@BaconGrundleCandy - What's your take on
BRAXTON JONES OT SOUTHERN UTAH 6’051/306 10 1/8″H-36″A-84 1/4″WS #77 ?
He played on the "American" squad during the East-West Shrine game?
I like him but he's a bit inconsistent, all around for me. He has some beautiful reps and his body is about 10-12 lbs away from being prototype at almost 6'6/310 right now. Plus arm length.
Inconsistent hand usage and placement. At times he'll work and fight for position for 5 seconds moving his guy yards off the ball. Much better as a run blocker in this regard. He just plays better and has his feet under him more. Technique could improve some but he's a very good run blocker. Shoots off the line with some decent explosion. Inconsistent playing with his hips first, gaining leverage but more good than bad. Quick, compact movements, strikes, gaining inside hands and it's usually over from there.
Plus grip strength. Good enough movements - a bit stiff that bothers me a little but you can live with that if he cleans up his hand usage. Footwork is plus imo. Solid drive and leg strength. Also utilizes his arm length more.
Smooth jump off the ball. At times he'll actually take a bit too much ground to make up for his lack of flexibility imo. That'll cause him to make his steps wider. Gets him a bit off balance. Quick feet ability to mirror at times but inconsistent positioning, trying stay to stay square. Sometimes these guys are just taught to play with different body angles. Who am I but I think he could improve with some coaching when it comes to taking on certain rushes. Kind of felt the same while watching Cross.
Much more work to do in pass pro. He's a project in this area. Has to get stronger. Has to learn to sustain blocks. IQ and recognition is there but needs to really make strides in pass pro if he wants to really see the field.
Decent lateral movements, solid power and ability to create torque. This plus his grip strength and nasty demeanor will make for some nice plays. Range is lacking but he can move a little bit.
Plays with the attitude and toughness you want to see. You'll be happy to hear he's pretty good at picking up stunts
Seems pretty aware of what's happening around him. Sees something does something.
Inconsistent bend. This show up fairly often along with lack of quick change of direction.
Rushers get in his chest too easy. Second level defenders slip his strikes and get into him. He has to get stronger especially in his upper half and add a little weight imo. All this definitely requires some good coaching. OL coaching and strength program. Luckily for us our strength program has always been top notch. Our guys are always on another level in that regard. Every one is strong but NE has a great program. Like Bama in college ahead of the curve in a lot of areas. That's another thing that we need to factor in. Who's developing these guys. What they're capable of and how much time you have to get them on the field.