Alex Cappa Has Been Capping Defenders In DII Football. Can He Continue His Dominance Inside At Guard?

Alex Cappa, OT
School: Humbolt State | Conference: GNAC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 305 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th Round
NFL Comparison: Ben Garland

College Statistics

N/A

Player Overview

Things were all too easy for Alex Cappa at Humbolt State. The tackle dominated his competition in Division II football and drew the praises of Mike Mayock when he got his opportunity at the Senior Bowl. Mayock said Cappa had some of the “nastiest tape he's ever seen” and when you watch him it becomes obvious why. Not only did Cappa stand his ground and handle most of his competition with ease he was throwing guys around left and right. So how did he fare against Division I competition at the Senior Bowl? Cappa only helped his stock down in Mobile and fared pretty well. A few physical things stood out for Cappa which will likely warrant a move to guard at the next level. His slender physique and his less than ideal arm length for an NFL offensive tackle. As far as his technique and proficiencies go Cappa currently is a better run blocker than he is a pass protector. He places his hands straight into the defender and extends his arms to maintain distance and control. He uses his legs to drive block and finished his opponents with a powerful punch. Cappa could stand to add a bit of weight and improve some technical issues like his pad level, first step, and any recovery moves he will need to develop that he didn't need in DII. All things considered, he’s a small school prospect who dominated his competition and was no doubt ready to take on the DI guys when he had a chance. His deficiencies will be exposed in the NFL but I could see him being a solid backup while he develops and he could definitely be molded into a starter at guard for a team.

Strengths

• Body is well proportioned considering his length and size.
• Locks onto his opponents and once his hands are on them they aren't going anywhere. Leverage and balance are there because of decent footwork and strength.
• Plays with an impressive motor and even more impressive mean streak. Looks to toss guys around and bury them on the play. Works with his teammates on combo blocks and looks to get two bites of the apple by finishing some of his teammate's assignments.
• Quick-footed and flexible enough to make his way up to the second level and toss the linebackers even farther. Has decent ability to mirror off the edge.

Weaknesses

• Likely needs to put on a bit more weight and get stronger for the next level.
• I think a move inside is imminent. He doesn't have the length, size, or refined technique to last at tackle right now. Needs to develop recovery and counter moves from the stuff he's going to see in the NFL.
• Plays too upright to get away with in the NFL. Technique and pad level will need refinement. NFL DL will get the better of him by remaining low and working to disengage his hands.
• Needs to prove himself against top-level talent consistently.

Let's see his work:

More Alex Cappa videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

At the time of this writing, it doesn't look like either Shawn Lauvao or Spencer Long will be back with the Redskins. The Redskins need a starting option at LG for certain and while I don’t believe Cappa will offer that right now I think in a few seasons he will have his chance to challenge for a starting role. Not unlike Chase Roullier Cappa is likely to be a later round pick that not only was solid in college but dominated lesser competition. Cappa’s coaches have praised him for his work ethic and if he has time to get a bit stronger, eat a little more, and refine his technique I can see him becoming quite the effective run blocking guard as well as a decent pass protector. You cant teach effort or passion for the game and Cappa has that in spades. He will work to become the best player he can be and at worst I see him being a solid backup and 6th OL for a team for a long time. Wheather or not the team addresses the position in free agency or the draft they will still need depth preferably with great upside at the position. Cappa is that player.