Let's use today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile to look at a mid-round offensive tackle prospect who sounds like he has some talents the New York Giants might like.
Clemson's Chris Hairston is a 6-foot-6, 326-pound tackle likely destined to play on the right side.
Here is ESPN's Steve Meunch summarizing Hairston:
Hairston played on the left side in college but his footwork is inconsistent and his lateral mobility is just average, so he is expected to move to the right side in the NFL. He needs to improve his technique and learn to mask his athletic deficiencies, but he has the wide frame, long arms and power to develop into a starting right tackle.
Hairston's best fit is in a power ground game that sets up play-action passes.
Hmm ... power ground game that sets up play-action passes. Sound like any team we are familiar with?
Scouting reports after the jump.
Chris Hairston
OT, Clemson
6-foot-6, 326 pounds
Projection: Middle rounds
Scouting Reports
From National Football Post:
A tall, thick prospect who lacks ideal flexibility in his lower half and has some sloppy girth through the mid-section. Isn't the most natural of benders and tends to get doubled over at the waist in most areas of the game. His first movement off the snap is routinely upright and he lacks ideal footwork on his kick-slide toward the corner. However, he does exhibit good awareness and is consistently one of the first linemen moving off the snap, which helps him reach speed at times. But, struggles to stay compact and balanced in his lower half, overextends into blocks and isn't a guy who has the kind of lateral agility to redirect and mirror in space.
Does exhibit the initial burst to bucket step on the outside and set the edge vs. defenders in the run game. Possesses some short-area body control, keeps his pad level down and can be a bit heavy handed through contact. Possesses good power from his lower half and can routinely drive defenders off the football as an in-line guy and create a surge off the snap. Also, offers the type of size and power in his upper body to lock onto defenders and use his big frame to control blocks and seal away from the football.
Impression: Possesses good size, but isn't a natural bender. Lacks proper footwork off the edge, but can win for you in the run game. Looks more like a reserve-type right tackle at the next level.
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Reasonably athletic... Versatile... Very solid pass blocker... Quick pass set... Good length and reasonably long arms... Good hand placement... Adequate knee bend... Solid anchoring strength... Nice lateral movement and slide... Adequate short area flexibility and quickness... Can get good positioning, walls-off reasonably well... Good run blocker... Plays with good base and low center of gravity... Can generate reasonably good power... Plays with solid leverage... Can get movement in the running game... Can control his man once locked on... Can pull, can get to the second level... Reasonably good motor, steady, reliable... Generally stays with his blocks but isn't an especially good finisher... Flashes a mean streak.
Negatives: Gets too upright in pass protection, rises up almost instantly into his stance... Will bend at the waist and lose balance... Marginal lateral range, choppy kick slide... Can be beat by speed... Will lean and lunge to make contact on the outside edge... Can be pushed back by stronger bull rushers... Gives up ground at POA in the passing game... Doesn't dominate at POA like a man his size should... Looks a little stiff and awkward in space... Lacks the flexibility and body control to cleanly fit on linebackers... More of an obstacle in space than actual blocker... Will lunge into downfield blocks... Best in short area, will get some looks at guard but might not have the overall strength to move inside... Doesn't always appear to be playing with much urgency.