By now we all know that NFL general managers earn their paychecks by their success in the later rounds of the draft and uncovering those hidden gems that can push a team over the top. With the bulk of the scouting just getting underway and many names being brought to the forefront who weren’t exactly on the tip of anyone’s tongues when the collegiate season started, this new segment called Under the Radar will explore just what scouts find attractive about certain prospects who may be available beyond the glamour rounds of the draft.

After an incredible showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, Abilene Christian offensive tackle Tony Washington got himself noticed by a number of NFL scouts. Washington offers ideal size at 6’6” 311lbs. and has the frame to add some additional bulk to stand up to the punishment at the next level. His combine numbers included 33 reps at 225lbs. on the bench press, a 29.5 inch vertical jump, a 9’6” broad jump which was the best among all tackles, and a 7.52 second time in the three cone drill. His fluidity and ease of movement opening up his hips to take on defenders was illustrated during his individual drills in which he looked flawlessly coordinated. The natural movement shown by him during his workout is difficult to teach and is a sought after commodity by NFL personnel gurus.

When placed into live game action however, Washington does have a tendency to overextend leaving him off balance and vulnerable to counter moves by quick and agile defensive players. The level of competition in Division II football could make the transition to the bigger, faster, stronger NFL quite a difficult adjustment as well for a player used to physically dominating the players lining up across from him on a routine basis. Character concerns do hang over this youngster’s head as he is a convicted sex offender as a minor and that may be held against him by the personnel people behind the scenes. Although he has all of the skills to succeed and a tremendously high ceiling for expectations, Washington does present some reason for apprehension to NFL front offices.

A number of names will be called during April’s NFL Draft that seem to be from out of left field, but don’t let Tony Washington’s be one of them. Keep looking out for more Under the Radar players shooting up draft boards or quietly lurking in the depth of this class that could make a huge impact over the coming years on Sundays.

Picture Source



0 Comments

Dear Guest, please login to comment

Login with BlitzNation account

Create New Account | Forgot password?

OR login with Facebook


Please keep the comments clean by not posting advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks. Terms of Use.

Popular Blog Posts

Most Commented Posts

Newsletter

Categories


Archives



Follow Us


Tips

We love to hear from our users! Let us know what you'd like us to write about at tips@blitznation.com.

Contests

Current: Coming Soon!

Past: Madden 2010 Video Game or Game Controllers

About BlitzNation

BlitzNation is a community for passionate NFL fans from all across the nation, sharing their love of football with other die hard football fans. We'll cover every angle of the game, from the start of kickoff till the final whistle, all from a fan's perspective.