Sunday, April 24, 2011

The first interior lineman I believe should come off the board

 In this article I am following up OT's with the best Interior Lineman of this draft.  As mentioned previously, linemen have to be very versatile.  Both run and pass blocking proficiency will be dissected throughout this article... so here you go!  


Mike Pouncey of Florida                  
40time:          5.28                 
Bench:           DNP
Height            6'5"
Weight           303
Arm Length    32 & 1/4  
Hands           9 & 3/4

Pouncey is arguably this class' top interior offensive line prospect. He has outstanding football IQ and the ability to become a pro-bowl starter at guard or center. Has great feet needed to mirror pass rushers and pull down the line. Uses his hands well when battling in pass protection. Shows his understanding of the game when recognizing blitzers and effectively combo blocking with teammates. Should keep working on improving his strength to go along with his great feet.  Plays with passion and aggressiveness. Defensive tackles with more size and strength than Pouncey can be his kryptonite but there aren't many holes in his game.  Pouncey has a great work-ethic that is going to enable him to keep growing as a player.  If he is anything like his brother the team that lands him should be very happy.

Danny Watkins of Baylor                 
40time:          5.4                 
Bench:           29 reps
Height            6'3"
Weight           310
Arm Length    34 & 1/4  
Hands            10 & 1/8

Watkins has taken a very different path to the NFL, but has the strength and athleticism to play at the next level. He does not have the arm length and or outside technique to play tackle, however he projects to be a quality starting guard. He plays with terrific balance and has the foot quickness to hold in pass protection. Despite his limited football experience, he engages very well with his hands and maintains a strong position.  Watkins has good size for the guard position.  Generates a good push in the running game and has the athleticism to make blocks in the second level. Plays mean and always finishes blocks.  Even with the limited time playing football Watkins has a ton of upside and should make a good guard in the NFL.  

Ben Ijalana of Villanova                 
40time:          DNP                 
Bench:           DNP
Height            6'4"
Weight           317
Arm Length    36  
Hands            10 & 1/2

Ijalana starred for Villanova at the FCS level and he has enough talent to make the jump to the NFL. He projects as a guard (but has the versatility to play right tackle) at the next level and his strength and finishing attitude will make him a powerful drive blocker. He makes good decisions in pass protection and has quick feet and long arms to handle athletic defensive lineman. Ijalana still stands too tall and needs to stop taking so many false steps, many athletic pass rushers could make him pay if his technique doesn't improve; however, I still believe Ijalana has the potential to develop into a starting guard.

Marcus Cannon of TCU                
40time:          5.27                 
Bench:           33 reps
Height            6'5"
Weight           358
Arm Length    34  
Hands            9 & 5/8

Cannon is a huge man with sneaky athleticism that could develop into a starting right tackle at the next level; however I think he fits into a physical guards role much better. He shows good initial quickness and can really push around defenders once he gets his hands on them. His athleticism allows him to mirror defenders in pass protection and shows the ability to pursue moving targets in the second level on run plays. Plays with an aggressive mean streak and goes out to finish blocks.  His bulk allows him to take on two defenders at the same time.  The biggest concern is his inability to consistently recognize blocking assignments, primarily on stunts. Has too many false starts and has been warned to watch his weight.  If he can improve his instincts and understanding of the game he could be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

Orlando Franklin of Miami(Fl)                  
40time:          5.2                 
Bench:           26 reps
Height            6'6"
Weight           316
Arm Length    35  
Hands            11 & 1/8

Franklin's got a chance to emerge as a starting right tackle but could also be a great guard. Has very impressive measureables, HUGE hands and long arms. Outstanding run blocker who gets off the ball quickly and is capable of holding up at the point or pulling and getting to the second level.  Never-ending motor and wants to finish every block like it's his last!   Does a good job locating blitzers, staying home against stunts or helping out when not covered up. Has a slight problem when asked to mirror quicker pass rushers.  Franklin physical gifts and on-field smarts that are sought after in an NFL prospect.  He has an extremely high NFL IQ and will make a great addition to any NFL team.

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