Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT

Cyrus Kouandjio (KWAHN-Joh)

Offensive Tackle

Height: 6'7" Weight: 322 lbs

40 Time: 5.59 sec

Bench Press: 21 reps

Alabama

Strengths: Built for a power rushing attack. Kouandjio has a prototypical OT frame with long arms (35 5/8") and big hands (10 1/4"). His large frame shows when he engulfs DE's and LB's in the run game. Although his 40 time may be troubling, the tape shows he has the ability to get out of his stance quickly and seal the edge when necessary. In pass protection he utilizes his long, powerful arms and an awareness of over-pursuit from edge rushers to 'slap' them to the ground or wide around the rushing arc. High level wow-factor with 'the slap.'

Weaknesses: Pass protection is very raw. This past year (Junior season) was one to forget, culminating in an abysmal performance in the Sugar Bowl vs. Oklahoma. His lack of foot quickness in pass protection is a big concern for him. He has trouble squaring up small, quick edge rushers and looks clumsy at times reaching out and losing his balance. He also struggles mightily with stunt pickups. If pass pro deficiencies aren't enough, his injury history may cause teams to plant a red flag on him. He tore his ACL and MCL in 2011 and reports are saying he failed a few club physicals at the combine.

Bottom Line: Kouandjio is about as risky as prospect as there is in this draft. His frame and young age (Still 20 on draft day) raises his ceiling, but a frightening injury history lowers his floor. It is tough to imagine a team drafting him and plugging him in at LT on day one. For that matter, RT may be a stretch on opening day as well. A college LT with a surgically repaired left knee and a powerful right arm 'slap,' Kouandjio's game may have difficulty transitioning to the right side. Caution flags all around for Kouandjio.

***LOCAL PROSPECT ALERT***: Kouandjio is from Beltsville, MD (PG County). I actually used to workout at Beltsville Community Center where he (a DeMatha Catholic High School product) participated in youth programs. At the time he was a 5-star prospect and the highest rated high school O-Lineman in the nation.

Projected Round: 2nd. After a poor showing at the combine his mid-late 1st round grade has likely dropped.

Teams He Fits Best On: Panthers, Texans, or Dolphins.

Highlight/Lowlight Reel: Bad game against VTech for Kouandjio but his run blocking at the 2:00 mark is his strength. Watch from 5:00-6:00 for some weaknesses.

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Cyrus Kouandjio vs Virginia Tech (2013) (via Nick Page)