As we continue our 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile series let's look at another in the list of offensive linemen who might pique the New York Giants' curiosity. Clint Boling of Georgia is a likely middle-round type draft candidate who is more than likely a guard at the NFL level.
Most of the reports on Boling seem to indicate he is athletic, but not overly powerful player. Scouting reports after the jump.
Clint Boling
OG, Georgia
6-foot-4, 305 pounds
Projection: Round 3 or 4
Scouting Reports
From Draft Countdown:
Strengths:
- Pretty athletic with good quickness, agility and balance
- Shows nimble feet to shuffle, slide laterally and mirror
- Technically sound and understands positioning / angles
- Able to pull, work in space and reach the second level
- Tough, intense and plays game with a nasty demeanor
- Smart with great football IQ, instincts and awareness
- Versatile and is capable of playing multiple positions
Weaknesses:
- Merely average size w/ short arms and small hands
- Isn't stout at point of attack and lacks a wide base
- Not a road grader and push in run game is mediocre
- Must hit weight room and work on getting stronger
Overall:
Played every offensive line position at Georgia except center --- Could play tackle in a pinch but ideal fit at the next level will probably come inside at guard --- A battle-tested veteran of college wars with the talent to enjoy a long pro career and compete for a starting job --- Should at the very least be a quality swing backup.
From National Football Post:
A tall, longer guard prospect who lacks ideal girth but possesses good length and some natural bend for his size when asked to sit into his stance in the run game. Is a real scrapper inside who plays until the whistle, loves to finish blocks and exhibits a mean streak. Really seems to get under the skin of opposing linemen as the game wears on. Exhibits good initial quickness out of his stance, takes a quick zone step, understands angles and can consistently get his feet around and seal defenders away from the football. Looks comfortable at the second level, as well, and can drop his pad level and chop down defenders in space..
Exhibits a good first step out of his stance in pass protection. Is a natural athlete who can redirect cleanly and looks balanced sliding his feet in space. Really improved his overall pad level off the snap this past season. Does a much better job sitting into his stance, getting his hands on defenders initially off the edge and anchoring on contact. However, lacks the range needed to consistently reach speed off the corner as a tackle and looks limited to a guard-only role.
Impression: Has experience at both guard and tackle, but looks more like a guard to me. Works really hard inside in the run game and has the type of athleticism to mirror in pass protection. Improved his overall bend and leverage out of his stance as a senior and looks like a guy who could mature into a potential starter with some time inside.