Merged: Max Unger, C, Oregon

"Vendigo wrote:

Oh boy. I've just finished watching the Civil War (Oregon vs. Oregon State) and Boomer was perfectly right: Max Unger is an offensive lineman we're going to be all over. Not only us, mind you. The guy's a legitimate top 15 pick in April. Don't tell me you don't draft a center in the first round - let alone with a top 15 pick. You don't get a center. You get a center and a guard and a right tackle and a left tackle. You get one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the last ... I don't know ... decade? Before I get into what makes Unger so special, let's look at his background:

He attented the Prep Academy in Hawaii and was rated one of the nation's top 50 guards by Rivals.com - not bad for a guy who didn't play football until the 9th grade. He redshirted in 2004 and started 12 consecutive games in 2005 at left tackle. Interestingly, Oregon was dead last in the Pac-10 in sacks allowed in 2004 (41) and improved to 3rd (20) with Unger at LT. In 2006, he started 13 games at left tackle and Oregon improved to #2 in sacks allowed (16) and led the league in rushing for the first time since 1955. As a junior, Unger moved to center and Jonathan Steward rushed for a school record 1.700+ yards while Oregon had the nation's 6th ranked ground attack.

That's a pretty impressive resume right there and it perfectly corresponds to what you see on the tape. He's an excellent run and pass blocker. He moves his feet as well as anyone, he's got the lateral agility you look for and his technique is top notch. He places his hands very well and he's as good a puller as they come. Better even, maybe. Out in the second level, Unger is a nightmare for every defense and he does a tremendous job staying low and finishing off his blocks. On the downside, he's not the strongest center and there might be a fine line between having him put on some additional weight to handle the bull rush better without messing up his quickness. But Unger truly shines when you factor in his versatility. I think he can be an All Pro center and guard. He's definitely got the tools to be a very good right tackle and he's got experience at left tackle and - with a little time and patience - might easily play that position for you if you want him to. He'll be an impact player at center right away and by his 2nd year at the latest will pose a problem every teams loves to have: Where do you play the guy? Wherever you want or need to. That's why he's a top 15 pick in my book, and considering his top-notch intangibles (smart, leadership ability, never takes a play off, mean-streaked guy who simply loves to block people) I have little doubt that he'll be high on Parcells' and Ireland's board. If he lasts long enough for us to grab him, now that's a different story alltogether.

Boomer has been mentining him for a while now- I haven't seen him play yet, hopefully I'll catch their bowl game. I still like Mack quite a bit, but I'm more treoubled by his level of awkwardness after last night's game. He is the scholar athlete of the year- good endorsement there, and he gets the job done in terms of moving DT's. Hopefully Al Johnson works out- I see Satele moving full time to Guard next year, either starting or riding the pine- probably the pine. With any luck we'll pick up Unger, Mack or Caldwell.

Glad you like him Jochen. It always feels better when someone you trust sees what you see, regardless of how much you watch kids play. The versatility is going to be singing to Jeff Ireland. I think we'll be all over him.

Jim, your boy Mack is impressive in that short, phone booth area and he displayed it again last night. But like I said, he has a tendency to get a little high in pass protection. He allowed the Miami DT to get under his pad level, he shifted him with Mack unable to get his feet out from under him and then ripped past and got pressure on Longshore. As a run blocker, I saw two first quarter decleaters which is pretty damn good. But you can't have one half without the other.

Glad we're on the same page about Unger, Simon. But pray tell: Do you see us having a shot at getting him in the first place? Like I said, he's definitely a top 15 pick in my book and he might well be the best offensive lineman in the entire draft, albeit at C/G. Guy with his versatility, experience and intangibles ... hard to see him being available in the 20s.

"Vendigo wrote:

Glad we're on the same page about Unger, Simon. But pray tell: Do you see us having a shot at getting him in the first place? Like I said, he's definitely a top 15 pick in my book and he might well be the best offensive lineman in the entire draft, albeit at C/G. Guy with his versatility, experience and intangibles ... hard to see him being available in the 20s.

Teams might.....MIGHT..... see him as TOO versatile in that they're unsure of his perfect spot and don't want to waste 2 seasons trying to find it. Guards and centers tend to go later anyway and with 8 first round potential tackles, he might fall. Is he a better pure G than Duke Robinson? Not sure he is. Is he a better LT or RT than the elite 8? That's a toughie.

But it might be hard to see him lasting to 25 or more.

He did an excellent job against our two DT's Price and Harwell up the gut, all but neutralizing Carter and the push up front. It's extremely difficult for teams to run it up the middle against us but Unger's a reason why the QB draws were working that night. I did not see any run snap where he did not get to the 2nd level. Poor play from the guards that game additionally highlighted Unger's play.

"Boomer wrote:

Glad you like him Jochen. It always feels better when someone you trust sees what you see, regardless of how much you watch kids play. The versatility is going to be singing to Jeff Ireland. I think we'll be all over him.

Jim, your boy Mack is impressive in that short, phone booth area and he displayed it again last night. But like I said, he has a tendency to get a little high in pass protection. He allowed the Miami DT to get under his pad level, he shifted him with Mack unable to get his feet out from under him and then ripped past and got pressure on Longshore. As a run blocker, I saw two first quarter decleaters which is pretty damn good. But you can't have one half without the other.

I mentioned this in another post, but hey, it's a slow day- Unger seems to be the superior prospect, now that I've seen him play. The basic problem with Mack is to what extent his awkwardness and lack of balance will be exploited by the big, athletic DT's of the NFL. I didn't see any such weaknesses in Unger, just a whole lot of upside. On top of all the other stuff he's active, aggressive, and has great size. I could easily see him playing any spot on the line other than LT- and he could probably play that, too. Great prospect and great call, Boomer.

p.s. What about Cornelius Lewis, OT from Tennessee St., transfer from FSU? I haven't seen him play, I would imagine that you know him from his FSU days.

Did he get severely injured on that leg-whip last night in the Holiday Bowl?

I'm just curious if he'll be able to move some of the big nt's that we'll face like Wilfork or Jamal Williams. (This isn't me questioning Unger's ability. I'm asking him you all believe that he could take them on.)

"Rhody Phins Fan wrote:

I'm just curious if he'll be able to move some of the big nt's that we'll face like Wilfork or Jamal Williams. (This isn't me questioning Unger's ability. I'm asking him you all believe that he could take them on.)

He's very strong and possesses excellent technique. Plus his biggest asset is the speed with which he gets off the snap and gets and maintains pad level.

Boomer, what sort of arm length does Unger posses?

He seemed sort squat to me, does he have the arms to play Tackle or Center in the NFL?

No idea mate. Won't know that till he gets measured.

He's the best center in college football so I'd say with little fear of contradiction that he could handle the spot in the pros.

Here is the thing... we already have a quick and agile Center... and it isnt working. Satele is great on the 2nd level and when pulling... but unfortunately, thats not how we use our Center in this blocking scheme. This scheme from the Center spot prefers in-line power blocking, and being able to take on a NT 1v1... which Satele cant do either...

If Unger cant do this, then I dont think he is our guy at Center.

Now, we pull our Guards all the time... and get them on the 2nd level... so he sounds like a legit Guard prospect for us. But we need a power Center...

"padre31 wrote:

Boomer, what sort of arm length does Unger posses?

He seemed sort squat to me, does he have the arms to play Tackle or Center in the NFL?

I read one report that said he has "arms as long as vines"...

I dont know the actual arm length though...

if i read "lacks strength" my alarm clock is runnin big time, we need someone who can handle NT´s 1 on 1 , we need jason brown from the ravens

"Al13 wrote:

if i read "lacks strength" my alarm clock is runnin big time, we need someone who can handle NT´s 1 on 1 , we need jason brown from the ravens

Exactly. This blocking scheme requires a big powerful Center that can take on NT's 1v1.

Unger plays with good strength and power. he may not be quite as big as brown, but Unger is very powerful.

When I watch Unger as I now have 3 times this season, I don't see a weak guy. I see a strong player, effortlessly strong at times.

"Boomer wrote:

When I watch Unger as I now have 3 times this season, I don't see a weak guy. I see a strong player, effortlessly strong at times.

If we draft him do you think we would move him to Guard? Maybe we could take him in the 1st then later on say the 3rd round take Alabama's Center (forgot his name). If we did that I think our OL would be awesome and we would finally be able to run it up the gut.

Max Unger

According to Rotoworld....

Oregon C Max Unger has reportedly exhibited poor strength at the Senior Bowl.

Strength is often an issue for Oregon offensive linemen. Unger reportedly was overpowered "numerous times" by defensive tackles on the second day of practice and is losing ground to Cal's Alex Mack to be the draft's top center.
Source: Sporting News

If this makes him fall to one of our 2nd round picks I am loving it. After all, the tapes show everything that you need to see in regards to evaluating a player.

yeah, but the tapes dont always show you how a player plays up against top tier talent with everyone watching. this is a pressure situation against others who are competing against you for the highest salary. it can simulate what to expect from these players as rookies; but doesn't necessarily mean the player wont be successful long term in the NFL. In our case, I think we are looking for the biggest impact players on the first day. I think Unger's poor showing here could potentially get him graded off of our board.

I know a couple of us have been suggesting this for a while now. With Unger, you get a lot more versatility, but I wonder if he really solves our problem at Center if, as most people are suggesting, our problem is Satele being overpowered at times by guys like Wilfork and Jenkins. Mack is a bit larger and, from what I have seen, shows a little more strength.

Strenght can always be worked on. That is fixable. As long as he has the brains and technique, im just fine with that.

"Mari0k wrote:

Strenght can always be worked on. That is fixable. As long as he has the brains and technique, im just fine with that.

I'm not sure I agree with that. Technique can be worked on. Strength and brains are much more difficult to remedy.