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Topic: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - OG (Read 228 times) |
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UFF Primetime Prophet
# 29
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Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - OG
« Reply #1 on: Mar 12th, 2004, 3:57pm » |
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VERNON CAREY
Miami, Fla
HT: 6' 4"
WT: 332 lbs.
STRENGTHS:
Vernon Carey is a bit of an enigma. He has played all of the offensive line positions in college and teams are looking at him at either OG or OT. Carey played his senior season at Miami as an OG. He is a phenomenal run blocker, able to lock his man up quickly with very powerful hands and then move him backwards. Carey does not have great speed (5.2-5.3 forty) but he is able to pull effectively. He is very strong at the point of attack on pass protection. Once the defender is locked up, he is out of the play, period. Carey is a team guy who goes out and quietly (and effectively) does his job.
WEAKNESSES:
If Carey is drafted as an OT, he will need to improve his lateral footwork, which can be slow at times. He has relied more on strength than technique at the college level, and will need to be coached-up a bit, but he is a good student. Carey will also need to be better conditioned for the NFL. He was up in the 350-360 pound range following his senior season, but is working out and eating better and has dropped his weight substantially. He is also coming off an ankle and knee injury, neither of which were serious.
PROJECTION:
Carey has top-half first round talent, but will probably fall to the 20-35 range because of questions about his position and also team needs. Depending on free agency, it would be hard to see Carey selected any earlier than Miami at #20. Carey would be a fantastic pick for the Carolina Panthers at #31 with their need for a solid OG. The Giants will be ecstatic if he falls to them at #35.
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| « Last Edit: Mar 12th, 2004, 4:48pm by Philly » |
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UFF Primetime Prophet
# 29
Pay, I said pay attention, son.
Posts: 5675
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Re: 2004 NFL Draft - Player Profiles - OG
« Reply #3 on: Apr 15th, 2004, 1:21pm » |
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JUSTIN SMILEY
Alabama
HT: 6' 3"
WT: 300 lbs.
STRENGTHS:
Justin Smiley is ranked as one of the top pure offensive guards in the draft. He is a very athletic player who moves his feet very well. He has very good speed (4.87 forty) and is one of the best pulling guards available. He has outstanding technique, using a strong base and ideal leverage and pad level to keep defenders at bay. Smiley plays with a bit of a nasty streak and never takes a play off. He is able to knock defenders off balance with an explosive pop. Smiley understands blocking schemes and is always in position. He is a hard-worker off the field and will quickly earn the respect of teammates and coaches.
WEAKNESSES:
Smiley has very few flaws. The only area that will need improvement for NFL caliber play is his upper body strength. He only managed 19 strength reps at the combine and relies heavily on his speed, quickness, technique, and a very powerful lower body while playing in college. If he is able to gain strength through his chest, arms, and hands, he'll be a monster for many years in the NFL.
PROJECTION:
Offensive guard is not a highly coveted position in the draft, so Smiley may have trouble breaking into the first round despite having clear first-round talent. He would be an excellent pick-up for either the Panthers or Patriots at the end of the first round as both teams saw veterans depart during the off-season. Smiley won't fall far into round two and would be a solid grab for the Giants as well.
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