Ereck Flowers
Miami, RT/LT
Height: 6.6
Weight: 325
Age: N/A
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Athleticism: C
A better athlete than his long, thick frame would suggest. Moves quickly out of his stance and has nice straight line speed. Has fluid hips that show up at the second level and in his bucket step, but lacks sudden change of direction movements. Range and movement skills are above average.
Pass Blocking: B-
Efficient kick-slide out of his stance gets into his pass set quickly. Has a strong anchor, but can occasionally be rocked back by stronger edge rushers. Capable of mirroring counter moves, but lacks sudden change of direction. Can be stressed by wide speed rushes as he lacks the range to defend the arc in pass protection. Ineffective as a cut blocker and will fail to trip up his man.
Run Blocking: B+
Quick and agile mover as a zone blocker. Gets his hips turned around able to throw blocks downfield and laterally. Sustains well, especially at the second level. Does a very good job of sealing the edge and opening up the edge for outside runs. Lacks the power and upper body strength to sustain in one-on-one situations against high-end edge defenders, allowing them to disengage laterally.
Technique: C+
Clean and balanced footwork, and generally does a good job of running his feet on contact. Does not often find himself on the ground unless by design. Hands can get wide of his target, and needs to keep his punch inside to be more effective. Pad level will rise at times and can leave himself vulnerable to underneath moves and straight power.
Intangibles: A-
Effort is sufficient on the field and in the trenches. Inconsistent in how far he will go outside of the tackle box to chase the play before giving up on it, but overall plays hard and consistently for someone of his size. Very aware picking up blitzes off the edge, and knows which man to take rather than trying to block two and ending up blocking no one. Tough and fairly durable two year starter with high-end football character.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: A consummate offensive line prospect, Ereck Flowers’s value lies in his scheme and position versatility. While he excels as a zone blocker, Flowers also possesses the power to fit into a man-power blocking scheme, and also has the traits of a swing tackle, capable of manning the left and the right side, though best suited for the right side in the NFL. Is reminiscent of Dolphins first round pick Ju’Wuan James, though not likely to be drafted as high as the former Tennessee standout.
Comparison: JuWuan James
Grade: 8.7 (2nd Round)
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