Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Russell Okung.
Russell Okung compares favorably to one of the best young tackles in the pros.
NFL position: OT
Height: 6-5 1/4
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.22
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Ryan Clady, Broncos
Run blocking: Must improve in this area. Gets out of stance quickly, enabling him to lock and seal defensive linemen when maintaining good balance. Is not a fire-off-the-snap sort of run blocker; is more of a "catch blocker" who can be driven backward—it’s especially noticeable in short-yardage situations. Does not slide or use hands well to neutralize defenders who crash inside. Is an impressive open-field blocker with the athleticism to maintain balance and adjust to moving targets. Grade: 5.5
Pass blocking: Is an elite pass blocker. Easily slides outside to cutoff explosive edge rushers. Once locked up on pass rushers, eliminates them. Bends knees well and sinks hips to pass block with good leverage. Shows the quickness and agility so easily re-direct and adjust to double-moves. Has long arms and when using hand punch aggressively can stop pass rusher in his tracks, but is inconsistent. Grade: 8.5
Initial quickness: Anticipates the snap well to get out of stance quickly. Shows the initial quickness, speed and athleticism to pull and lead perimeter runs. Grade: 8.0
Strength: Shows good natural strength, but doesn’t always use it effectively. No doubt has the natural strength to physically dominate his man when using good technique, blocking aggressively and working to the whistle. Grade: 7.0
Mobility: Shows the elite athleticism and mobility NFL coaches drool over. Can lead on perimeter runs or get through the line of scrimmage to block linebackers on the second level. In pass protection, can handle speed rushers and negate quick double-moves. Grade: 9.0
Bottom line: Okung is an elite athlete with the height, long arms and pass-blocking skill rare for a left tackle. He is far from a polished prospect—especially needs technique work as a run blocker—but is a sure-fire top-10 pick. He reminds us of Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
Sporting News’ Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Russell Okung.
Russell Okung compares favorably to one of the best young tackles in the pros.
NFL position: OT
Height: 6-5 1/4
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.22
Current projection: First-round pick
NFL comparison: Ryan Clady, Broncos
Run blocking: Must improve in this area. Gets out of stance quickly, enabling him to lock and seal defensive linemen when maintaining good balance. Is not a fire-off-the-snap sort of run blocker; is more of a "catch blocker" who can be driven backward—it’s especially noticeable in short-yardage situations. Does not slide or use hands well to neutralize defenders who crash inside. Is an impressive open-field blocker with the athleticism to maintain balance and adjust to moving targets. Grade: 5.5
Pass blocking: Is an elite pass blocker. Easily slides outside to cutoff explosive edge rushers. Once locked up on pass rushers, eliminates them. Bends knees well and sinks hips to pass block with good leverage. Shows the quickness and agility so easily re-direct and adjust to double-moves. Has long arms and when using hand punch aggressively can stop pass rusher in his tracks, but is inconsistent. Grade: 8.5
Initial quickness: Anticipates the snap well to get out of stance quickly. Shows the initial quickness, speed and athleticism to pull and lead perimeter runs. Grade: 8.0
Strength: Shows good natural strength, but doesn’t always use it effectively. No doubt has the natural strength to physically dominate his man when using good technique, blocking aggressively and working to the whistle. Grade: 7.0
Mobility: Shows the elite athleticism and mobility NFL coaches drool over. Can lead on perimeter runs or get through the line of scrimmage to block linebackers on the second level. In pass protection, can handle speed rushers and negate quick double-moves. Grade: 9.0
Bottom line: Okung is an elite athlete with the height, long arms and pass-blocking skill rare for a left tackle. He is far from a polished prospect—especially needs technique work as a run blocker—but is a sure-fire top-10 pick. He reminds us of Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady.
For more than 665 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
