Well, Anthony Clements is not a plus guy. I think they might see him as a guy who can come in and challenge in '08. Clements is a hold the fort guy. -X-
yup I'll take it, good pick IMO, I would rather go small school star than big school role player anyday, they have that leadership and winning attitude accompanying a chip on the shoulder
I'm just glad the FO addressed the line. I'm sure they know it's a problem, just nice to get confirmation.
Any good sites about profiles for Bender? ESPN doesn't have a free description of him and you have to be an insider. Any help?
Slim pickings out there. I already posted what I could find. I am curious to see what ESPN Insider has to say.
Prospect Profiles Jacob Bender Height: 6-6 Weight: 316 Position: Offensive Tackle/Guard College: Nicholls State Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange OVERVIEW Despite the team's struggles on offense in 2006, Bender emerged as one of the most dominant left offensive tackles in the small college ranks. Everyone was expecting the 2006 Nebraska game to be the litmus test for Bender, and he came through with flying colors. Despite the team's 56-7 loss, he came up with the Colonels' only touchdown-resulting block for the game and held All-American defensive end Adam Carriker to six tackles (two solos) and one stop behind the line of scrimmage for a 1-yard loss. Bender was a punishing left offensive tackle at renowned DeMatha Catholic High School. The team captain averaged more than 16 knockdown blocks per game as a senior. He was named All-State, All-Conference, All-State Academic and was a member of Maryland's Top 50 Offensive Line Hog Picks. After enrolling at Nicholls State in 2003, Bender saw action in all 11 games as a reserve offensive tackle. He took over starting left tackle duties as a sophomore, helping lead an offense that averaged 249.3 yards per game rushing, as he earned All-Southland Conference honors. In 2005, Bender was again named to the All-SLC first-team, adding All-Louisiana second-team accolades. He manned the left tackle position, collecting 76 knockdowns with eight touchdown-resulting blocks for one of the nation's most explosive ground attacks that averaged 364.8 yards per game. The offense struggled in 2006, yet Bender went on to earn All-American, All-Louisiana and All-SLC honors. He had 87 knockdowns as the running attack accounted for 233.9 of the team's average of 291.6 yards in total offense per game. Bender did not allow a sack all season and produced eight touchdown-resulting blocks. ANALYSIS Positives: Solidly built athlete who could use more bulk, but has the room to carry at least another 15 pounds without having the additional weight affect his quickness ? Has a thick upper body with a firm midsection, good hip width, thick chest, thighs and calves ? Physical in-line drive blocker who has the leg drive to generate movement off the snap ? Uses his hands well to turn his man and shows good quickness and light feet to adjust and recover when moving off the ball ? His weight room strength doesn't always translate to the football field, but he has the power to generate explosive pop behind his blocks ? Has the quickness to gain initial advantage and the lateral movement to get out in front on pulls ? Shows the quickness to seal the corner ? Plays with good knee bend, anchoring firmly vs. the rush ? Picks up stunts well and redirects fluidly ? Has the body control to adjust on the move and hustles looking for defenders to attack down field ? Works to finish and maintains balance vs. the power charge ? Shows the ability to fire out low, generate movement and swing his hips around to seal ? Battles with good leverage and is active away from the play, showing good angle awareness ? Extends his arms and bends his knees properly when riding an inside move past the quarterback ? Better blocking in-line than on the move, as he consistently gets movement on run blocks and keeps his head on a swivel looking for linebackers to hit ? Has good pop and hip roll to explode behind his drive blocks ? Keeps his shoulders squared properly on base blocks, blocking with a good flat back. Negatives: Lacks ideal bulk, but has the frame to add additional weight ? Short arms at times, as he is inconsistent on his hand set and punch in pass protection ? Will impact on the edge, but needs to use his upper body strength better in order to dominate when turning his man ? Shows good kick and slide movements off the snap, but appears a little sluggish changing direction when working in space ? Must do a better job of anchoring vs. the edge rush, but shows the quick feet to slide out (just needs technique refinement, as only a little more than 20 percent of the team's offense were based on pass plays) ? Bit straight-legged at times trying to anchor ? Has a strong hand punch, but needs to show better placement in attempts to lock on and control. Compares To: Jordan Black, Houston ? Becker is still a work in progress, but shows very good in-line blocking ability for the ground game. He has minimal experience in pass protection, and while he is quick he needs to refine his footwork taking on edge rushers. His weight room strength doesn't always translate to the field, but he has the loose hips to mirror when he keeps his pads down. He will probably work inside while his body develops more bulk and power, but anyone questioning if he can face top-level competition only need to go and look at his battle with Adam Carriker in the 2006 Nebraska game. INJURY REPORT No injuries reported. AGILITY TESTS Campus: 5.18 in the 40-yard dash (wind-aided) ? 5.26 40-yard dash (against the wind) ? 2.96 20-yard dash ? 1.81 10-yard dash ? Bench pressed 225 pounds 27 times ? 25-inch vertical jump ? 8-foot-7 broad jump ? 4.6 20-yard shuttle ? 7.84 three-cone drill. HIGH SCHOOL Attended DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) High School ? The team captain averaged more than 16 knockdown blocks per game as a senior ? Named All-State, All-Conference, All-State Academic and was a member of Maryland's Top 50 Offensive Line Hog Picks. PERSONAL General Studies major ? Son of Debbie and Mike Bender ? Born Jacob David Bender on April 25, 1985 in Mayo, Maryland.
Oh he'll make the team alright. On top of his excellent small school performance, he has the frame to add 15-20 pounds of muscle. 6'6 330 lineman that can play 4 positions make the team.
He's gonna sit on the bench for a year behind Kendall and learn everything he needs to know before taking over. He'll be a backup this year and they'll transition him to guard or RT probably.
