Let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to look at another of the many offensive tackle prospects the New York Giants could consider throughout the upcoming NFL Draft.
Marcus Cannon of TCU is a massive player at 6-foot-5, 358 pounds. He is much bigger than the linemen the Giants usually go for -- the 'super-sized' guys are not usually their domain. Yet, Cannon apparently has enough athleticism to maybe play at right tackle, and guys like this can always be moved inside to guard where they can use that bulk to help a power running game.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Marcus Cannon
OL, TCU
6-foot-5, 358 pounds
Projection: Second round
Scouting Reports
From National Football Post:
Has experience at both right and left tackle. Showcases solid flexibility in his lower half and has the ability to sit into his stance, fire off the football without much wasted motion and create a real jolt on contact in the run game. Blocks with leverage despite his size initially off the football, can get under defenders and is really heavy handed through contact. Exhibits a good, balanced punch off the ball, extends his long arms well into contact and can create a jolt at the point. But, he doesn't play with a consistent mean streak and at times will get a bit upright through contact and be content to just seal. But when TCU needs a yard he definitely has the ability to routinely drive defenders off the football and finish. However, needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time.
Showcases good range off the edge in the pass game for his size, but isn't real coordinated on his kick-slide. Has a tendency to lose balance easily in his footwork, gets overextended easily and is forced to open up his hips in order to reach defenders flattening out around the corner. Now, he does have the length, power and coordination to unleash a nasty punch on contact and is a Velcro guy who is at his best when asked to anchor and move his feet through contact, but will struggle with athleticism and burst off the edge.
Impression: A massive, strong body with some bend and natural athleticism for his size. Lacks the range to play left tackle in the NFL, but I could see him starting at either a right tackle or guard and becoming a solid starter at either spot.
From NFL.com:
Strengths:
Cannon is mammoth right tackle with quick feet for his size. Plays with wide base and good balance. Dominates opponents in the running game and uses his hands to lock out edge rushers in pass protection. Athletic enough to make blocks in the second level. Flashes a mean streak and finishes blocks.
Weaknesses:
Lacks the lateral agility to consistently block faster edge rushers at the next level. Does not deliver a good shot on contact despite his strength. Gets confused by stunts and blitzes and misses assignments. Takes too many false start penalties. There are concerns about his conditioning and he must keep his weight down.
Overview:
Cannon is a big boy with sneaky athleticism that could develop into a starting right tackle at the next level. He shows good initial quickness and can really push around defenders once he gets his hands on them. He moves well enough to mirror defenders in pass protection and shows the ability to pursue moving targets in the second level on run plays. The biggest concern is his inability to consistently recognize blocking assignments and he gets beat far too often on stunts and blitzes. If he can improve his instincts and understanding of the game he could be a force and he will likely be a second day pick.
From Rivals.com:
Positives: Rare size, agility and bend for a big man — carries his weight very well for his size and has a well-distributed frame. Can block out the sun with his sheer girth, cover up defenders in the run game and create a surge. Is seldom on the ground. Shows the ability to recover if he gets out of position. Can mirror his man and control defenders with his hands. Works hard and wants to improve. Very durable. Versatile and can play inside or outside. Outstanding upper-body strength — bench-pressed 225 pounds 33 times, tying for the most of any offensive tackle at the Combine.
Negatives: Plays too soft and casual — absorbs contact more than he initiates it and needs to learn how to play with more physicality at the point. Inconsistent hand use — tends to go wide of the target. Not a finisher. Does not play with the power in his body. Lacks football savvy and is still learning how to adjust to and pick up the blitz — brain freezes show up against pressure packages. Average lateral agility to slide and adjust to movement.
Summary: A massive-bodied, dancing bear who does not play big or nasty, but has the natural girth, arm length, balance and agility to handle playing on the left or right side. Showed improvement late in the season in his first year on the blind side and has the pure mass that may be best suited for the interior. May take a year to get acclimated to the pro game but possesses clear starter potential and upside to develop into a solid starter.