ESPN's Mel Kiper has Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey going to the New York Giants with the 19th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. That doesn't mean it will happen, of course. It does, however, mean that we need to discuss Pouncey as we meander our way through these prospect profiles.
We were talking about Pouncey's brother, Maurkice, as a potential Giant last off-season. He went to Pittsburgh and has excelled.
Here is what Kiper had to say in placing Pouncey with the Giants:
His brother went to Pittsburgh at No. 18 overall last year, looked like a Pro Bowl player early and became one late in his rookie season. The other Pouncey has similar attributes. He’s durable, smart and versatile along the interior. By far the best player at his position in this draft, he should pay immediate dividends for the Giants and be effective as both a run- and pass-blocker.
Personally, I don't know if Pouncey is the right choice. I do love the idea of getting a versatile offensive lineman who could potentially start right away.
Full scouting reports after the jump.
Mike Pouncey
G/C, Florida
6-foot-4, 310 pounds
Scouting Reports
From Draft Countdown:
Strengths:
-- Prototypical height and bulk with a large frame
-- Athletic with great balance, agility and quickness
-- Nimble feet and able to slide laterally and mirror
-- Is stout at the point of attack with a wide base
-- Decent power and gets adequate push in run game
-- Strong and capable of locking on / sustaining blocks
-- Range to pull, work in space and reach second level
-- Top football IQ with superb instincts and awareness
-- Aggressive and plays game with a nasty demeanor
-- Versatile with the ability to play multiple positions
Weaknesses:
-- Is not a polished technician and needs refinement
-- Will get caught reaching and lunging at times
-- Is not necessarily a physically dominant blocker
-- Pad level gets high and leverage is inconsistent
-- Struggled mightily with shotgun snaps as a senior
Overall:
Twin brother, Maurkice Pouncey, was a 1st Round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft and is already one of the leagues premier centers ... Not quite as good of a player or pro prospect as his brother but no slouch in his own right --- Possesses both the physical tools and intangibles to be a solid starter in the NFL.
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Athletic... Versatile... Good run blocker... Very solid drive blocker with good power... Good size and reasonably good strength... Can anchor well at POA, does a reasonably good job holding his ground... Plays with good power... Stays low and wins most battles for leverage... Holds up reasonably well versus bull rushers... Gets and maintains good hand placement... Plays with reasonably good leverage... Drives his legs on contact... Maintains good balance... Gets good push and can move the pile in the running game... Can pull and trap block well... Gets to the second level... Does a nice job breaking down in space and blocking on the move... Reasonably good flexibility and COD... Very solid pass protector.
Negatives: Inconsistent... Slow to recgonize stunts and delayed blitzes... More of a wall-off blocker in space than actual hitter... Can be beat by quicker three-techniques... Will lunge and lose balance... Doesn't keep his head up... Struggles snapping the ball, especially from the shotgun... Looked better in 2009 as a Guard, will get some misguided consideration at Center.