By Ryan Frye
Conventional wisdom dictates that a football team should be built from the inside out. You start with the offensive and defensive lines, then build backwards. And although the chronological order of this series thus far has spat in the face of that, it makes complete sense.
Before I delve into my tackles for this team, though, make sure to check out the previous editions of this series:
Introduction
Quarterback & Tight End
Running Back & Fullback
Wide Receivers
Conventional wisdom dictates that a football team should be built from the inside out. You start with the offensive and defensive lines, then build backwards. And although the chronological order of this series thus far has spat in the face of that, it makes complete sense.
Before I delve into my tackles for this team, though, make sure to check out the previous editions of this series:
Introduction
Quarterback & Tight End
Running Back & Fullback
Wide Receivers
OT Joe Haeg
North Dakota State
6'6" 298 lbs.
4th round projection
Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Started all four years at North Dakota State. Displays versatility to play either tackle spot. Has a big build that can be added onto. Has nice length and wingspan that he uses well. Works best in a "phone booth." Athletic for his size, moves well, can pull and seal the edge. Blocks well against spin moves. Comes off the line of scrimmage with a nice burst. Has good hand placement and footwork.
CONS: Played against a lower level of competition. Occasionally gets caught off balance. Generally bends waist as opposed to knees. Struggles in space at times. Sometimes fails to maintain control of the defender, lacks ideal strength to drive defender backwards as is necessary.
BOTTOM LINE: Fits exclusively in a zone blocking scheme. More of a pass blocker than a run blocker due to his simple lack of power, which he'll need to improve. Likely will play on the right side or even on the inside on the next level.
North Dakota State
6'6" 298 lbs.
4th round projection
Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Started all four years at North Dakota State. Displays versatility to play either tackle spot. Has a big build that can be added onto. Has nice length and wingspan that he uses well. Works best in a "phone booth." Athletic for his size, moves well, can pull and seal the edge. Blocks well against spin moves. Comes off the line of scrimmage with a nice burst. Has good hand placement and footwork.
CONS: Played against a lower level of competition. Occasionally gets caught off balance. Generally bends waist as opposed to knees. Struggles in space at times. Sometimes fails to maintain control of the defender, lacks ideal strength to drive defender backwards as is necessary.
BOTTOM LINE: Fits exclusively in a zone blocking scheme. More of a pass blocker than a run blocker due to his simple lack of power, which he'll need to improve. Likely will play on the right side or even on the inside on the next level.
OT Brandon Shell
South Carolina
6'5" 324 lbs.
5th round projection
Full Draft Breakdown profile
PROS: Fairs well with redirecting speed rushers to avert their attempts to sack or rush the quarterback. Tall and lanky, can use his length to his advantage. Displayed improvement in 2015. Does well finding blocks at the second level. Has a powerful base. Started majority of four years in the SEC. Very difficult to disengage from. Drives defenders backwards with great ease.
CONS: Struggles with spin moves and stunts. Footwork is unspectacular. Hand strength and usage could improve. Draws too many false start penalties. Isn't at all a smooth athlete, tends to lumber around. Slow off the line of scrimmage.
BOTTOM LINE: Excels more as a run blocker than as a pass blocker. Proved capable of playing on both the right and left side in college, but will likely be a right tackle or guard in the NFL.
Third day, developmental pick; some NFL team will be drooling at the chance to mold this large, physically impressive prospect into a consistent starter. It may very well be a boom or bust scenario with Brandon Shell.
Coming Up Tuesday, April 5th: Offensive Guards!
South Carolina
6'5" 324 lbs.
5th round projection
Full Draft Breakdown profile
PROS: Fairs well with redirecting speed rushers to avert their attempts to sack or rush the quarterback. Tall and lanky, can use his length to his advantage. Displayed improvement in 2015. Does well finding blocks at the second level. Has a powerful base. Started majority of four years in the SEC. Very difficult to disengage from. Drives defenders backwards with great ease.
CONS: Struggles with spin moves and stunts. Footwork is unspectacular. Hand strength and usage could improve. Draws too many false start penalties. Isn't at all a smooth athlete, tends to lumber around. Slow off the line of scrimmage.
BOTTOM LINE: Excels more as a run blocker than as a pass blocker. Proved capable of playing on both the right and left side in college, but will likely be a right tackle or guard in the NFL.
Third day, developmental pick; some NFL team will be drooling at the chance to mold this large, physically impressive prospect into a consistent starter. It may very well be a boom or bust scenario with Brandon Shell.
Coming Up Tuesday, April 5th: Offensive Guards!