Terron Armstead -OT - Arkansas Pines-Bluff [video=youtube;xVciJmKJGzg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVciJmKJGzg&feature=youtu.be[/video] He's number 78 - the left tackle.
That would be a terrifying height/weight/speed ratio for a TE. How does a linebacker handle that? lol.
Is it me or does he not seem to have a narrow, choppy-feet way of playing that leaves him very susceptible to any lateral jukes by the rusher? He also doesn't seem to get enough depth on his kickslide, and not deep enough to the right spot to push rushers round the edge and past the QB. He rides them just to where theyy are an arm's length from the QB and the QB feels the pressure (a few times the QB bailed the pocket as a result. I don't know. He looks athletic, decent size, okay strength but not good enough to get any push in the run game from the few runs I saw. The one run that came behind him was blown up, but I couldn't tell if he lost leverage/psotioning on the defender, or if he lacked the strength toget push, or if it was someone else's man who made the tackle. The guard thing is interesting. I think it makes sense since he seems to lack a bit of width in his game, i.e. he doesn't have lateral quicks to shiuffle back in front of guys before they begin to get past him.. so I'd prefer he have a man on his left and right to protect him. But with that speed he would be great at getting to the second level, or pulling. Which round would he go in? I'd use my 3a on the guy at a guard project.. Will he make it that far?
One point, if he's not generating push against a DE who he will typically outweigh, how well do you think that will go if you kick him inside, where the real big uglies live? You have to play this guy on the edge to be honest, and he does have the lateral quickness you want, but he needs some coaching. If he hones his technique you'll have a very good player. He will likely be a 2 year project due his strength concerns but the technique he can (not saying he will) pick up sooner if he works at it.
I'd be interested in seeing that too. Having two guys on the interior who can really move in he and Pouncey would be nice. Richie's even been decent at it at times too, and if you move him to RG, maybe that opens up the run game more.
I was wondering if we would take him as a 'project' if we brought Jake back. That way he wouldn't be pushed into action.
I would agree, but that's the reason I don't see why he can't kick inside. Maybe he's not doing it tomorrow, but with the right training I think he could do it.
Many times in smaller schools there are technique issues that are not sorted out, and this is something I've seen before. Also with many spread offenses, tackle are simply setting up short, like a short throw from a shotgun. At those times, the tackle just need to drop maybe a yard and then wait for the defender. That also affects how these guy come out of school. T.J. Lang and Troy Kropog are guys that had the same issue coming out of college. Lang had no real kick slide to speak of at all.
Armstead has some very intriguing tools, but if Jake Long bolts I think that I would rather flop Martin to his natural LT position and draft Menelik Watson in the 2nd rd for RT. Just looking at film, throwing out all rankings and published opinions, he's one of the best players I've seen in this draft. I see him as a lock down RT in the NFL, and while his limited football experience bodes well for further improvement it's not a major selling point imo, just a bonus- this guy can play well and play soon imo, he's just a fantastic talent as a run blocker and pass protector. If we draft an LT Lane Johnson does have some incredible feet and athleticism, and David Bakhtiari really impressed me from what little I've seen (the USC film) with his great feet and physical play. All the tape measure/speed/combine stuff is great, but either the guy is a player or not. I'm still trying to figure out Cornelious Washington, who looked like a world beater at the combine, very good at the Senior Bowl and a ghost on the field for Georgia. Whether he was misused or underachieved, what a waste of talent.
Armstead is the 5th OT IMO. I'd take him ahead of Watson. Had he played at a big Div-I school, he'd likely be mentioned in the same breath as the big 3 LTs.
I looked at all the Watson/FSU film that I could, as well as other clips like the UF to see Matt Elam and other FSU tape not designed to highlight Watson, and I never saw Watson get beat for a sack, maybe he got beat outside once and it didn't result in a sack. I'd guess that he did get beat for a sack/sacks at some point during the season, but man was this guy good at pass pro and a beast in run blocking. Great second level blocker, I love the play against Elam going 20 yards down the field http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5v4n6MuSOQ and the double pancake http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT1TicBpSmM The thing is, Watson was not only outstanding in pass pro/run block imo, but he's one of the best 2nd level RT blockers I've ever seen. Not just a case of a couple of outstanding plays. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag5wLMJ65xU Watson looked like crap running at the combine, and that disappointed me. Armstead looked great, but before the combine would anyone have chosen him over Watson? Look at DHB- ran great at the combine, goes 7th overall and he was just waived. I'm not trying to knock Armstead, but to me Watson is a serious,talent, a mobile beast with awesome reflexes. Given the choice I'd rather just resign Jake Long, but if he bolts I'd like Martin at LT and Watson at RT. It would not surprise me at all if Watson ends up making a Pro Bowl or two, he's that good imo.
He has all the pyhsical tools to look for but the worst technique I have ever seen. This guy is raw. It's going to take some time to coach this guy up to the skill level of a NFL player. He's too high, doesn't sink his hips, no leverage, no balance, no depth with his drop steps; it's cringe worthy and a complete mess. He's going to be a project but once he puts his technique together he could be a good OT.
This seems like a spot on analysis based on the video you posted. He seems to have very good athleticism; not a great deal of strength and seems to stop his feet from moving once he gets in the backfield on pass pro. Susceptible to a bull rush and to getting burned by a fast DE. But, coaching and a year of training and developing his base could really help. That the Dolphins were so interested may be saying something about where they think Martin should play long term.
I just watched the Armstead clip again, and I'm just not a big fan. I see footwork and movement that don't reflect what he did at the combine. I would much rather draft Bakthiari as a LT rather than Armstead- Bakthiari has great quick feet imo and he looks way more technically proficient than Armstead, whose style looks like anything from sloppy to confusing. I'm curious- where was Armstead ranked before the combine? I'm smelling workout warrior here, but my guess is no better than anyone else's.
