NFL Draft

Guard in round 6

Admin - April 26, 2009

The Gang Green used their last pick (#193 overall, 6th round) in the 2009 NFL Draft on OG Matt Slauson from Nebraska. Slauson, 6'5", 315 lbs is expected to be a backup who could potentially grow into a starting role.

Slauson was a second-team All-Big 12 pick at right guard as a senior, he started at both tackle spots and right guard in 2007, at right tackle for all but two games in 2007 (leg injury) and in three games as a true freshman.

Positives: Good height with strong upper- and lower-body builds. Strong anchor; typically does not get pushed into quarterback. Gets his hands inside his man's jersey quickly and resets his hands to sustain. Picks up twists from the inside. Fires out of his stance on zone run and short-yardage plays. Will hustle to help quarterback when the play breaks down. Adequate moving in space; can reach linebackers and even safeties at the third level. Strong enough to block down on the tackle but use his right arm to prevent linebackers from blitzing between guard-tackle gap. (NFLDraftScout.com)

Negatives: Agility might be tested against NFL defensive tackles. Recovery speed is lacking against quick spin moves. Must use a stronger initial punch in pass protection. Plays with high pads at times; must bend his knees to prevent losing the leverage battle. Will overextend when one-on-one against a strong tackle. Does not always pick up his first inside target when on the move. (NFLDraftScout.com)