Tom Compton pick 6.23

[MTK]

Notes:
Prepped in Minnesota and missed two games as a senior because of right knee scope. Redshirted in 2007. Started all 21 games at right tackle in 2008 and ’09 before moving to left tackle and starting all 11 games in ’10. Made all 11 starts at OLT spot in ’11 and earned first-team All-America honors. Two-time team captain.

Positives:
Has an NFL body. Very good size — squarely built and well-proportioned with a thick trunk. Can squat a small house. Strong to hold the point. Good hand placement. Plays with discipline. Can lean on defenders or angle block and open running lanes. Occasionally lined up at fullback, indicating he can pull adequately. Outstanding shuttle times at the Combine. Feisty, aggressive playing temperament. Durable four-year starter. Intelligent. Nose-to-the-grindstone type — competitive, motivated and hardworking.

Negatives:
Unpolished footwork — does not exhibit an NFL-caliber kick slide and has to bail out quickly to widen the edge. Limited hip snap. Average balance and body control. Bends at the waist, spends too much time grappling and falls off blocks. Limited recovery quickness — slow to shift his weight. Cut-blocking needs work.

Summary:
Heavy-bodied, waist-bending college left tackle whose core strength, agility in space and blue-collar mentality should enable him to transition inside in the pros, where he has eventual starter potential. Could help outside in a pinch and pique the most interest of teams employing zone-blocking schemes such as the Ravens, Texans and Packers.

ProFootballWeekly.com - Draft Prospect - Tom Compton