By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Exec. Editor-Football Reporters Online

Grade: A-

This is probably the strongest class of offensive linemen overall in a few years, and no one sub-group shows that level of talent more then the guards in this draft class.

Mr. DeCastro is possibly the most complete player in the group, and could probably play any position on the line except left tackle.  He is also the one of the few players that fits both a man on man and a zone-type blocking scheme, which is a huge plus for the team drafting him. He might be the second lineman off the boards on draft day 1. Some of the “glossy” publications like to rank Guards and Centers together, but we prefer to rate them in separate sections as they are different positions.

1)   David DeCastro-Stanford (Jr.) 6’5.0”-312lbs. 40-5.22  Bench-34 reps-Gr. 6.5

A dominating, punishing run blocker, as well as a very good pass protection blocker. Also pulls and traps very well. Highly mobile for his size, but could stand to add a little bit of lower body strength. Can be a success in any scheme. Will also block down field as much as 8 yards off the line, while successfully engaging targets. Rarely gets beat in pass coverage assignments. Would be even better if he gained 7 or 8 pounds, but could stay where he is and remain effective. We’d be surprised if he fell past the middle of the 1^st round.

2)   Cordy Glenn-Georgia 6’ 5.5”-346 lbs. 40-5.15(comb.) Bench-31 reps-Gr. 6.4

Cordy played mostly tackle for the Bulldogs, but will move to guard at the next level. Needs to drop some weight to increase his foot speed, but extremely physically strong and sound technically as a lineman. Has exceptionally long arms and big hands, and is strong at the point of attack. Very strong lower body as well, but could play “meaner” at times, and should keep his arms up more often. Could get tired early at times when double teamed by defensive players. We are looking forward to seeing Mr. Glenn at the next level.

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(this is the 10th Installment of the “Pro Draft Report” presented by Football Reporters

Top 30 Centers of the 2011 NFL Draft

By Rafael Garcia

Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

1. Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State 6’3″ 313 lbs. 40 Time: 5.26 Bench @225- 30x  Sr.

Wisniewski is very smart on and off the field. He excels in the classroom as well and teaches 10th grade English. He is the first Nittany Lion to start as a true freshman since 1999. He played guard his first two seasons and switched to center in his junior year. He is very sound fundamentally and knows how to use his body. He has NFL blood in him as his father and uncle both played on Sunday’s before him. A very good interior lineman with good footwork. He will need to bulk up if he wants to play guard at the next level. He does not have that quickness or first step off the ball and he has to learn to use his hands better. He is also not the most athletic player on the field. He loves to do the work and could do very well in a zone blocking scheme. Loves to drive a player back with his leg strength to open holes for his backs. Very good at pulling in front of his backs too. He will become a great leader and expect him to play for many years in the NFL. Projected Round: 2

2. Rodney Hudson C Florida St. 6’2″ 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.27

Bench @225- 27x Sr.

Hudson has been an All-American an won the Jacob’s Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. He allowed only 1.5 sacks this year to go with just one penalty. Those are staggering numbers matched by no one in the conference. In the running game his blocking will need work because of his size. He is very quick off the snap and uses his size and leverage to make some big hits at times. Uses his hands to wrap and tackle blocker very effectively. Has very good technique when it comes to sealing off defender. Very good at the trap block using the defenders push to get to him and knock him to the ground. Is very quick to get to the point of contact and and get downfield to the second level.Has a tendency to bend too much and lose some balance in the process. He is undersized and could become a hidden gem at center in the future. His tendency to lunge cause him to miss badly on some tackles. He will have to bulk up to be able to sustain the punishment of the NFL. Projected Round: 2

3. Kristofer O’Dowd C USC 6’5″ 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.20

Bench @225- 31x Sr.

O’Dowd is a very polished and experienced player. He is a very good run blocker that keeps his ground. He has above average leverage and is very good in pass protection. He is athletic and agile enough to get down the line of scrimmage. Has good size and is technically sound at his position. Gets off the ball quick and can get to the second level. He has battled knee and shoulder injuries during his collegiate career. Needs to improve his hand placement and learn to drive defenders off the line. He needs to improve his field vision as he has trouble locating quick pass rushers. Overall, he is very intelligent with great instincts and awareness. He has great work ethic and has played plenty of games against the best opposition in the land. He needs to become more physical and bulk up for the next level. His durability will be questioned. Projected Round: 4

4. Alex Linnenkohl C Oregon St. 6’2″ 303 lbs. 40 Time: 5.36

Bench @225- 24x Sr.

Linnenkohl may lack the height for his position, but that allows him to play with great leverage at the line. He is very good at getting around his blocks and getting to the next level. Shows agility in the pass game and possess decent athleticism. He is very quick off the line and uses his hands very well. Above average foot work, range and flexibility. Does not have the needed upper body strength. He shows that he has a good football mind and loves to hit defenders. He has a tendency to be overpowered by more physical defenders. His lack of power will make it hard to stick with his block for the whole play. He excels on the pull and pivot when trying to get his block. Looks to make an NFL roster in the future, probably in a zone-blocking scheme. Since he probably won’t get any taller he will have to add a lot of bulk to sustain an NFL career.

Projected Round: 5

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How much weight should we really put on the numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine?

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

By Rafael Garcia-Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

March 2nd, 2011

The combine has become more than just a way to gauge the potential and future of college football players hoping to hit it big at the next level. In the old days it was known as the NIC (National Invitational Camp). It all started in 1982 as a way to get the medical information needed on the top college football prospects. The first camp had a total of 163 players in all. By 1985 every team in the NFL participated and shared the medical expenses of any player invited that was draft eligible. It was held in places like New Orleans (1984 and 1986) and Arizona in 1985. In 1987 it was moved to Indianapolis where it is still held to this day.

Even though the medical part of the event is still important, the skills test have taken over as the showcase of the combine. Players now participate in various test of their football mind and skills as well as interviews to see where a players’ head is at as far as handling the NFL is concerned. The numbers that these players get are being used as a measuring stick that will help determine their draft stock. Some elite college players will not even attend the event for one reason or another. The numbers have proven some players were deserving of the attention. For others, it was a place they may not re-visit if they had another chance. Their numbers showed they did not measure up, but their NFL careers told a different story.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

These days it is so important to know what a player does in the 40-yard dash. It is the main event of the combine. It shows the speed and explosion a player has. My problem is the number of players that did not measure up that turned out to be some of the best that have played the game. Many have shown, that even though they did not posses the so-called speed, they excelled by becoming masters of their craft. They excelled at route running and getting to the ball better than their defender. They used smarts and homework to get the advantage when they did not have the speed.

The bench press is used to see how many reps a player can do at a certain weight. It shows that the player has been in the gym for his collegiate career. One of the problems I have with that is when I see a small guy pop another player when they could not lift as much weight, or could not do it as many times. Again, some of these players made themselves great on using the strength they had at the most opportune times. You may be able to press weight, but what good is it if you cannot properly knock down the player in front of you.

The vertical jump is one that has always perplexed me. Sure, I want to know if a payer has lower body power and can explode off the jump. It is good to know that my linebacker can get up high enough to pick off that critical pass that was thrown too high. When it comes to linemen I have a hard time getting excited because the team needs a lineman that can cover ground on the ground. A vertical leap means nothing to me during live play when the defender is not taking the customary flat-footed stance. He must be ready to move at the snap of the ball.

The broad jump is one I can relate to a little more. It test the balance of a player and that is very important. A player must have great balance to be successful in the league. This is a great test of a players explosion off the ball as well.

The 3 cone drill is one that tests the players ability to change directions at a high rate of speed. It shows how good a receiver can run a route and then change it on a dime. This is very important in the development of a defensive back and a linebacker for me. The passing offenses of today demand that you have great cover guys at both positions. It will test the ability of the defender or the receiver to come back on the ball when necessary. It also helps to show where the player is at as far as his footwork in the open field is concerned.

Lastly, we have the shuttle run, also known as the 5-10-5. This will test the athlete’s ability to run short routes in short spaces. It is where a player learns the art of the pivot to its perfection. I like the basics of this drill because it has made a way for many players that would not excel in the long game. Think of Wes Welker as shuttle runner.

Then we have the question and answer test where questions of no meaning are asked. It is a showcase where a players stock can be hurt by a bad showing. Then some time later that player makes all the plays in the NFL and his combine numbers are all but forgotten. On top of that, a player then has a pro day where he can make up for all of his shortcoming at the combine. For me that makes the time at the combine a waste of time. Just because a player is fast doesn’t mean he is NFL ready. Maybe he can lifts all kinds of weight, but that does not mean he will be an impact on the field.

The NFL combine used to be attended by a handful of reporters and scouts depending on the talent. These days the combine is another tool the NFL uses to make more money with all the hype they give it. In this day and time it is full of reporters from all walks of life. Media is a frenzy at this event and a player is under a microscope at all times. I do like the fact that the combine does give one the opportunity to see and talk to the player up close. It gives scouts and coaches the chance to see how the player adapts to an NFL type of atmosphere.

All in all the combine has become more like a showcase of stars that have not earned a penny yet. It has gotten a bit too big for itself but never too big for the NFL. We will watch again this year to see what the Cam Newton‘s and Nick Fairley‘s will do. In the end, each player will make his own mark on the field of play. There you will find no cones or media. You will not be dressed in shorts with nobody coming at you. On the field of play is where you make your name. You may not have been invited to the combine or maybe you had a bad showing. When it is all said and done, just do your homework and master your trade. At the end of your career you will have made your mark and it won’t ever matter about no “stinkin” combine.

(Editor’s Note: While we agree with much of what “Don Rafael” says here, the system isn’t going to change unless those on the Inside-NFL coaches and Execs. change it. We’d love to see a few more drills that test “real world” football skills, besides the “w” and the receivers’ “Hands” drills…And the “40″ means nothing for Linemen….)