The next few weeks here on State of the Texans we will be doing some draft profiles of some particular players who could possibly fit into the Texans plans. We are not going to try to piece together scouting reports, but we enlist help of bloggers who actually cover the respective player and their school.
This draft profile we focus on LSU’s redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers, and we enlist the help Stephen Baker from And the Shook.Valley (a LSU Blog at SB Nation). Brockers has sky rocketed up draft boards and looks like a sure-fire top 15 pick, but we still look at the defensive tackle. With 47 total stops from his position, Brockers looks to only tapped his potential, at 6’6″ and 306 lbs. he will be a hot commodity come draft day.
Can you give us a little background on Brockers?
Brockers was a defensive line recruit out of Texas. He redshirted, as most linemen do, and then played frequently as a freshmen in LSU’s aggressive defensive tackle rotation.As a sophomore, he took over the starting role and was a key part of a dominating unit. He clogged the middle effectively, allowing the speedy rushers to get off the edge. But he also made 9.5 TFL, as he took up residence in the opposition backfield.
Do you think he has the potential to play the Nose at the next level?
It’s odd to say this about someone who is 6’6”, 305#, but he might be undersized. Your classic nose tackle is a big guy who occupies blockers, where Brockers is a bit more nimble and quick. He is a huge man, but he tends to blow past his blocker, not hold him up.
What are Brockers strengths and weaknesses?
Man. I hate the term “motor”,but Brockers has got one. The guy is an intensely active player. LSU uses a rotation on the line, which allows players to exert maximum effort on each play, and Brockers has taken full advantage of this. He can just blow past people and he is relentless in pursuit.
On the flip side, Alabama’s big offensive line absolutely owned him. It’s actually a positive when the first negative is “he had problems with the best o-line in the country”,but it might point to an issue with the bigger linemen he’ll see in the pros.
Some scouts describe Brockers as raw and untapped potential. Is that a fair assessment?
Sure, He’s asophomore! I’m kind of shocked he’s coming out not because he lacks the talent or it is a bad decision, but because I didn’t realize he’s already a projected first rounder. I’m not fully convinced he hasn’t filled out his frame yet. He’s only started for a year, and there’s plenty to be learned. He’s nothing but potential, really.
Is he a one year wonder?
I doubt it. He was effective in a limited role in his freshman year as well. I just think he’s young, and still has a lot of development left. He could continue to grow and become a truly dominant player or he may have hit his peak development. At which point, he’ll be a nice, aggressive player who may be a bit small for a DT.
How do you see him at the next level?
I hate to say this,but I don’t know. Drafting Brockers really is drafting potential. He just had his first legal drink two months ago. He’s a young kid with only a years starting experience. He’s clearly a gifted player, but it’s about turning those gifts into production. You want a sure thing? Trade up and take Mo Claiborne.That guy is seriously awesome.
Original Story:
http://www.stateofthetexans.com/?p=3089
