman’s frame and possesses a lot stronger hands than given credit for on contact. He displays the ability to be a bit of a Velcro player through contact in pass pro and can be difficult to disengage from once he locks on. However, he isn’t real balanced or compact in any area of the game, as he exhibits long footwork off the snap, consistently doubles over at the waist in an effort to stay on blocks and will struggle to cleanly redirect when he doesn’t have his hands on you. He’s more of a grabber than puncher at this stage, as well, and he’s not a guy I would trust playing on my blindside at the next level.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on OL Lee Ziemba

OT Lee Ziemba: No. 73 (6-6, 322)

A tall, long-bodied offensive tackle who displays some flexibility when asked to sit into his stance in the run game, but doesn’t generate much of a burst from his lower half into contact. Really rolls his hips into defenders and there isn’t much of an explosive element to his game when asked to run block. Gets a bit overextended into blocks as well and can be stonewalled at times at the point of attack. However, does a nice job extending his long arms into contact and his hand placement did improve significantly in 2009. And although he lacks ideal pop on contact, he has the ability to initially stick to blocks in the run game and seal through the play. Displays slightly above-average athleticism on the whole for his size and can reach targets off his frame. However, struggles to quickly drop his pad level and cut down defenders on contact.

Isn’t a real explosive athlete off the edge in pass protection, struggles to really sit into his stance and initially can get a bit overextended on his kick-slide. However, he’s a pretty coordinated pass blocker who has good body control in his lower half when trying to reach the corner. Needs to do a better job keeping his hands up and protecting his frame, but is a long-armed guy who can stick on blocks through the play when engaged. Now, isn’t real explosive when asked to redirect back inside, takes him a second to regain his balance and slide his feet, but for such a long lineman he has some decent change of directions skills in space.

Impression: Is a big, long athlete with some natural balance and footwork for a guy his size. But, isn’t a great athlete, plays a bit high and doesn’t exhibit much explosion off the snap in the run game. Doesn’t seem athletic enough to play LT in the NFL or physical enough to win on the right side. More of a versatile backup type who can fill voids at both spots, but I wouldn’t want him starting for me every week.

Draft Insider on Lee Ziemba

The durable lineman is sized well, possesses strength at the point and blocks with a good degree of intelligence. Ziemba effectively uses his hands to push opponents from their angle of attack then seals them from the action with good body positioning. He gets movement run blocking, flashes dominance and works hard. He lacks the feet for left tackle but has the tools to eventually be a right side blocker.

SideLine Scouting on Lee Ziemba

Lee Ziemba - Auburn (HT: 6-6½ - WT: 315)

Positives: Solid pass blocker... Good length and long arms... Reasonably good feet... Solid slide, does a nice job moving laterally... Reasonably good mobility... Solid agility... Carries his pads well... Does a good job keeping his feet underneath him... Moves his feet on contact... Very solid run blocker... Solid drive blocker... Gets a reasonably good push at POA, can turn defender and seal him from the action... Gets movement in the running game... Can get to the second level... Does an adequate job blocking in space but more of a obstacle to run around than actual blocker... Flashes a mean streak... Gives a good effort, hard worker, does a nice job staying on blocks.

Negatives: Kick-slide need work, he bounces a little, overextends to reach the corner... Lateral movement looks a little awkward and somewhat choppy... Not especially quick, can be beat by speed... Needs to add 10-15 lbs. of muscle without impacting his already barely marginal quickness... Seldom the first man off the ball... Not very explosive, lacks any real suddenness to his game... Gets a little too upright... Can be walked back if he doesn't maintain good pad level... Lacks good flexibility, can be slow getting in front of countermoves or fitting on moving targets... Runs too upright, doesn't breakdown especially well... More of a chipper in space than an actual blocker... Doesn't chop block very well... Sees a lot of red flags... Not a Left Tackle at the next level and might even have to move to Guard.

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on RT Jah Reid

He’s going to be moving on up

I got to take my first look at Central Florida right tackle Jah Reid this weekend and I will admit that I still need to go back and watch some real tape on him. However, my initial TV impressions of the kid were very good. He’s a big, 6-7, 325-pound tackle who carries his weight well, looks really long armed and displays natural bend in his lower half. He displayed good initial balance and body control in pass protection, kept his arms up and showcased good pop and balance when asked to extend and punch. He was also very powerful in the run game, gaining leverage on contact, displaying good hand placement and liked to pump his legs and finish blocks. Now, he does lack great range off the edge vs. speed and at times is forced to open up the gate and lunge into defenders, pushing them past the play. Plus, he isn’t a real velcro player once he gets a hold of a defender despite his size. However, Reid gets off the snap count on time, seems to really understand angles and looks like one of the better right tackle prospects I have seen so far this draft season.

Under the Radar…

 

[Off The Grid]

NFP's Wes Bunting on RT Derek Hall

Underrated senior…

If there’s one thing we know about the Stanford offensive line it’s that it knows how to block in the run game. And that’s exactly what you get in fifth-year senior right tackle Derek Hall. Hall is a 6-5, 305-pound first-year starter who has made the move from the defensive line during his time as a Cardinal. He’s still a bit raw in pass protection as he isn’t the most natural of benders, tends to get doubled over at the waist, will lunge into blocks and because of his overextended footwork will lose balance at times trying to redirect. However, he’s a good enough athlete to hold his own out there, understands angles and does a nice job pushing defenders past the play when asked to reach the corner. But his real calling card is in the run game where the guy has the ability to get off the football quickly, gain leverage on contact, showcases good hand placement and works hard through the whistle. He lacks elite power and isn’t a guy who consistently overwhelms on contact, but he can create a good initial snap at the point, is coordinated enough to stick to blocks through the play and can either turn his man from the football or at times can simply drive his target off the line and into the ground.

Again, he does need some more polish in the pass game, but he’s only a one-year starter and I think there is still enough upside to his game for him to mature and warrant a spot on an NFL roster as a rookie…with some growth potential down the line as well.

Interesting Dark Horse candidate...

 

[lostjumper]

Thanks for these update OTG. My interest in guards has suddenly picked up now that Neal is on IR(and i think will retire) and they may not get Mankins back. We might see an o-lineman get picked with one of our first 4 picks, something I didn't think would happen until now.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Thanks for these update OTG. My interest in guards has suddenly picked up now that Neal is on IR(and i think will retire) and they may not get Mankins back. We might see an o-lineman get picked with one of our first 4 picks, something I didn't think would happen until now.

Depending on how things turn out, especially if things keep going poorly for Oakland and we can land Dareus with 1a, I could see BB trading 1b back a bit to load up later on, one guy I'm really big on is Andrew Jackson out of Fresno, I don't know anything about how he is as a player, I just think his name is awesome.

Player Bio: Andrew Jackson - Fresno State Official Athletic Site

 

[Taxed in Maine]

Thanks for these update OTG. My interest in guards has suddenly picked up now that Neal is on IR(and i think will retire) and they may not get Mankins back. We might see an o-lineman get picked with one of our first 4 picks, something I didn't think would happen until now.

I have been thinking OT with one of the first 3 picks for a long time now, even with Light re-signing. Mankins has come back, but I think he is just playing the good soldier. IMO he bolts at seasons end.

Kaczur has been a better RT than most give him credit for. I think he could be a very good Guard. Connolly can play either side, so whichever side Kaczur is the best at he plays. I would assume that Neal retires.

The season starts something like this: Light-Connolly-Koppen-Kaczur-Vollmer

With an early round OT and a later round OC learning the ropes, and the best of Ojinnaka, Levoir, Maneri, Ohrenberger, Wendell... etc, filling in the last 2 or 3 spots.

 

[SirApropos]

Re: * X Factor: OT Tyron (Missing E) Smith!! *

X Factor: Wes Bunting on the HIGHLY Skilled OT Tyron Smith!!



Mocking The Draft on Tyron Smith



Been following this cat for awhile...

Tyron Smith is 19, ladies and gentlemen.

Because his only starting experience is at Right Tackle, and because he's still raw, as 19 year old Juniors are wont to be, he WILL get discounted, if he declares. And yet I expect he WILL declare, because, as Brother Bunting points out: He will instantly become the Offensive Tackle with the highest UpSide.

And the 2012 Class ~ as indicated in the OP ~ is LOADED.

I'm not sure where he projects. I'll have to think about that some more.

My GOD, I'd love to get this kid.

Smith has officially declared.

Source: USC Trojans losing OT Tyron Smith, DT Jurrell Casey to NFL draft - ESPN Los Angeles

 

[aabtec]

Nate Solder, Colorado ~ 6.8/315

I think these guys are prime candidates to get over drafted. But Nate Solder does offer an absolutely amazing blend of Size, Power, and Athleticism. He, too, needs a lot of work, though, and, as with Benjamin Ijalana, that could play in our favor: The reluctance of 31 other GMs to invest such a critical Pick in a guy who's skills are raw ~ he's a recent Offensive End Conversion ~ could very well drop a 1st Round Caliber Talent to the mid or later 2nd Round...where we could pounce on him, put him to work in The Dante Scarnecchia School of Extraordinary Grizzlies...and spend the rest of the decade with, potentially, the best Offensive Tackle Tandem in the nation.[/QUOTE]

I like the idea of Solder...I think he is going to be really good. He would be a really nice book end with SeBass....

 

[MVPatsfan13]

This is a bit OT, but has anyone seen any Bucs games, interested in how Ted larsen has done. Apparently hes been starting at LG since week 6 or so.

 

[Off The Grid]

Thanks for these update OTG. My interest in guards has suddenly picked up now that Neal is on IR(and i think will retire) and they may not get Mankins back. We might see an o-lineman get picked with one of our first 4 picks, something I didn't think would happen until now.

Thanks, Brother Jumper.

Is it POSSIBLE that it's been two week since I looked at this thread?? OY. VERY busy.