BCS Bowl Game Prospects

[Mr. Goosemahn]

I'm focusing on LG Duke Robinnson, RT Trent Williams, and LT Phil Loadholt.

On first drive:
RT Trent Williams looked perfect. Strong mauler in the running game, pushed guys around. In pass-protection, he looked crisp and locked onto his defender. One one plY, he completely overpowered the opposing DE and pushed him to the ground with ease (and he stayed upright, keeping him down). He's playing against a speedy and agile DE, not power.

LG Duke Robinson looked excellent in the run game, opening a hole for a gain of around six or seven. He also took on two blockers on one play, taking them both out. In pass protection he looked really good, except on one single play where the entire O-Line moved right, Bradford faked a pitch to the right and ran left, and was ultimately sacked; Duke blocked his original task, who was passed on to another O-Line guy. He then momentarily took on another guy who got passed him for a hueg sack. Other than that, Duke has been a boulder in pass-protection. He gets onto his guy, doesn't let him move, and most impressive of all is that he's staying put; opposing DT have not yet pushed him backwards.

Didn't see much of LT Phil Loadholt, but he hasn't made any bad plays and didn't allow his side of the pocket to collapse.

Second offensive series about to start.

[Mr. Goosemahn]

So game's done.

Trent Williams played superbly. He was great in pass-protection and did a fine job in the run-blocking. Definitely has great potential to become a LT in the NFL. It's been said that he could be taken in Round 1, and hopefully he could be available for us in the later picks. If it was between him and Duke,
I'd seriously consider taking him.

Duke Robinson was phenomenal in the run game, demonstrating he's clearly a mauler. In pass-protection, he started out well, but then had some plays where the defender got past him too quickly. All in all, he's definitely a great guard and by no means should get past us in the first round if no other quality offensive lineman is available.

Loadholt was average. He showed great skills in some plays, and very poor in others. Footwork needs work, and he seemed slow throughout the game. Still has potential to become a RT, so a late 4th or 5th on him could be used. Could be a steal, or a major bust.

Anyone else watched the game?

[lance uppercut]

I did, though I mainly isolated on Williams. Thought he played a really good ballgame, in both facets. just good positioning, nice punch. he's a good player. sounds like he's leaning toward opting for the draft. he'd be a top-12, maybe top-5 guy if he waited ayear. pretty good value if he lasts to us at the end of the first.

Robinson looked ok, he was a little better in other footage I'd seen and apparently had a penalty or two? still feel he'll go in the top-25, before we pick, and am in fact hoping that happens.

[mikehop05]

i think duke slips into the 2nd maybe 3rd after that performance... he sturggles with any type of athletic linemen it seemed - though i wasnt watching the game really closely and i was kinda drunk...

[Steelersfan4life]

Duke seemed to false start and make some dump plays