In continuing with our East-West Shrine game previews I'll take a look at the Offensive line and Tight End prospects today. Now it is important to remember that you likely won't hear any of these names called during the first couple rounds of the NFL draft but a few could be interesting in the 4th-7th rounds, an area where the Redskins currently have six selections. While the Redskins are likely to make the offensive line a priority in free agency and the early rounds, they could still look to add some depth in the mid to late rounds as well. While tight end isn't a huge need, right now the status of both Fred Davis and Chris Cooley is up in the air, and even if they both return the Redskins might look to add a good blocking TE over Logan Palusen.
OG Rishaw Johnson (6'3", 310), California, Pa: Johnson was a former highly recruited prospect for Ole MIss, but he was suspended multiple times (before getting kicked off the team) for violating team rules. He moved on to California University of Pennsylvania, where he had a strong season. Johnson possesses an excellent build, and power, and when he wants to play, he can be simply dominant. He might not be the best fit for the ZBS system, but he's an intriguing prospect that would go far higher if not for his incidents.
Projected Round: 5-7th
T/G Markus Zusevics (6'5", 296), Iowa: Zusevics got easily overlooked this season as most scouts focused on his LT bookend Riley Reiff, but he shouldn't be dismissed too easily. Zusevics has been a two year RT starter for the Hawkeyes and been pretty consistent for them. He is more advanced as a pass protector, and could be an intriguing guy at guard in the NFL. He might end up best as a super utility offensive lineman, capable of backing up every position, and coming in on jumbo sets. So far he's gotten pretty high marks during practice this week, and could be a prospect with some nice upside.
Projected Round: 5th-6th
G/T Al Netter (6'4", 316), Northwestern: Netter was a 4 year starter at LT for the Wildcats and was considered one of the teams top leaders. While he was considered a functional LT, and a pretty decent college player, it is pretty easy to see that he would get exposed in the NFL. Netter doesn't have great quickness, and loses the edge against speed rushers. Netter profiles much better inside at guard, where he doesn't have to worry about holding the edge and can use his natural ability far better. While potentially more of a late round prospect, Netter is the type of guy who could move into the mid-round discussion.
National Football Post's Wes Bunting checks in on Netter and his transition to guard:
I thought Northwestern OL Al Netter was much more balanced today at guard than on Monday. He looked more natural keeping his weight distributed between his knees and has shown solid improvement in a limited amount of time.
Projected Round: 4th-6th
C/G David Snow (6'3", 304), Texas: Snow is a versatile interior lineman, capable of playing both guard and center. His best position is probably center, but being able to handle both is an added bonus. Snow isn't going to wow anyone, with his game tape, but he displays good consistency and decent potential. Looks to be a late round depth guy, who could grow into a decent starting role down the road.
Projected Round: 5th-7th
T Matt Reynolds (6'4", 310), BYU: Reynolds was considered a potential top 100 pick last season by most scouts before going back for his senior year. Now instead of seeing his draft stock rise, general consensus has him falling into the later rounds. Reynolds has been exposed somewhat this year as more of a RT only prospect which has some scouts worried. Reynolds still displays a lot of good technique, especially in pass blocking that leads one to think that he could start at the right side at the next level, but the questions do remain. A strong week this week, could be key for his draft stock.
Projected Round: 5th-6th
OT Tom Compton (6'5", 315), South Dakota: Compton is one of the more intriguing prospects at the Shrine game. While overlooked due to playing for South Dakota, Compton has some nice upside and potential, while getting high marks in a number of scouting circles. Compton is a guy who three or four years from now is a good starting tackle and everyone wonders why he wasn't drafted higher. So far Compton has lived up to his billing in practice this week, and could be an intriguing prospect come April.
Projected Round: 4th-5th
OG Brandon Brooks (6'4", 353), Miami (OH): Brooks really came on this season to prove himself a draftable prospect. Brooks has a big strong frame, and is capable of completely engulfing defenders when he gets his hands on them. Now he's not a perfect fit for the ZBS, but he has better athleticism than his size dictates.
Projected Round: 4th-5th
G Derek Dennis (6'3", 315), Temple: Dennis has had an up and down career at Temple, at times looking like an NFL starting caliber guard, while other times looking more like a backup. His potential is still well thought of as a developmental prospect, and a strong East-West week could ensure a late round draft status.
Projected Round: 5th-7th
OG Desmond Wynn (6'5", 305), Rutgers: Wynn has been rising up some draft boards with a strong senior season. He's got a good frame and shows really good base and quickness. Consistency seems to be his biggest problem, but his draft stock is rising. He looks like the type of player that a team will look to develop given his raw tools. (note: he is worth drafting just to make my caption for the picture come true)
Projected Round: 6th
TE George Bryan (6'5", 265), NC State: Bryan isn't the type of tight end that will stretch a defense, but he's a good route runner with sure hands, and given his size is a nice big target that can kill a defense underneath. Bryan can be a major weapon in the red zone, and a devastating blocker in the running game. He wouldn't be a great number 1 TE, but as a late round run blocking and red zone specialist he has a lot of value.
Projected Round: 6th-7th round
TE Kevin Kroger (6'3", 262), Michigan: Kroger like Bryan isn't much of a deep receiving threat (though Kroger's speed is slightly better), but he still displays good route running and hands in the passing game. Like Bryan also Kroger's best attribute is his blocking ability. He's almost like a 6th lineman on the field, and should make an NFL roster for that alone. His pass catching upside is there, but is still limited enough to keep him from a number 1 TE role.
Projected Round: 6th-7th
Steve Shoup will be covering Senior Bowl Live this year for his own site Fanspeak.com, but will provide write-ups on players for the Redskins here on Hogs Haven as well. Check out his NFL Draft Page for more details and updates throughout the draft season! HTTR!