Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 11!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 11...

11. Michael Oher, OT Mississippi Rebels

2008 Season Stats:
1st team All American

Career Stats:
07 1st team All-SEC 06 2nd team All-SEC

Personal Stats:
6'4" 309 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Michael Oher has great athleticism and skill, he has a solid body type that can still add some extra weight while keeping his athletic ability, he has long arms to keep defensive lineman off his body and he has solid footwork to keep in stride with the faster ends as he has great quickness and balance. He has good game strength and is a solid pass blocker who doesn't need to give up ground to faster ends and can anchor against stronger ends as he's played against great competition in the SEC. He's solid in the run game as well, he knows how to place his hands and control defenders and plays with a nasty demeanor as he finished his blocks. He also has solid durability and still might have some untapped potential.

Weaknesses:

Oher's biggest weakness are the two I's; Inconsistency and intelligence. He has a the potential and ability to be a dominating left tackle but he doesn't always play up to his potential and allows weaker opponents to dominate him when he should be dominating them. He lacks the intelligence to process line calls and identify stunts and blitzes as he tends to get confused and allows defenders free run to the quarterback. He gets too high in his stance and needs to be better coached up on his technique as it can sloppy at times and he may require constant attention from a coach to keep him from severe mental lapses. He could also stand to improve his functional strength as well, but his 19 reps at the Combine might be due to his long arms as well.

Overall:

Oher projects as a solid RT or LT at the next level as he has the physicality, the agility and athleticism to play on the edge and handle the elite speed that NFL defensive ends will provide week in and week out. I think he will start his career off as a RT with a team with an establish LT who is nearing the end of his career or tenure with the team and once he starts adapting to the playbook, learns the calls and becomes familiar with his linemates I think he can move over to the left side but I would be afraid to put him on the left side right away because the defense's put their best athletes on that side and his tendencies to become confused would allow for QBs to be blindsides more often then not.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 12th selection in the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...










There you have it folks, be sure to tune in later this week for Prospect #10!