SB Nation - Tyronne Green

San Diego Chargers 2009 NFL Draft Grades

John (obviousman) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:23:30 -0000

San Diego Chargers' first-round draft pick Larry English, second from right, holds up his new jersey as, from left to right, general manager A.J. Smith, president-CEO Dean Spanos and head coach Norv Turner look on during a news conference Sunday, April 26, 2009, in San Diego. English, a linebacker, is from Northern Illinois. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)

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Larry English, OLB, N. Illinois (Round 1, Pick 16 - 16th Overall)

I don't think anyone was really surprised by this choice. In the past week we began discussing AJ Smith's past picks and how we almost never know who the guy is before he's drafted. AJ did it again, drafting what he believed to be the best player available at 16. This was not the most exciting pick, but it's one that provides the defense with some sorely-needed depth.

The more I watch of Larry English, the more he looks like a fearsome pass rusher. He's built in a similar mold as Merriman - strong, fast and tenacious. After sitting through 2008, I like the idea that an injury to Merriman or Phillips no longer means our defense turns into wet paper. This pick also has me fearing the upcoming offseason and negotiations with Merriman a little less. Most importantly though, our pass rushing linebackers are deeper than ever with Merriman, Phillips, English and Jyles Tucker.

2009 Outlook: Not a starter, but Larry English will see plenty of time on the field.

Pick Grade: B+

Louis Vasquez, OG, Texas Tech (Round 3, Pick 14 - 78th Overall)

Immediately Louis Vasquez becomes our widest offensive lineman. McNeil is the heaviest at 335lbs, but Vasquez matches that weight while being three inches shorter. This pick is all about potential. He has unbelievable size and strength to go with great quickness off the line and quick, nimble feet. Louis' only drawback seems to be that he spent so much time in pass-blocking at Texas Tech that he has little experience driving the defender back or pulling down the line. These things can be taught.

2009 Outlook: With an outstanding camp Louis Vasquez could possibly compete for the starting RG spot. It's more likely that he'll sit out most of 2009 while having his skills refined.

Pick Grade: B

Vaughn Martin, DT, Western Ontario (Round 4, Pick 13 - 113th Overall)

Here's the risk pick. The one that the fans know nothing about because we don't typically watch Canadian College Football. At 6'4", 330lbs Martin has the size to be the Chargers Nose Tackle of the future. Although he was not invited to the combine, during his workout for NFL teams Martin ran the 40 in about 5 seconds, did 33 bench press reps and somehow did the 20-yard shuttle in 4.31 seconds. By comparison, Larry English ran the 40 at 4.88 and did the 20-yard shuttle in 4.38 seconds. It's quite possible the Chargers just drafted a player with Jamal Williams' size and Shawne Merriman's speed.

The one reason I'm down on this pick is it seems to be a major reach. Martin was expected to go undrafted or possibly get grabbed in the 7th round.

2009 Outlook: Because the Chargers need depth on the defensive line, Vaughn Martin may end up as a backup of some sort for the upcoming season. However, he is a project and will need to adjust to the rules of American football as well as the size, speed and ferocity of the game before he has any chance of starting.

Pick Grade: D

Tyronne Green, C, Auburn (Round 4, Pick 33 - 133rd Overall)

A pick of tremendous value. Green will replace Newberry, who was effective but might have the creakiest knees in football. Tyronne provides good size (6'1.5", 309lbs), strength and versatility (he played OG at Auburn). To add to that, his athleticism makes him a tremendous pull blocker who hits the second level with power and keeps his head on a swivel.

2009 Outlook: Barring any injury, Tyronne Green will not see any playing time in 2009 but will be sitting behind a former Pro Bowler and learning the Center position from him. Grabbing a Center in the draft was seen as a priority after consecutive injury-plagued seasons from Hardwick.

Pick Grade: A

Gartrell Johnson, RB, Colorado St. (Round 4, Pick 34 - 134th Overall)

This is a pick I'm very excited about. Although I believe LaDainian Tomlinson to be a great player, I have spent many games screaming at my TV for the Chargers to get a power back. Or, when they knew they had one in Michael Turner, for them to use a power back. Not necessarily because I think a big, bruising runner would have more success in certain situations of the game but because LT needs to be taken care of so we can extend his career and get the most from him. This was gone over in great depth here, but to summarize: The Chargers have worked Tomlinson harder than any other back in the league since his rookie season and he's starting to break down because of it. It's time to let somebody else take that pounding and have LT healthy for the playoffs.

As for Gartrell Johnson, I think he's a fantastic player. He's built like a MAC truck and he runs like one too. From what I've seen of him as a college player, he almost never goes down from the first or second hit. As a matter of fact, it usually takes two or three guys to get him down. Johnson is the polar opposite of Darren Spoles. He is not very fast and is not going to be able to make it to the corner for an outside run. Gartrell Johnson takes the ball and runs straight up the middle, but his strength and determination make him very effective at that.

2009 Outlook: Gartrell Johnson is going to get a lot of looks. He's going to be out starting RB in the preseason to save Sproles from the pounding and I think he's going to impress a lot of people. As the Charger short-yardage back I'm looking for a first-year similar to Brandon Jacobs' second year: 96 attempts (less than 7 per game), 423 yards (4.4 yards per attempt), 9 TD.

Pick Grade: B

Brandon Hughes, CB, Oregon St. (Round 5, Pick 12 - 148th Overall)

I thought after a night of sleep I'd wake up and realize why this pick was made. Nope. Brandon Hughes is an undersized corner (5'10.5", 182lbs) with good speed. The scouting report on Hughes describes him as "feisty, physical and quick" when playing the run or a screen pass, so he likes to hit. Due to his size he has a hard time fighting through blocks and has only average ball skills (and hands). His ceiling seems to be as a nickel corner.

2009 Outlook: Brandon Hughes will not see the field in 2009. With five or six cornerbacks ahead of him on the roster, Hughes will most likely end up on the practice squad.

Pick Grade: D-

Kevin Ellison, S, USC (Round 6, Pick 16 - 189th Overall)

Rodney Harrison, part two. Kevin Ellison is a linebacker with good enough ball skills to play safety. He is without a doubt a strong safety, one who likes being the 8th man in the box and laying a big hit on a RB or a WR coming across the middle. Ellison's scouting report says he's very good at defending TEs over the middle, but struggles with covering a RB or WR near the sidelines.

The question I'm asking with this pick is if the big, hard-hitting strong safety with marginal cover skills is still an asset in the NFL. The Chargers let Rodney Harrison go, the Cowboys let Roy Williams go and it seems teams are looking more for fast/quick players that can lay the lick (like Polamalu) than a linebacker to play in the secondary.

2009 Outlook: Kevin Ellison could end up taking the starting safety spot away from Clinton Hart with a good training camp. If he shows the same level of ability or better in coverage as a rookie, I have no reason to believe they'd put Hart out there. Even if Ellison doesn't win the job out of camp, he could be the starter by the end of the season.

Pick Grade: B-

Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSU (Round 7, Pick 15 - 224th Overall)

I always liked Demetrius Byrd. He was one of those players that I couldn't quite put my finger on why I liked him so much, but it seemed like when the ball was in the air he just wanted it more. In reality, there are several things I can take out of that sentence and translate. One, he plays with passion. Two, he has the strength to fight for the ball. Three, he's a QB's best friend (a receiver who comes back to the ball). Four, he's tough. Fifth, he's the best college receiver I've seen at making an over-the-shoulder catch in-stride. And finally, Byrd has a burst of speed that cannot be captured in statistics or measurements.

Byrd was projected to go in the 5th round or higher, but a recent one-car accident has put him in the hospital with no news as to the severity of his injuries. If he fully recovers, it's a steal. If he doesn't, it was still a good risk to take.

2009 Outlook: Recovery, I imagine. Depending on the severity of his injuries, Byrd may not be able to play at all this season. In his first healthy year I expect Byrd to be our 4th receiver and push for the slot receiver spot.

Pick Grade: B

Poll

What did you think of the Chargers 2009 draft?

Loved it! We filled our needs on both sides of the ball

284 votes

Hated it! These guys will not contribute!

55 votes

Too early to tell

630 votes

969 votes | Poll has closed

San Diego Chargers select Tyronne Green, Offensive Guard, Auburn

John (obviousman) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:30:31 -0000

via assets.espn.go.com

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Tyronne Green

#71 / Offensive Linesman / Auburn Tigers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 309

Year: senior

The San Diego Chargers selected Offensive Guard Tyronne Greene from Auburn with the 133rd pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He will provide the Chargers with depth at the Offensive Guard and Center positions.

John's Mock -- And in the fourth round...

John Morgan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:03:22 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

One must marvel at the sheer number of use we've gotten out of these twelve pictures.

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Football isn't baseball. And if you've played football at any competitive level, you know that beat-up, I-don't-think-I'm-gonna-move-bed-today feeling one gets waking up after a particularly punishing game. That's why when I read about a player hard scrabbling his way up draft boards, doing everything and everything extra to improve his stock, just so he can play in the NFL, I'm not just impressed, I don't just feel affinity, I feel respect and jump their draft stock.

Now, the money given a third round pick like Jeremy Zuttah is significantly more than that given a fifth round pick like Roy Schuening. Zuttah is under contract for about twice as much as Schuening, and perhaps most significantly, Zuttah's signing bonus is about six times as much as Schuening's. So maybe all the hustle is about cashing in, but I just don't believe that about Tyronne Green. He smiled through his 40 for Malk's sakes!

Green is an athletic, attacking former defensive tackle that's a bit inexperienced at guard, but has great potential. That sentence has become so pat a Tim Ruskell algorithm could assemble it. But if you've found something that works, and you're on the eve of fully implementing it, then you've got to go go go. Were this a year back and my last memory of Mansfield Wrotto a preseason of hitches and glitches, I'd never advocate picking Green. Wrotto made some amazing strides and was a competent starter in just his second season. Occasional cluelessness aside, Wrotto was a big, mobile mauler that flashed elite run blocking talent, and if not the skills to be a great pass blocker, at least the potential to be good. He wasn't overmatched. He wasn't bulled into the backfield. He showed some ability to latch on when beat - a bit too much maybe, but he was never embarrassed.

Seattle needs a guard. I was the bugler for the Mike Wahle charge, but after another season ending shoulder injury, Wahle should not be counted on any more than Walter Jones. Tackle takes hierarchal priority over guard, and with Jones already stressing the tackle depth, the team can't count on Ray Willis providing depth at guard. That leaves Rob Sims and Wrotto. Sims himself is recovering from a season ending pectoral injury. That seems like a fluke thing, but a fluke that reminds us how quickly a player can go down. Seattle needs a guard, and short of taking Duke Robinson in the first, they're either going to draft polish or potential, and I'd rather suffer through potential than stopgap with someone like Andy Levitre.

Ranking the NFL Draft's interior O-Line prospects

Brian Galliford — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:00:16 -0000

California C Alex Mack (Pac10Rivalry.com)

As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches, we here at Buffalo Rumblings will continue interviewing bloggers and consulting outside sources in putting together detailed scouting reports on some of the Draft's most noteworthy prospects - concentrating, of course, on prospects that could pique the interest of the Buffalo Bills. This post continues a series in which I'll rank prospects at each position; ultimately, this project will roll itself into the "Buffalo Rumblings Big Board", which is exactly what it sounds like - the same type of big board NFL teams keep handy on draft day.

We've already ranked the tight ends and linebackers. Full rankings of those positions, as well as all positions, will be made available prior to the draft, which is a little over three short weeks away. What follows is a ranking of the draft's best interior offensive line prospects - an area that is still a huge concern for the Bills.

SECOND ROUND PROSPECTS
1. Max Unger, Oregon: Unger is exactly the type of interior lineman that you can plug into the lineup as a rookie and roll with - he's smart, athletic enough and versatile. Far more importantly, he's a good blocker, particularly at the second level. He's a great fit in Buffalo's blocking scheme, and could start at either left or right guard from day one in Buffalo.

2. Alex Mack, California: One of the better finishers and overall run blockers available inside this year, Mack is a little too stiff and lacks the athleticism to be considered the best, particularly when evaluating him as a guard. But the kid still ranks highly because of his leadership and intangibles. He'll start for a long time at the NFL level.

3. Andy Levitre, Oregon State: Though he played tackle in college, the 6'2", 305-pound Levitre will shift inside in the NFL based on size concerns. That positional versatility is valuable, however. Levitre isn't an overwhelming athlete, nor is he particularly dominant in any one area, but he's smart, plays with great technique (particularly footwork) and, again, fits the blocking scheme well. He's another plug-and-play starter right out of the gate.

THIRD ROUND PROSPECTS
4. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas: One of the better athletes in this area, Luigs excels at getting to the second level. He's not the most physical player, but he's aggressive, tough and technically sound. I love the kid's experience, and he's helped pave the way for some elite rushers in his day. Again, this a center prospect who I think will be a far better guard, particularly in a scheme like Buffalo's.

5. Eric Wood, Louisville: Wood is considered a center by most, but I think he'll be a better guard at the NFL level because he doesn't have the anchor abilities of a solid center prospect. This is another boring interior lineman that won't overwhelm you when you look at him or watch him, but he's a tough, smart player that just gets the job done.

6. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma: In terms of pure talent, Robinson is at the top of the list. He's huge (6'5", 329), powerful, and has shown an ability to dominate in the run game. Most folks I have talked to mention his "immaturity", however, and liken him to a guy like Derrick Dockery - talented, but his motor runs hot and cold and he never really realizes his full potential. He can start in this league, but he's got some proving to do behind the scenes before it happens.

Four more names for y'all to peruse appear after the jump.

FOURTH ROUND PROSPECTS
7. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin: This guy is a tough, physical run blocker that offers some positional versatility as a potential right tackle prospect. But he's limited athletically, particularly in getting downfield, and that's not going to do him any favors, particularly in Buffalo. He has starter ability, but he needs a little polish to get there.

8. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama: Yet another center that can play guard, and probably should play guard. Caldwell ranks below some of his peers, though, because he needs to improve his overall strength before he can be a starter. He'll be a pretty valuable reserve as a rookie, but he needs to spend some serious time in a strength program before he can be anything more.

9. Herman Johnson, LSU: Easily the most impressive physical specimen of the lot. The guy is just big - not fat, not tall, just big (6'8", 375). But he's pretty limited athletically; he's right tackle size, but reserve guard material athletically. He's a nightmare in the run game, but he needs a lot of technique work if he's going to be a starter in the pros.

10. Tyronne Green, Auburn: Another pretty talented player that's lacking in intangibles and a killer instinct. Green is an impressive athlete, but his shoddy technique limits his effectiveness. He's got the potential to not just start, but be a high-quality starter in the NFL. But he's green, and there are some questions about his drive.

***

This is just my opinion, folks. These are the top ten guards in the draft by my book, but probably half of them are starter-worthy as rookies. If the Bills are planning on starting a rookie at guard, they'll need to move relatively quickly. If you think I've made a grievous error in these rankings, let me know. If you think I've got some sort of hidden agenda, I'd love to hear about it. If you're itching to re-shuffle my rankings, let it rip. Consider this an open forum on 2009 NFL Draft guard/center prospects. Go.

G, Tyronne Green, Auburn

Jeremy Bolander — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:51:13 -0000

G, Tyronne Green, Auburn

At A Glance
Position 1: Guard	Height: 6-2
Position 2: Center	Weight: 309
Class: Senior	Age:
Projected Round: 4th	40time: 5.40

Combine/Proday Results
Bench Reps: 22	Vertical: X
20yd Split: 3.06	Broad Jump: X
10yd Split: 1.69	20yd Shuttle: X
3 Cone Drill: X

Pros: Good quickness off the snap. ... Wide set and has good lateral agility and balance to compete with athletic defensive tackles in pass protection

Cons: Raw. ... Was getting by on his athleticism at the college level. ... Marginal upper-body strength and hand placement.

Styg's Broncos Fit: This is one of those "sweet spot" picks that Denver may have a chance to nab. He is versatile, playing at DT, G and most recently C, which he picked up quickly. He does a good job of studying defenses and using technique against opponents, but his strength is definitely his inherent athleticism. Not a finished product currently, he needs a little more time to work with an offensive line and to polish his game up. He grades out well and consistently in every category, but with some time he has the ability to grade out great. As a high-investment backup, he has the potential to pay tremendous dividends.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

From "My Mock" at Field Gulls:

Tyronne Green is only 6'2" - with cleats on. Like Mansfield Wrotto, he's a bit raw. And like Wrotto, Green entered college as a defensive tackle. He didn't convert to guard until 2005. Scouts rave about his athleticism. He has 33 ¾" arms and 10 ¼" hands. Green busted his butt for coaches at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, is agile, quick, powerful, capable of working in a zone scheme, a starter at Auburn, and even has some non-competitive experience at center.

From "2009 Draft: Offensive Guards" at Windy City Gridiron:

Tyronne Green is definately smaller than most NFL teams would prefer their Guards to be. But, he has faced off against many of the best pass-rushers and run-stuffers in the college ranks, and very rarely got beat.

Green is surprisingly strong for his smaller frame, and has tremendous speed. He can get to the 2nd level of defenders when necessary. Green plays hard... very hard. He has proven to be a good listener and student of the game, contantly wanting to learn more. He has been a natural leader for the Auburn Tigers, and has earned the respect of everyone in the lockerroom.

Tyronne has been trying to add some bulk to his frame, and will need some extra coaching at the NFL level on his technique. But Green is very well-known for his work ethic... and I certainly expect to see him in someone's starting lineup within the next couple of seasons.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

Started every game his last two years with the Tigers...Began his college career as a defensive tackle...Received the Ken Rice Award as Auburn's best blocking lineman in 2007...Faced a lot of elite defensive linemen in the SEC...Hails from a program that has produced a lot of pro prospects along the offensive line in recent years...Didn't have the amazing senior season most were expecting after an outstanding junior campaign...Nice developmental project with some intriguing physical tools and terrific intangibles...Perhaps a very poor-man's Ben Grubbs. [see more...]
A stocky guard with good lower body power and natural base strength. Can really anchor into his stance and does a great job defeating bull rushers. Displays a great first step off the ball and has the ability to create movement in the run game. Has one of the most powerful punches in the nation and really stuns defenders on contact. Finishes his blocks. [see more...]
s a redshirt sophomore, the now 310-pound Green appeared in all 13 games, lining up behind Grubbs at left guard. He was in on 24 knockdowns, as the squad averaged 320.92 yards in total offense.

Grubb's graduation saw Green replace him in the lineup for the 2007 campaign. He posted 83 knockdowns/key blocks with 11 touchdown-resulting blocks, paving the way as the Tigers averaged 335.15 yards per game. For that performance, he was the recipient of the Ken Rice Award, given to the team's best offensive lineman.

Green earned All-Southeastern Conference accolades as a senior. He registered a team-high 113 knockdowns/key blocks, the most of any guard in the conference. He added nine touchdown-resulting blocks and did not allow any quarterback sacks, helping the team average 302.92 yards per game. He showed tremendous field alertness in 2008, recovering three Auburn fumbles while recording a pair of tackles after Tiger interceptions, causing a fumble on one of those thefts. [see more...]

2009 NFL Draft -- Point of Attack - Centers/Guards Ranked for Denver

Jeremy Bolander — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:31:31 -0000

With only a handful of ideal starter-quality zoneblock linemen, and with many mocks placing them at odd spots just out of Denvers reach, I found myself looking deeper and deeper at a position that is generally a lot of fun to analyze. I was pleased to see lots of good, traditional-style zoneblock linemen throughout the middle and later in the draft, with a few more promising prospects just on the outside of the CFA cut.

With that in mind Denver should feel pretty good about going after a C/G combo at any point where the deal falls into their laps, and no sooner. Worst case-scenario Denver misses out on the draftable prospects and gets their choice of some highly select, workaholic prospects, so this is one area where I am hoping to see Denver refrain from reaching.

As to whither C or G, these analyses ended up leaning towards C, but only because a lot of good guard prospects this year are more suited towards power schemes, and thus translate better between G/T than C/G. A few prospects looked like good fits anywhere along the line, and they were included, and a few looked like they would make better tackles, period, and they were left off. Of the group selected here they tend to be more athletic, good second level blockers, good at timing and placing cut blocks, technicians favored over power, and capable of or experienced at handling C duties. The highest rated prospects for Denver also tend to have a great football mind to go with their great zoneblock fits, which raises their short-term value significnatly, on the grounds that they may be asked to step in in the case of injury, and so they will need to learn quickly and show a good grasp of their responsibilities, with the potential to prevent Hamilton from having to slide over to center in the event of injury at C.

Lets check out the rankings:

C--Alex Mack

1st-2nd

Alex Mack, California: A solid all-around center with terrific speed and balance, but who can lose leverage battles against quicker 3-techs. He has above-average intelligence and football smarts, even for a center, and has mastered his duties on the line, in terms of getting other players in position and making the correct reads. He has a classic competitor's mindset and plays through the whistle every time. Tough and ornery, this is one near-elite level player who figures to be gone by the time Denver gets around to addressing the O-Line depth, but no doubt ranks highly on Denver's board.

C--Max Unger

2nd

Max Unger, Oregon: A tough player with a nice, workman-like attitude towards his responsibilities. Though his speed and agility impressed at the combine, on the field he doesn't look quite that quick. He is, however, good on short pulls and traps and can land blocks at the second level. Very intelligent and understands his job. If he has a serious compromise, it is in his whole-body strength, as he is severely lacking in lower-body strength, and very inconsistent about using his upper-body strength to consistently hit and reset against opponents. It really hurts his drive-blocking ability, which makes him an early liability in the running game. Overall he is a solid player with experience at the tackle position, but I am expecting Denver to not rank him that highly for what they are trying to do, and for a second-round pick, I think they will be looking for more than a questionable starter.

G--Duke Robinson

2nd

Duke Robinson, Oklahoma: Excellent size and weight, and is surprisingly agile for his size. Not fast so much as quick, and does a great job getting off the line and into his blocks. Excellent in short yardage and power situations, but has issues when blocking on the move. Not the most effective pull or trap guy, and doesn't always make contact at the second level. Does not place his cut blocks well against DBs, and can lose his own footing and balance easily. A lot of teams will appreciate his size and presence in a drive-blocking scheme, and Denver will no doubt agree that he has a lot of upside, but for what Denver is trying to accomplish on the line, the value isn't there; from a scheme standpoint, their are major questions as to whether he could fit in at all. Only two stars for this excellent prospect who simply doesn't fit the traditional profile on the Denver line.

C--Eric Wood

2nd

Eric Wood, Louisville: Smart, strong and athletic with lots of durability and and an unquestionable drive and work ethic, this player is almost perfect for Denver. Where he falls a bit short is in the characteristic "nimbleness" required from our interior linemen. But for as tall as he is, he has mastered keeping his pads low and rarely loses the leverage battle, and he understands opposing defenses inside and out, putting in lots of extra time to study them. He isn't the most consistent through the hips and knees, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to stay with and finish a block. He has an intense attitude and gives 100% every play. Denver will definitely value Wood, but may find themselves out of the running before they even have a chance to consider him in the 2nd round.

G--Kraig Urbik

2nd-3rd

Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin: Powerful upper and lower body, with quickness and explosion at the snap. Can play inside or outside, but has not played center. Good at pass protection and on the move, but can struggle in short yardage and goal-line situations due to letting himself come up in his stance. Needs to bend more at the knees and work on keeping his pads low, but has an excellent grasp of the game and tenacious work ethic. Again, another case of versatility that isn't quite what Denver is looking for, but which provides extra value.

C--Jonathon Luigs

3rd

Jonathon Luigs, Arkansas: Less-than-desirable lower-body strength, and inconsistency in bending his knees and driving forward will drive down Luigs' stock, but there may be no better "game smart" player at the center position in 2009. Applauded by coaches for his ability to translate coaching to on-field production, Luigs could execute even complex plays and schemes with minimal practice. His love for the game and competition shined when he was put up against tougher or faster players, and he would fight to the whistle to stay with a block. His explosion off the snap is excellent, and he has relied on it to compensate for his lack of brute power, but he will need to address his lower-body strength in the pros. He is excellent when pulling and locating blocks on the second level, but needs to do a better job of maintaining his balance when blocking fast DBs, as he will overextend himself to make the block. His highest value will be to zone-blocking teams, but any team will be able to appreciate his awareness of the defense and alignment on the field. I am thinking Denver may grade Luigs out very highly among offensive linemen.

C--Antoine Caldwell

3rd-4th

Antoine Caldwell, Alabama: A leader and a motivator, Caldwell is stronger than his measurables might indicate, getting most of his power from his lower body. Not the most effective player on the move, nor does he seem to possess other great prospects' feel for the pocket and protecting their QB, but he does handle line calls and pre-snap reads adequately. A stronger type of center that would be suitable for a power scheme, but to the degree that Denver continues with zone-block, should lose value.

G--Tyronne Green

4th

Tyronne Green, Auburn: This is one of those "sweet spot" picks that Denver may have a chance to nab. He is versatile, playing at DT, G and most recently C, which he picked up quickly. He does a good job of studying defenses and using technique against opponents, but his strength is definitely his inherent athleticism. Not a finished product currently, he needs a little more time to work with an offensive line and to polish his game up. He grades out well and consistently in every category, but with some time he has the ability to grade out great. As a high-investment backup, he has the potential to pay tremendous dividends.

C--A.Q. Shipley

5th

A.Q. Shipley, Penn State: a former nose guard, Shipley is tough, physical, aggressive, and likes to get dirty. Understands his duties on the line, makes good calls and consistently gets off the line with adequate pop; he lacks a bit in the work-ethic category, and isn't a guaranteed "play to the whistle" type of player. Doesn't have ideal measurements to play at a consistently high level at guard, so may project best as a backup center.

G--T.J. Lang

5th-6th

T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan: A work in progress, Lang is a tough-minded, physical player who never lets up and who shows flashes of the kind of awareness you like to see in C depth. He is athletic enough to pull and trap effectively, has good balance and is smart enough to learn the line calls. A self-starter who responds well to coaching and could play a relief role at any spot on the line, he could be a good value for Denver in their search for interior depth, but may not have the upside to project to a long-term answer at C.

C--Edwin Williams

6th

Edwin Williams, Maryland: The overall world-class depth of this year's center class is driving down the value of good players like Williams. Because he isn't the tremendous athlete of the top of the class, teams can expect to start bidding for his services later in the second day, and they may just get a steal. Williams had the admiration of his teammates and coaches for his leadership both on and off the field, and he could be counted on to disrupt surprise-blitzers and to call the exotic defensive plays correctly for his team. Adequate strength and speed, with excellent short-area quickness and a great explosion off the snap, he can be beaten by quicker defenders consistently, and struggles to maintain longer blocks on the stronger players. Overall a solid player with limited upside but who could provide dependable depth for years.

C--Jon Cooper

7th-FA

Jon Cooper, Oklahoma: The traditional makeup of a zone-blocking center. Cooper is smart, versatile, and can hold the point of attack with help from the guards. Tenacious and never gives up on a play. He moves well and has a real gift in his short area quickness, allowing him to help both guards in the same play. Excellent snapper out of the shotgun and has long-snapping experience, he is bound to intrigue Denver if they still are looking for this classic version of a zone-blocking center; lighter, quicker and very aggressive.

C--Brett Helms

7th-FA

Brett Helms, LSU: Another undersized zone-block specimen with adequate smarts and recognition, a good snapper in the shotgun and a great never-say-die attitude. Team player who buys in completely to the line and QB, giving up his body in protection. Of course, he wouldn't have to do that so much if he had the strength and athleticism to consistently hold the point of attack. Intriguing prospect with a small amount of upside, rare for this late in the draft.

G--Roger Allen

7th-FA

Roger Allen, Missouri Western: Very smart guard, one of the few guards in this class who clearly could project to center at the next level. He is very competitive, has played through an injured hand and shoulder and takes a lot of pride in his consistency. The shoulder injury and questionable competition figure to drive his stock way down; but after getting cleared medically, the hope is he can climb back into the draft. He has tremendous upside, with a very strong hand-punch; good, strong lower body with good drive and consistency in run blocking. He also has quick feet and hands, adjusts well to defenders and finds good blocks at the second level. An exceptional option late in the draft, he may turn out to be one of the best linemen drafted this year, and Denver is bound to take a long, hard look.

G--Matt Slauson

7th-FA

Matt Slauson, Nebraska: A one-and-done type of player, Slauson is in need of some good coaching, because his "one" can be positively amazing sometimes. As a moving blocker, he adjusts and pulls well, and has the speed and agility to locate and execute blocks at the second and even third levels. Has adequate strength, but shows flashes of a terrific hand-jolt that can hold up blitzing players on his outside shoulder, without losing leverage for his inside block. But these flashes of elite-level talents are inconsistent, and too often he can be beaten after that first move. He seems to lack the knowledge and understanding to properly readjust and reset, so he tends to be finished after that first move. Hopefully he can get the coaching he needs to address this, and if so, he has tremendous potential. As a final draft pick or UFA, he could be worth a shot.

C/G--Alex Fletcher

7th-FA

Alex Fletcher, Stanford: A smart player who has started at both center and at right guard. He was a team captain who knows how to anchor, and how to play with leverage. Cna hold his own versus strength and bull-rush oriented opponents and also has the lateral agility and speed to pull or trap effectively. Has great hand technique and can turn defenders and get his hands placed well, and can place and reset to maintain the line of scrimmage. Tough and thick like a burlwood knot in the middle of the line, he has only marginal lower body strength and struggles to get a push in short yardage and goalline situations. Overall a solid pickup as a late rounder who could provide solid depth or be a surprising earlier pick with potential to start.

Seahawks Mock Draft 1.5

John Morgan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:11:18 -0000

Regularly updated throughout the day.

Malcolm Jenkins:

"The meetings are easy. I could talk football all day...I know my defense and I know football." --Jenkins

Tim Ruskell and James Mora have a shared philosophy: They want someone at four that contributes right away. Jenkins is an elite athlete. The kind that regularly stuns with his grace and body control. He's ridiculously smooth. He was the best corner prospect entering the combine and the best corner prospect exiting the combine - 40 time be damned. And no GM will care less about his 40 than Tim Ruskell. Ruskell cares about Thorpe Awards, All-Americas, college starts, college production and tape.

This pick assumes Seattle has given up on corner Kelly Jennings. Here might be why.

Ruskell knows when to cut bait. Before the 2008 season, Mike Holmgren announced an open competition for the second cornerback spot. It sounded like a stunt at the time, but, in retrospect, it may have been an admission that Jennings hadn't developed as they'd liked. Jennings, despite the slips and falls, is clearly a good, even very good cover corner. He proved so in 2007 and in far fewer snaps in 2008, Jennings again recorded 12 passes defended. That's a testament to his cover skills, but also an indication that teams stopped fearing him. Cover wasn't enough. Jennings failed to develop ball skills. Opponents knew they could pass at Jennings and the worst outcome was a pass defended. Jennings could rectify that. Add enough enough in the way of interception threat to keep his cover imposing. And if Seattle were in another spot, without a shot at the top overall corner prospect, it might lean on its impressive depth at the position, but, in this scenario, there is sufficient evidence that Jennings will not develop and a rare enough opportunity to add elite talent at the position that Seattle drafts Jenkins.

Seattle sees Josh Wilson at nickel. I'm fine with that. Jenkins would step in at the right cornerback spot, matched primarily against possession receivers, where his speed wouldn't matter as much, and where, should his speed not rate, he could stay as. More likely, Seattle would slowly transition Jenkins as Trufant ages, and as Trufant slips from top corner to steady corner, Jenkins will step into his own.

Patrick Chung:

Chung had exactly the combine he needed. He didn't blow anyone away and he didn't rocket into the first round, but he did put speed concerns behind him and he did show the kind of raw power to prove his fearsome tackling will translate into the pros. Seattle is interested in adding a strong safety. Jermaine Phillips presents a good model for the skills they're interested in: very active, strong against the run, and good, not great cover skills. That's Chung to a tee. Plus, he's got this going for him.

Games Started: 51

Conference: Pac 10

Considered a Team Leader:Yes

Production: 236 solo tackles, 148 assisted tackles, 9 interceptions, 17 passes defensed, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

More Tackles Than: Bob Sanders

More Interceptions Than: Troy Polamalu

Team Record: 35-16

Known Weaknesses: Size, Speed

Gritty Like: Sandpaper

Instantly Improves: Seattle's punt return unit and kickoff and punt coverage

Chung would be a huge addition to the run defense. Seattle has long needed a rover type that can cut off long runs and provide backside containment. Adding Chung would also be a huge addition to the pass defense. Current strong safety Deon Grant plays an exceptional deep zone. Seattle has squandered that skill. Drafting a competent strong safety moves Grant back to free safety. Brian Russell to Deon Grant is an exciting net improvement. Something like bottom five at position to top ten. That's the kind of move that maximizes existing talent and allows a bottom feeder defense to again dominate.

Cedric Peerman:

Count me among the few that think Seattle will upgrade at running back. Seattle's lightning, Julius Jones, didn't see the field too often and maybe it was favoritism or a character conflict with Mike Holmgren, or maybe Maurice Morris outplayed him. Whatever the case, Greg Knapp runs a two back system. Seattle needs two healthy starting-caliber running backs every game. Seattle could add another thunder, but I think it's more likely they attempt to upgrade their lightning.

Peerman is extremely talented. He's a studious guy and very religious. In fact, he's a ordained minister. He played in 41 games at Virginia. As a running back, Peerman is fast, elusive, powerful and, well, sometimes a highlight reel betters adjectives.

The knocks on Peerman are injuries and hand size. Both might be a little trumped up. Peerman suffered a Linsfranc injury in 2007. Lisfranc injuries can threaten a career depending on the severity, but given his production his senior season and his strong showing at the combine, that's probably not the case with Peerman.

Peerman's hands are just 7 7/8". Scouts are worried he will have fumble problems in the NFL. Peerman fumbled at the Senior Bowl and fumbled away a win against Miami last November. That fumble was his first lost fumble of his career. Fumbles happen so infrequently, I sometimes wonder if it's a meaningful stat. The sample size is tiny and the difference between a fumble and a tackle often a matter of fractions of a second. Which is to say, I'm just not too concerned about Peerman's fumble problems, and if that's what forces his stock into the second day, well awesome.

Tyronne Green

Seattle needs a starting capable offensive guard. He should be agile, quick, powerful, capable of working in a zone scheme, preferably from a major conference (SEC even better), coachable and productive. He doesn't have to be tall.

Tyronne Green is only 6'2" - with cleats on. Like Mansfield Wrotto, he's a bit raw. And like Wrotto, Green entered college as a defensive tackle. He didn't convert to guard until 2005. Scouts rave about his athleticism. He has 33 ¾" arms and 10 ¼" hands. Green busted his butt for coaches at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, is agile, quick, powerful, capable of working in a zone scheme, a starter at Auburn, and even has some non-competitive experience at center.

Curtis Painter

Painter has the arm strength and quick release, but his production over four seasons leaves something to be desired. Painter probably desired some kind of talent on his offensive line and a receiver worth throwing to. He's pure developmental prospect. All potential and little production at this point, but with their (presumed) faith in Matt Hasselbeck's health and in a draft without too many quarterbacks worth taking, Painter could be the latest Charlie Frye. The new David Greene. But bigger, stronger, with more potential and still not past due expiration date.

Joe Burnett

Might not fall this far. Strictly a kick and punt returner. Tenth ranked punt return average in college football in 2008.

SB Nation - Tyronne Green

San Diego Chargers 2009 NFL Draft Grades

What did you think of the Chargers 2009 draft?

Loved it! We filled our needs on both sides of the ball

Hated it! These guys will not contribute!

Too early to tell

San Diego Chargers select Tyronne Green, Offensive Guard, Auburn

Tyronne Green

#71 / Offensive Linesman / Auburn Tigers

John's Mock -- And in the fourth round...

Ranking the NFL Draft's interior O-Line prospects

G, Tyronne Green, Auburn

G, Tyronne Green, Auburn

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

2009 NFL Draft -- Point of Attack - Centers/Guards Ranked for Denver

2009 NFL Draft Coverage-Merry Draftivus!!

C--Alex Mack

1st-2nd

C--Max Unger

2nd

G--Duke Robinson

2nd

C--Eric Wood

2nd

G--Kraig Urbik

2nd-3rd

C--Jonathon Luigs

3rd

C--Antoine Caldwell

3rd-4th

G--Tyronne Green

4th

C--A.Q. Shipley

5th

G--T.J. Lang

5th-6th

C--Edwin Williams

6th

C--Jon Cooper

7th-FA

C--Brett Helms

7th-FA

G--Roger Allen

7th-FA

G--Matt Slauson

7th-FA

C/G--Alex Fletcher

7th-FA

Seahawks Mock Draft 1.5

Malcolm Jenkins:

Patrick Chung:

Cedric Peerman:

Tyronne Green

Curtis Painter

Joe Burnett