Alexis Chassen
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NFL Draft 2016 prospect: Taylor Decker
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
After his four-day interview, the Ohio State offensive tackle reaffirmed his spot in or near the first round.
Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker is easily a top 5 tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft, with teams clamoring to get their hands on him. His size makes it harder for the Buckeye captain to get low, but a 6'7 that's not all that surprising.
Decker spent the past month or so training in Arizona with former Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley. In Decker's time with the media, he spoke on how much he valued getting to train with Bentley and how he was his No. 1 choice for a mentor heading into the pros.
He doesn't undervalue having someone with so many connections to his own story, "It's cool to have that Ohio State connection. We wore the same number (68). We both were Big Ten Lineman of the Year."
Measurements
Height: 6'7 -- making him the tallest OT at the combine
Weight: 310 lbs
Arms: 33 3/4"
Hands: 10"
Interviews
Decker, as one of the bigger names at the combine, met with the media behind the podium, and spoke about his unique relationship with Ezekiel Elliott -- who often quips he'd like to be a Slob, the nickname for Ohio State's o-linemen -- and how he can be versatile if needed based on the team's needs.
On Elliott and their relationship, "He's definitely one of my favorite guys. He's just a goofy guy, a ton of personality. I think that's kind of different for the running back position from other guys I've seen. He was just fun to block for. I'd say the no. 1 thing was regardless of what he was doing on a play, he was going to go full speed."
When asked about his ability to switch up sides of the line, he noted that he "Of course, I would want to be a left tackle. At the end of the day, I just want to play football. So if a team asked me to play another position, absolutely I would. I want to be an asset to whatever team I go to."
Decker was asked how facing off against great defensive players, like Joey Bosa in practice, has helped his game. He wasn't shy to laud the teammates he's had that have helped elevate his game.
"That can't be understated. Getting to play against a guy like him or a guy like Noah Spence for two years and even Adolphus Washington, Michael Bennett, Johnathan Hankins or John Simon. I got to play against some really guys, more than I got in reps in the game. Joey is an incredible player. He's really complete. He plays the run really well. He's strong. He's quick off the ball. He's good with his hands. He's such a complete player. If you do something wrong, he's going to expose you. He made me a lot better player."
Decker was poised and thoughtful in his answers the media. He also commented on training with LeCharles Bentley ahead of the combine and hoping to have a career that emulates his -- minus the injuries.
Workouts
Bench press: 20 reps
40-yard dash: 5.23
Position drills: He impressed with quick feet
Vertical jump: TBD
Broad jump: TBD
20-yard shuttle run: TBD
Here's Decker running the 40:
Projection
Heading into the combine, Decker was a solid first round draft pick. He missed the Senior Bowl in late-January, but has cemented himself as one of the top three in his position heading to the draft. Teams will have a difficult choice to make between Decker, Shon Coleman and Jack Conklin, but he shouldn't fall much further than the first 31 picks.
Continue reading...
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
After his four-day interview, the Ohio State offensive tackle reaffirmed his spot in or near the first round.
Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker is easily a top 5 tackles in the 2016 NFL Draft, with teams clamoring to get their hands on him. His size makes it harder for the Buckeye captain to get low, but a 6'7 that's not all that surprising.
Decker spent the past month or so training in Arizona with former Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley. In Decker's time with the media, he spoke on how much he valued getting to train with Bentley and how he was his No. 1 choice for a mentor heading into the pros.
He doesn't undervalue having someone with so many connections to his own story, "It's cool to have that Ohio State connection. We wore the same number (68). We both were Big Ten Lineman of the Year."
Measurements
Height: 6'7 -- making him the tallest OT at the combine
Weight: 310 lbs
Arms: 33 3/4"
Hands: 10"
Interviews
Decker, as one of the bigger names at the combine, met with the media behind the podium, and spoke about his unique relationship with Ezekiel Elliott -- who often quips he'd like to be a Slob, the nickname for Ohio State's o-linemen -- and how he can be versatile if needed based on the team's needs.
On Elliott and their relationship, "He's definitely one of my favorite guys. He's just a goofy guy, a ton of personality. I think that's kind of different for the running back position from other guys I've seen. He was just fun to block for. I'd say the no. 1 thing was regardless of what he was doing on a play, he was going to go full speed."
When asked about his ability to switch up sides of the line, he noted that he "Of course, I would want to be a left tackle. At the end of the day, I just want to play football. So if a team asked me to play another position, absolutely I would. I want to be an asset to whatever team I go to."
Decker was asked how facing off against great defensive players, like Joey Bosa in practice, has helped his game. He wasn't shy to laud the teammates he's had that have helped elevate his game.
"That can't be understated. Getting to play against a guy like him or a guy like Noah Spence for two years and even Adolphus Washington, Michael Bennett, Johnathan Hankins or John Simon. I got to play against some really guys, more than I got in reps in the game. Joey is an incredible player. He's really complete. He plays the run really well. He's strong. He's quick off the ball. He's good with his hands. He's such a complete player. If you do something wrong, he's going to expose you. He made me a lot better player."
Decker was poised and thoughtful in his answers the media. He also commented on training with LeCharles Bentley ahead of the combine and hoping to have a career that emulates his -- minus the injuries.
Workouts
Bench press: 20 reps
40-yard dash: 5.23
Position drills: He impressed with quick feet
Vertical jump: TBD
Broad jump: TBD
20-yard shuttle run: TBD
Here's Decker running the 40:
Projection
Heading into the combine, Decker was a solid first round draft pick. He missed the Senior Bowl in late-January, but has cemented himself as one of the top three in his position heading to the draft. Teams will have a difficult choice to make between Decker, Shon Coleman and Jack Conklin, but he shouldn't fall much further than the first 31 picks.
Continue reading...