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 has great mobility but needs to work on his run blocking.
NFL position: LT
Height: 6-5 1/4
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.22
Current projection: First-round pick
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 of him. 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 cut off 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 to 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 that make NFL coaches drool. 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—he especially needs technique work as a run blocker—but he is a surefire top-10 pick. He reminds us of Broncos All-Pro LT Ryan Clady.
For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ 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 has great mobility but needs to work on his run blocking.
NFL position: LT
Height: 6-5 1/4
Weight: 307
40 time: 5.22
Current projection: First-round pick
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 of him. 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 cut off 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 to 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 that make NFL coaches drool. 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—he especially needs technique work as a run blocker—but he is a surefire top-10 pick. He reminds us of Broncos All-Pro LT Ryan Clady.
For more than 200 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
