Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning (1998)
2. Matt Ryan (2008)
3. Drew Brees (2001)
4. David Carr (2002)
5. Philip Rivers (2004)

Running Back
1. LaDainian Tomlinson (2001)
2. Ricky Williams (1999)
3. Adrian Peterson (2007)
4. Cedric Benson (2005)
5. Shaun Alexander (2000)

Fullback
1. Brian Leonard (2007)
2. Greg Jones (2004)
3. Le’Ron McClain (2007)
4. Jacob Hester (2008)
5. Jon Ritchie (1998)

Wide Receiver
1. Randy Moss (1998)
2. Larry Fitzgerald (2004)
3. Charles Rogers (2003)
4. Peter Warrick (2000)
5. Michael Crabtree (2009)

Tight End
1. Vernon Davis (2006)
2. Todd Heap (2001)
3. Jeremy Shockey (2002)
4. Heath Miller (2005)
5. Kellen Winslow II (2004)

Offensive Tackle
1. Orlando Pace (1997)
2. Walter Jones (1997)
3. Joe Thomas (2007)
4. Jake Long (2008)
5. Leonard Davis (2001)

Offensive Guard
1. Steve Hutchinson (2001)
2. Chris Snee (2004)
3. Branden Albert (2009)
4. Justin Blalock (2007)
5. Davin Joseph (2006)

Center
1. Jeff Faine (2003)
2. Nick Mangold (2006)
3. Andre Gurode (2002)
4. Maurkice Pouncey (2010)
5. Damien Woody (1999)

Defensive End
1. Julius Peppers (2002)
2. Mario Williams (2006)
3. Jevon Kearse (1999)
4. Dwight Freeney (2002)
5. David Pollack (2005)

Defensive Tackle
1. Ndamukong Suh (2010)
2. Kevin Williams (2003)
3. Richard Seymour (2001)
4. Haloti Ngata (2006)
5. Glenn Dorsey (2008)

Outside Linebacker
1. LaVar Arrington (2000)
2. Terrell Suggs (2003)
3. Derrick Johnson (2005)
4. DeMarcus Ware (2005)
5. Keith Rivers (2008)

Inside Linebacker
1. Patrick Willis (2007)
2. Jon Beason (2007)
3. Jerod Mayo (2008)
4. Rolando McClain (2010)
5. Al Wilson (1999)

Cornerback
1. Charles Woodson (1998)
2. Champ Bailey (1999)
3. Darrelle Revis (2007)
4. Antonio Cromartie (2006)
5. Joe Haden (2010)

Safety
1. Ed Reed (2002)
2. Sean Taylor (2004)
3. Michael Huff (2006)
4. Roy Williams (2002)
5. Eric Berry (2010)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Situation/Coaching Change: After a 2008 campaign in which the Packers allowed 380 points and ranked 20th overall, General Manager Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy made the decision to bring in one of the most respected defensive minds in the game. Dom Capers has a history of turning around defensive units with his complex, multiple look 3-4 scheme. His best years were in Pittsburgh (1992-1994) where no team allowed fewer touchdowns than the unit he was calling the shots for. Two of his standouts from those teams, Kevin Greene and Darren Perry, have been hired by Green Bay to work under Capers in an effort to try and bring some of that success to the team.

Personnel: It usually takes at least two offseasons for a team making the transition to the 3-4 before the proper personnel is set in place. However thanks to an already versatuile group of front seven defenders on top of creative player acquisition, the Packers have the proper players to be a strong unit in 2009. The linebackers are as deep as a coach could hope for and the problems they have there are ones Capers is glad to deal with. There are so many talented players that fit the scheme well, the issue will be getting them all on the field. AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett are tough run defenders in the middle that have the athleticism to own the tackle-to-tackle box. Aaron Kampman has one of the outside spots locked up while Jeremy Thompson, Brady Poppinga, and rookie Clay Matthews all have skill sets that could make an impact within the scheme. The pressure can come from all angles with these linebackers on the field and that fact alone will heavily improve the performance of the unit in 2009.

Up front the Packers were fortunate to already have big bodies that can play multiple roles. The addition of top ten pick BJ Raji gives the team a true 3-4 nose tackle, arguably the most vital aspect of the scheme. He and Ryan Pickett will split time over center while Raji has the versatility to play defensive end. Cullen Jenkins was out of place at defensive end in the 4-3, but he could potentially be a top notch 3-4 end considering his ability to eat up blocks and stuff the run. Johnny Jolly and Justin Harrell are both big bodies that, if they can buy into what the scheme is all bout, could be outstanding role players hat allow the linebackers to fly around and make plays. If there is a group on the defense that holds this unit as a whole back, it will be up front. While the bodies are there, these players are going to be asked to do things they are not used to. While the linebackers are the most important group of the defense in this scheme, every play starts up front.

Key Player: Aaron Kampman – OLB

If the outside linebackers are not getting pressure on the quarterback, this scheme will be a complete failure. Kampman, the team’s featured pass rusher, is making the move from defensive end to outside linebacker a la Jayson Taylor in 2006 (under the familiar Dom Capers). While he does not have a low number in the age column (30 in November), Kampman ranks third in the NFL with 37 sacks over the past three years behind only DeMarcus Ware and Jared Allen. Kampman is a hard nosed technician that understands all aspects of getting to the passer and expect Capers to use him in the most efficient ways to keep him a productive player.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Situation/Coaching Change: The Chiefs put in a record setting performance in 2008. But not in the way they were hoping as they totaled just 10 sacks all year, the lowest number over a 16 game schedule in NFL history. Head coach Todd Haley opted to bring with him his colleague from Arizona, Clancy Pendergast, to lead the team’s transition to the attacking 3-4 defense. While Arizona was not known for their defense throughout Pendergast’s tenure, he did improve the unit in to a dominant force during their playoff run in January. While most 3-4 defenses are all about attacking from different angles, Pendergast uses unique rotations to take full advantage of mismatches across the offensive line. He likes to use speed, explosion, and physicality to create this problems for the opposing offense. By doing so, he forces quartberbacks in to quick decisions that lead to a hefty amount of turnovers if the playmakers are there in the secondary. Turnovers are so related to wins in the NFL, and Pendergast will aim to get the ball in the hands of his defenders. His situation will be tough to handle as the Chiefs were 31st in defense in 2008, next to last.

Personnel: The transition to the 3-4 is not going to be a quick fix in Kansas City mainly due to the lack of true 3-4 personnel. While the acquisitions of veteran linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas will aid the process of developing younger players, neither are on the right side of 30 and both of their games are noticeably on the decline. The team spent two early picks on defensive lineman that fit the scheme very well however. Tyson Jackson reminds scouts of the Patriots’ Richard Seymour and even though he has struggled to pick up certain assignments with consistency, he has the talent and mind set to be a strong force right away. Alex Magee did not have an overly productive career at Purdue, but he plays the game like a 3-4 end should and his transition to the NFL should be an easy one. He’ll be behind second year top five pick Glenn Dorsey who struggled vs. the double teams as 4-3 interior lineman but the hope is that he can be more of a factor as he will now be in space which will enable his ability to move in space and pursue ball carriers without as much traffic to get through. Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards are fighting for the starting nose tackle position, but neither have played with the consistency to give Haley enough confidence to hand the job over.

Vrabel and Thomas will give the Chiefs dependability and experience within the scheme, but neither will make plays and run around with the kind of athleticism that Pendergast wants. While more pieces are put in to place through the next couple of offseasons, they will be reliable enough to keep the defense on an improving scale. Derek Johnson will play next to Thomas and while the former first round pick has not exactly been deserving of the bust label, the jury is still out on him. He can fly around and make plays with a strong 3-4 defensive line in front of him, but that remains to be seen. Tamba Hali, the team’s top pas rusher, will play right outside linebacker. His ability to rush the edge is certainly there, thus the move for him should be a simple one. The struggle will be when he needs to play in space, especially in coverage as he has been a down lineman his entire football career dating back to high school.

Key Player: Derek Johnson – ILB

In the scheme that Pendergast is implementing, Johnson is going to play the role that Karlos Dansby did in Arizona. An inside linebacker that will be moved around within the box with a variety of roles. Johnson is a good blitzer that can take advantage of mismatches inside and out, yet he also has the ability to make plays in the middle. With Thomas next to him, he will be able to roam more and make plays all over the field. If he can get halfway decent play in front of him in the trenches, he could be a potential pro-bowler in this scheme.

DENVER BRONCOS

Situation/Coaching Change: Since the Broncos AFC Championship game appearance in 2005, the Mile High defense has been on the steep and steady decline. A lack of quality personnel acquisition and four different defensive coordinators in as many years made it nearly impossible for the unit to thrive. Enter Mike Nolan, one of the games most respected defensive minds. While his 18-37 record as a head coach in San Francisco does not spell confidence, his history of turning around defenses (Jets in 2000) and maintaining/improving already strong units (Ravens 2002-2004) leads one to believe that he is in his element when his sole responsibility resides on the defensive side of the ball. He is taking on quite the ask as the Denver defense was ranked 29th in the league and 30th in scoring in 2008. The run defense was non-existent and the pass rush was inconsistent which led to the team’s mere 13 takeaways, the second lowest in 30 years since the NFL moved to a 16 game schedule. He plans to implement an attacking style of 3-4 that moves players around, keeping running lanes to a minimum. The Broncos could have made the playoffs with a week 17 victory against the Chargers last December, but the defense allowed 52 points. With Nolan calling the shots, that would have never happened.

Personnel:

The Broncos’ defensive line has been abysmal throughout their downfall since the 2005 season. The lack of physicality against the run can be directly attributed to the lack of quality football players in the trenches. Unfortunately, the first offseason after the change to the 3-4 did not bring in a lot of talent to line and it will likely be the team’s downfall in 2008. While there are a couple of interesting athletes that are worth giving a shot (Tim Crowder, Ryan McBean, Marcus Thomas, Le Kevin Smith) at defensive end, there is a good shot none of the above mentioned players will be starting in 2010. The team lacks a true nose tackle and will try to make due with Ronald Fields and rookie Chris Baker. Without that plug in the middle however, the rest of the unit is going to need to elevate their level of play. With the scheme being new and the personnel not exactly fitting the bill, the lack of a true nose tackle could be the Achilles heal of a defense that has really struggled to stuff the run consistently.

If the Broncos defense does turn it around in eyar one under Mike Nolan, the back seven will deserve the meat of the credit. The team’s rotation at outside linebacker features two pass rushers that could combine for well over 20 sacks in Elvis Dumervil and Jarvis Moss. If an injury occurs to either one of those edge rushers, the Broncos have no depth to speak of. Inside, Andra Davis has plenty of experience as an inside ‘backer within the 3-4 from his days in Cleveland and appears to be much more comfortable than in the 4-3. The interesting component to the linebacker core will be DJ Williams, a former first round pick that excelled within the 4-3. With one less down lineman in front of him, Williams will have to fight off more direct blocks, something he seems to be struggling with during preseason. If he cannot fix that issue in his game, the Broncos run defense is going to be that much easier to run on. Robert Ayers, another first round pick from the 2009 class, will be moved around as a blitzing linebacker on third downs and if he along with Dumervil and Moss can pressure the passer, the veteran secondary will come down with plenty of turnovers. A lot depends on this unit and even though the depth is sorely lacking, the swarming/aggressive group could lead the charge towards a new attitude in Denver.

Key Player: Elvis Dumervil – OLB

After playing his entire career as a down lineman, Dumervil has made a seamless transition to the outside linebacker position. His 12.5 sacks in 2007 is a number that could easily be reached with his new role, one similar to what we see out of fellow short edge rusher James Harrison in Pittsburgh. His low center of gravity and smaller area for pass blockers to hold onto will make it much easier for Dumervil to reach the quarterback. With the likes of Andre Goodman, Champ Bailey, and Brian Dawkins roaming the outfield, Dumervil’s pressure potential is something that could bring the defense to another level quickly.

Quarterbacks must have an ability to lead and must be able to stay calm under pressure. This is the difference between Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning. Manning came into the league mature, eager to study and with a natural ability to lead. Leaf came in as a lazy, immature and inconsistent personality. This was not something that could be seen on film, nor was it seen in pre-draft interviews.

While it may be impossible to scout personalities and character, we are able to look at what makes a great quarterback in terms of mechanics and ability. Here are some of the key points to scouting a quarterback.

Arm Strength- Many people get too caught up in how far a person can throw the ball. Never in a game has a quarterback taken a clean drop, stepped up and threw the ball 80 yards without pads on. Arm strength to me is a term to indicate the ability to throw a tight spiral on a 25-yard out and the ability to fit the ball into a tight spot. If a quarterback can throw the ball 50 yards in the air, he has a strong enough arm for me if he can hit the deep out on a line and throw with authority over the middle. What you do not want is a quarterback whose deep ball flutters and out routes sail. You want the post/flag and deep out routes to be throw hard and tight, not lofted like you’ll see most high school and college passes. It is impressive to see JaMarcus Russell throw the ball as far as he does, but it is unnecessary.

Scouting points: Watch a quarterback throw a few routes and you can tell a lot about his arm strength. When a quarterback throws a deep out (20-25 yards and then a break to the sideline), watch the ball to see if it is thrown on a line (with little arc) or if it is lofted. We want this route thrown hard and without loft. The comeback route (10 yards and then break back to the line of scrimmage) should be thrown like a fastball. The ball should arrive as the receiver breaks back to the quarterback and should be in the air for approximately one second. The longer the ball is in the air, the less arm strength a player has. The fade route (or fly) should be thrown with arc, but you can watch the rotation of the ball here. We want a tight spiral, not a ball that is moving on the ends. Lastly, watch the quarterback throw any intermediate crossing routes. We want this route thrown hard and straight to reduce the time the ball is in the air. The pass should be thrown quickly and in a very tight spiral.

Accuracy- Accuracy is the key to quarterback. People underestimate this talent, but it does not matter how far you can throw the ball if you cannot hit your target. Accuracy will win out over arm strength in the long run. Being able to throw the ball in a spot that only your receiver can get to, and being able to lead (place the ball in front of the runner) the receiver are the keys. Accuracy can be judged by watching not only the quarterback, but his receivers. Does the receiver have to change directions to catch the ball? Does he have to stop or speed up quickly? Is the ball placed out and in-front of the receiver? These three things make up accuracy.

Scouting points: As mentioned above, watching not only the passer, but the receiver is the key here. Try to review each pass/route combination a few times on film to get a good idea of where the receiver should be and where the ball is thrown to. At times quarterbacks will intentionally under-throw receivers around the goal-line, so do not obsess over a ball thrown to the player’s back hip. Accuracy is defined by the passer’s ability to put the ball where only his receiver can make a play on the ball. You will also want to watch to see how well the player throws on the move, to both his strong (hand side) and weak sides. Being able to accurately throw on the run is key to being a success in the NFL.

Touch- Touch is something that will be mentioned quite often, but is a direct result of accuracy. Touch is the ability to place the ball with finesse. You’ll see this a lot on screen passes, red-zone fades and corner routes.

Scouting points: Look for a quarterback’s ability to drop the ball between a corner and a safety, or a linebacker and a safety in Cover Two. On screen passes, watch to see if the ball is easily caught or if the ball is thrown in forcefully.

Mobility/Pocket Awareness- Mobility has been re-defined in the current era of football as a quarterback that is a threat to run. While this is true, mobility is also a passer’s ability to move out of and up into the pocket. Mobility also covers the player’s ability to feel the pass rush and make adjustments with his feet. Some of the more mobile quarterbacks in the NFL are elite runners like Michael Vick and Vince Young, but other players that are not as quick have excellent mobility. Tom Brady would lose most races among quarterbacks, but he is rarely sacked because of his ability to move around in the pocket and feel the pass rush. This is called pocket awareness. Pocket awareness cannot be learned, it is a natural ability a player has or develops over time through experience. It is not something that can always be evaluated well on film of college play. Most college offensive lines have a weakness, therefore pass rushers may be consistently coming from one direction.

Scouting points: Evaluating mobility is quite simple: does the player move well in and out of the pocket, or is he a statue? You can watch a quarterback to see how many sacks he takes when there is a clear exit route present. Pocket awareness can be seen by watching for how many sacks a quarterback takes when he could have stepped up or out of danger. Blindside sacks and sacks from behind (when the QB steps up) are examples of pocket sacks. While mobility is a very good thing, it can also hurt a quarterback if he is too eager to run.

Vision- Vision is defined by the player’s ability to see the field. You want a quarterback to not only see his receivers, but to be able to see the defenders without giving away where he is looking. You’ll hear the terms tunnel vision and locking on a lot, these refer to a quarterback not looking off his receivers and starting onto a route. We want our quarterbacks to be able to see the field while taking their three or five-step drops. By the final step, the quarterback should have made his first two reads. Vision can be affected by a player’s height. Shorter quarterbacks will struggle to see over their offensive linemen and will not be able to see the defenders and their receivers from a drop-back position. This is why we see so many quarterbacks roll out, to get a clear line of sight to their receivers.

Scouting points: This is a hard spot to evaluate, unless you know the routes and coverages being ran. If you can acquire film from the end zone perspective, you can watch to see where the passer is looking while he takes his drop and where he is looking before the ball is released. One trick is to watch the free safety. In most college coverages he will be mirroring the quarterback’s eyes. Try to watch the quarterback to see how long he looks at a receiver. You will see his eyes move, don’t always watch his head or shoulders. In most cases the passer should only be glancing at the receiver. An old saying is that the quarterback should not look at the receivers, but at the defenders.

Release- In recent days we’ve heard a lot about the low release points of Philip Rivers and Vince Young, both Pro Bowl players in their first years. Release is a very important characteristic, but there is a lot that goes into this. Release is affected by height. If a 6’0 quarterback throws with a 3/4 motion (the ball lower than his ear and closer to his shoulder), the ball is more likely to be batted down at the line of scrimmage. When a passer is taller, the release point does not become as important. Generally, you do like to see a passer throw with the ball at ear-chin height and in an over-the-top motion. More and more passers are dropping to a side-arm, or 3/4 motion now. This can be dangerous, but again you must take into account the passer’s height. One drill I like to use when working out a player is to measure his hand when the ball is released. By doing this you can compare release height among different throwing motions.

Scouting points: Count how many passes are batted down during the games you see of the player being evaluated. On average, one to three passes per game will be batted down because of the route or a good play by the defender. More than this should cause alarm. Should you have a chance, you can measure the height of the release point and chart this with other passers being evaluated. One great point to watch for is where the passer holds the ball during his drop. You want the ball chin/ear level at all times.

This is by no means a complete list of what to scout while evaluating a quarterback, but this intro should give you a good idea of things to look for on film. Other things to take into account are balance, hand size and the player’s ability to recognize coverages. Most quarterbacks will also be given a standard IQ test, like the popular Wonderlic test, to evaluate their ability to think logically and retain information.

When scouting a running back, it is important to not only look at what he does well versus what he does not, but to also look at what system he will fit into. This is where having a good understanding of basic blocking schemes and angles comes into play. We’ll look into this later in this piece, but for now let’s take a look at the traits that we evaluate on a running back. Please note that in my few years of scouting I’ve come across many different templates for scouting a running back. Again, this list changes a lot by scheme and I’ll do my best to point out those areas critical to certain schemes.

Speed: Obviously speed is a key component to being a good running back, but it is not an absolute. Many running backs can overcome a lack of speed by having good vision, strength and instincts. Speed does make a player more dangerous though. In most NFL offenses today, each team has a speed back and a power back. We generally look for a player that can run a sub-4.5 40 yard dash here. Acceleration is also important, as it determines how hard a player can hit the hole and if he can pull away from a defense. We’ve seen the impact that Reggie Bush has had already in the NFL on natural athleticism and speed alone. A dangerous risk with speed backs is that they do not always transition well to the NFL, where linebackers are as fast as defensive backs. Most speed backs that do not have a complete skill set are relegated to third-down duty.
Scouting point: Unless you can gain access to a Pro Day or the NFL Combine, speed is hard to scout on film. You can watch to see how quickly a player hits the hole or if he can run away from defenders, but a lot of this also depends on the defender chasing. The best way to scout for speed is to watch the defense. If they are taking angles and still not catching a player, it is safe to say he has the needed speed to make it in the NFL.
Schemes: Obviously speed is important to every scheme. Teams like Pittsburgh and Denver however have churned out 1,000 yard backs without the need for elite track style runners. In an offense that is built on running between the tackles or a zone style offense, speed is not as important. When you look at the spread offenses of the NFL though, you will find most teams have backs more adept at running outside and with better speed.

Agility: Agility may be more important to the position than pure speed. Agility is the player’s ability to cut, his flexibility and overall athleticism. An agile back can make people miss in the open field and has the balance to make a cut on a corner. Agility is hard to purely define, but I would say it is changing the body’s direction with speed and precision. That sums up what a good running back must be able to do, especially on outside runs and counters.
Scouting point: This is much easier to scout than speed. An agile runner is going to make fine cuts in the backfield and upfield. While you want a back to hit the hole hard, watch him after he clears the line of scrimmage. Agility is also easy to spot on tests such as the three-cone drill and pro agility drill. Watching a player change direction, as well as his balance, are key things to watch for here.
Schemes: Barry Sanders made a living by cutting in the backfield, a practice that is no longer deemed acceptable in the NFL. Sanders was able to do this because of his elite agility. Runners today are asked to make one cut and get up-field in a zone blocking scheme. In a man-scheme, runners are asked to make a cut once they clear the line of scrimmage. Agility is very important to the zone stretch, which allows the runner to basically run to the sideline and cut to the first opening he finds.

Vision: A back’s ability to get to the open field has more to do with his vision than any other aspect. You’ll often hear coaches and scouts talk about vision, but few people understand what to really look for here. To know what we’re trying to spot on tape, we must know what people mean by “vision”. Vision is the running back’s ability to find the opening. Tom Landry used to call this “running to daylight” and that is a pretty good definition. Vision is what separates the Pro Bowl running back from the athletes carrying the ball. Being able to not only see the blocking in front of you, but also the defenders, may be the most underrated talent at the position.
Scouting point: Again, this is not easy to scout on film, but here are some tips. Watch to see if the back avoids tackles three yards behind and beyond the line of scrimmage. When the player has the ball in space, for example on a screen pass, does he navigate through traffic well and find the openings. Watching the player on inside runs is also important. Is his initial cut into daylight, or is he missing openings? Try to watch each run play 2-3 times to get a good idea of where the hole is versus where the player runs to.
Schemes: Zone blocking teams love backs with above average vision, because they are generally asking them to stretch and find a seam. Man, or power, running schemes do not ask their backs to see much before they cross the line of scrimmage. They almost prefer a head-down, bulldozer type approach with a cut made at the second level (linebackers).

Strength (lower): Lower body strength is the catalyst for a running back’s production. Not only does this power him through tackles and the line of scrimmage, lower body strength has a direct correlation to speed. When you look at some of the great running backs in history, all had well developed thighs and used their legs to power through and around tacklers. Having a strong lower body allows the player to also avoid injury. When evaluating a player in person, especially at workouts, I like to pay close attention to their thighs, calves and abdominal muscles. One recent concern is that overdeveloped hamstrings are more likely to strain, but there is little evidence to back this claim up.
Scouting point: You can scout this area on film, but you are best served judging in person. The eye-ball test is sufficient here. When a player has strong, muscular legs you can assume that he has spent time in the weight room developing his body. Underdeveloped legs will appear straight throughout the thigh, with little curvature at the knee and calf. As uncomfortable as it sounds, you can also determine a lot about a player by his gluteus maximus. Ideally a player will have a round muscle here, with little fat. You will see this referred to at times as “bubble”.

Strength (upper): Upper body strength is also very important to the running back. Backs must have strong arms to not only carry the football without fumbling, but also to ward off tacklers and be an effective blocker. Having strong biceps is obviously important, but many scouts and trainers feel that the core of a player’s strength lies in his abdominal muscles. Being able to withstand tackles is a key to staying on the field, and the more muscle a player has the less he is going to be hurt by a hard hit.
Scouting point: This area is harder to scout without being able to watch a player lift weights. You want to look for a player that does not fumble and can effectively use a stiff arm to push off tacklers. If a back is being consistently over-powered by player’s comparable in size when blocking, this is an area to mark as a concern.

Footwork: Footwork is as important as any other aspect to most skill players in the NFL. A running back must be able to cut, plant and move in and out of lanes quickly and accurately. This all starts with footwork. Many running backs will train their entire careers running rope ladders and jumping rope to gain better foot speed, balance and agility. Having quick feet can make the difference between hitting a huge opening and having a hole close on you. This is also very important for running backs that will be used as receivers.
Scouting point: Footwork can be harder to scout on film than most believe. You must pay keen attention to where a player plants, how he cuts and also how quickly his feet are coming off the ground and returning. This is a trait that you have to scout entirely by itself. You can’t watch footwork and try to evaluate vision or agility at the same time. A tip is to train yourself to watch this on every player to gain an idea of what elite footspeed and foot work are.

Hands: Being a good receiver is becoming more and more important to the role of a NFL running back. Gone are the days of a back only being a runner or blocker. The new era of spread offenses in the NFL has ushered in the new breed of back that must be able to catch and run. Even traditional smash-mouth teams like Pittsburgh is starting to use their backs as receivers out of the backfield.
Scouting point: This is fairly easy to scout. If a player is used as a receiver, watch to see if he catches the ball with his hands out-stretched away from his body. Also, try to track receptions versus drops and if the player is used in the slot or only from the backfield.

Blocking: While we are seeing more backs as receivers, there is also still a strong need for an extra blocker on passing downs. Running backs must be able to hold their ground in the backfield and protect their quarterback. Most backs will be asked to be a last-line of defense on the quarterback’s blind side (back side). Being a willing blocker is half the battle here, but understanding angles and techniques are important as well. Being a strong blocker early in your career is a great way to see playing time immediately.
Scouting point: Again, this is fairly easy to scout. Watch to see if the player remains in the game on passing downs, and what he is asked to do. When the player remains in to block, watch to see if he remains alert and protects his side. When engaging a defender, does the back use his hands to thwart the pass rusher, or will he just throw his body at the rusher? We want a player to use his hands 90% of the time, but to be smart enough to cut a defender that he gets to late or cannot control with his hands.

Inside Running: Inside running is not something that we so much scout, as we observe. It is not a trait that we can put a solid number to and so much of inside and outside running relies on the defense and most importantly, the offensive line.
Inside runs are classified as any run inside the tackles or tight ends, whichever is the last man on the line of scrimmage.
Scouting point: Inside running can be difficult to scout, as it relies on more than the player you are watching. What I try to do is observe how well the player hits the hole and when his initial cut is. So much of running inside is hitting the hole hard and then looking for daylight. If the player runs timidly or looks to cut before the hole, he will fail at the NFL level. We want a runner to attack the hole at full speed with his pads low and the ball protected by both arms. When watching a runner inside, look for proper technique when taking the hand-off and securing the ball.

Outside Running: Like inside running, this can be hard to evaluate alone. Outside running will mostly occur on sweeps and tosses with lead blocking from a fullback or pulling guard.
Scouting point: Depending on the play, we want a runner to be more patient on the outside. The runner must give the blocking time to develop. This is called a “stretch” play by most coaching staffs. Runners will take the pitch and head parallel to the line of scrimmage. When they see an opening, or lane, the runner will attack the opening as he would on an inside run. Outside running depends a lot on footwork and vision.

Fumbling: This is quite easy to scout. Chart the amount of fumbles a player has in the games you watch and how they occurred. Was it a bad hand-off or did the runner never have possession? The addition of instant replay makes scouting this on live television much easier.

Playing wide receiver is about more than being fast or athletic. It is not about who can run the fastest in a straight line, or who can jump the highest to get the ball. My own personal strength at the position was my speed, which was slightly above average for a small high school. What I learned after high school was that to be a complete wide receiver you must have amazing balance, agility and flexibility.

In coaching the position for a few years, those are the three things I try to stress. In scouting college and pro players, those are the three keys that begin my evaluation with every “skill” player. I’ll take a look at these and other characteristics here, but would like to point out that of the many scouts I’ve met in my few years, not many agree on the most accurate way to scout a wide receiver. This position maybe more than any other produces more headaches and busts out of every draft. For every Jerry Rice, there is a Charles Rogers. For every Rod Smith, a Rashaun Woods.

Balance- I may overrate the need for balance at the wide receiver position, but I feel this ability separates the track stars from the good receivers. Being able to run a crisp route depends not only on footwork and speed, but on balance. Being able to come off press coverage and remain in line on your route is all attributed to balance. Being a fluid player is very important to the wide receiver position. I’ll talk about this more later, but the first 3-5 yards of every route should look identical as far as steps and body position. This is where balance and flexibility make a huge difference in a receiver’s ability to beat a cornerback.

Scouting points: This is a great trait to scout live at the Combine. My favorite drill is “The Gauntlet” where the receivers run horizontally across the field, catching a pass every 5-7 yards. This drill shows me not only their speed and hands, but their ability to control their balance by running full speed and adjusting to passes. We also like to watch a player workout. Does he jump rope well? Does he have the leg strength to stand on one leg and perform drills. I have seen workouts where a team will ask a player to do numerous workouts, such as a balance beem, to judge a player’s ability in this area.

Agility- Agility is the backbone to so much of scouting a football player. Agility alone is not much to judge, but when you tie it in to balance and footwork, it makes the player. Being an agile receiver is more important in my mind than being a fast player. Being able to consistently get in and out of your cuts beats being able to run a 4.3 40. Can the player move well enough to beat a defender, and does he show the ability to get in and out of every break? Those are two important questions that must be asked of every receiver.

Scouting points: Agility can of course be scouted in the three-cone and pro agility drills. The three cone drill, or “L” drill, is the staple for scouting agility. There is more to agility than a timed speed in workouts. It is important to watch a player in pads to see if he moves as well with a helmet and shoulder pads on. Agility can make or break a player when it comes to draft position, but many scouts will look at timed speed and equate that to good agility. To me, the real test comes from studying game film and watching the player execute his breaks and how well he moves in the open field with the football.

Flexibility- Flexibility is so important to me at this position. I’ve seen many receivers that come into the league and are built like bodybuilders, and they end up getting hurt. Being flexible not only prevents injury, but it allows you to do more with your body. Being able to stretch for a poorly thrown ball, or make adjustments in the open field, are all because of flexibility. While there is no way to “scout” this, we do take note of it. You can tell a lot about this by the way a player moves. Does he look oversized and bulky? Does he get full leg extension (hips rolling, knees up) when he runs? There is an infatuation with big, muscled receivers in the NFL today, but when you look at the Marvin Harrison’s of the world, being flexible is just as important.
Speed- Of course speed is very important to the position, and the game overall. Being able to outrun your man to the ball or the endzone will win 99% of the battles in the NFL. At the receiver position you must be able to get open and then separate from the defender. Most cornerbacks in the NFL are running sub-4.55 in the 40-yard dash. Receivers are getting faster and faster, with most elite runners timing under a 4.42. It is becoming more and more important for speed on the outside, as more teams go to one-back sets and spread the field.

Scouting points: This may be overly obvious, but you can tell so much from the infamous 40-yard dash with receivers. A wide receiver is more likely to run 40 yards in a straight line than any other player in football. In fact he may do it once a game. The league standard that I was taught was a 4.6. Anything over that and the player is most likely not going to make it. There are expections, and injuries do happen. I’ve seen some very good receivers run a 4.7 and still make the league, but it will hurt your draft stock quite a bit. We can also look for “game speed”. How fast is a player in pads? Is he quicker with the ball than without it? Does he run his routes at full speed, never slowing down? These are three things to look for, especially if speed has been questioned about a certain player. One thing to remember is that this aspect alone does not make or break a football player. Speed is only a piece of the overall puzzle.

Hands/Hand size- This is becoming looked at more and more each year. At the Combine we obviously measure the hand size of every player that comes through. There is a direct correlation between drops and hand size. The smaller hand obviously will struggle more.

As far as “hands” go, a player must be able to catch the ball consistently on various routes. We not only test for this, but catches and drops are charted when scouting a game. It’s as simple as setting up a simple “T” chart on a piece of paper and tallying drops vs catches. Be fair to the player though and do not count over or underthrown passes against them.

Scouting points: Obviously this is very easy to scout. If the player cannot catch, he most likely will not be playing at a major college, nor will we be evaluating him for the NFL. One thing that does need scouted is the player’s ability to catch consistently. Does the player try for every pass? Does he catch low and high passes, or give up on them? How does the player react when going across the middle? A lot of publicity has been given to Terrell Owens for his inability to give extra effort when catching the ball. He is a fair example of what “not” to do when going over the middle or tracking an overthrown pass.

Release- This may be my favorite thing to scout for. A player should be able to beat press coverage, which is becoming very popular due to cover 2 schemes. If the receiver cannot beat the jam, he will not get into his route on time. The player should also be able to explode off of the line of scrimmage. We prefer that our players be at full speed within 5-7 yards of the snap. Getting a clean and explosive release sets up the entire route, as well as the timing of the pass. The receiver must run his routes the same way every time to develop chemistry with the quarterback. This is very important to watch for and to coach.
Scouting points: To do this on film, you really need to be able to slow down the frames and have a good notebook ready. I like to watch a player run a few routes, hopefully a short route, an intermediate and a fade/go. Watch the players first three steps and chart what he does. Does he take a back step (a big “no-no”)? Is his head down (we want them staring right at the CB)? Where are his arms (down, up to break the press or in a running motion) when running? The receiver must look identical within the first 5-7 yards on every route. You will hear many coaches talk about counting steps, and this is why. We want the receiver to be the same on every route within the first 5-7 yards. A short in should look the same as a fly until the receiver breaks on the pass. Jerry Rice was a perfect example of this and can be studied for learning scouts. Rice looked identical on every break, and was rarely held up at the line of scrimmage because of his agility and strength.

Size- Size is an important part of the receiver. Being tall enough to get to a jump ball or out-reach a cornerback is a valuable asset to have. We also like our receivers to be big enough in frame to handle hard hits and press coverage. A big wide receiver can also get inside position better in the endzone and on crossing routes. There is no industry standard on size, and it is not a perfect indicator of success, but when two players grade alike in traits the bigger of the two will generally be the choice.

Acceleration- Being able to accelerate away from defenders ties very much into speed, but I wanted to touch on this separately. A key to being a productive offensive player is the ability to accelerate with the ball. Receivers must be able to also accelerate without the ball. A player must be able to explode off the line of scrimmage and into and out of his cuts. A good way to scout this is to watch the player on film. Does he hit a second gear when coming out of his break? Does he routinely run away from defenders with and without the ball?

Vision- Being able to see the open field is a key ingredient to being a productive player. Receivers must be able to see the defenders when running zone routes and when running with the ball. Knowing where the defender is will also aid you in making the right adjustments when trying to catch the ball. Vision can be tough to scout, but watch for a player that is aware of his surroundings. Does he sit well in a window against zone defenses? Does he make the right adjustments when running with the ball?

Footwork/Stride- Having quick feet will enable the receiver to cover more ground and make more precise cuts. Cutting is all about balance and footwork. A player must be able to make a hard cut on both feet and have the ability to quickly change direction. A receiver does not want to make long strides in his routes. Naturally tall players will have a longer stride, but we want quick up-and-down feet instead of long, lumbering strides. This can be corrected with coaching, but is something to watch for and note.

Route running- More than any other skill, this will be changed from day one in the NFL. College players are expected to come in to the NFL with a basic understanding of a passing tree and how to effectively run each route with consistency. Once a player is drafted, he will learn the different routes of the scheme being used by his NFL team. I have never been sold on scouting how well a player runs his routes, as this can be coached and will be changed. It is important for the player to have a good understanding of routes and why counting your steps is important, but this technique will be re-taught and refined at the NFL level.

Blocking- Like I mentioned with both the running backs and fullbacks, this is all about willingness. A good blocking wide receiver will open up the outside running game for every team. A receiver must be able to stock block, which his to lock-up and drive his defender away from the ball carrier. Most receivers would prefer to “run off” his man by faking a deep route. Look for aggressive receivers that enjoy blocking. It is something every player must learn, but few excel at.

Speed : As cover two defenses become more trending, and as 3-4 defenses take over the NFL, tight ends must be able to run as well as other skill players. We are seeing more tight ends like Vernon Davis, who can consistently run a 4.4 40 yard dash. Greg Olsen, a first round pick in 2006, runs a legit 4.55. When playing against the Cover 2, NFL teams want their tight end to be able to run the seam (or hashes) route and hit the area between the linebackers and safeties. It’s important for a tight end to have enough speed to get into his route quickly, but also to make plays with the ball in his hands. Against a cover two defense, a tight end generally will have one or two men to beat at most before scoring.

Scouting Points: Quite simply, the 40 yard dash. Game speed is very important, as mentioned with the wide receivers breakdown, but players are judged and ranked according to their speed in the dash. Anything under a 4.7 will get you classified as a receiving tight end. Above that and it’s best to add weight and learn to block. Game speed can be evaluated by watching the tight end in his release and in his routes. Does he look heavy and uncoordinated? Is he out-running linebackers? Does the defense cover him with a safety?

Strength: Even though we are seeing more and more teams use their tight ends as pass catchers first, they are still asked to block on running downs and even some passing situations. A tight end must be strong enough to not only be an effective blocker, but also to be able to release off the line of scrimmage and beat press coverage from a defensive end or linebacker. A tight end’s primary role in the offense is as a do-it all type player. He must be strong enough to be relied upon as a blocker and red-zone receiver.
Scouting Points : This is also tested at the Combine with bench press reps of 225lbs. Strength is not always measured best in pure numbers though. Some players are naturally strong, but cannot bench press well. Other players excel in the weight room, but cannot put that strength to use on the field. The best way to scout strength on a tight end is to watch him closely when blocking. A good indicator of his strength is if the team uses him as a blocker and how they use him. Does the team trust him to handle a defensive end, or is he asked to climb the ladder to a secondary block on every down? A good tight end should be able to block 9 out of 10 defensive ends on his own. You can also watch to see how the tight end does in one-on-one blocking. Does he give up ground or can he hold his own? I also like to watch the tight end release into his routes. If he is jammed at the line of scrimmage, does the tight end fight to get off his man or is he too weak?

Agility: Agility is so important for the tight end. He must be agile enough to be a good pass/run blocker, but also have the quickness and mobility to be a pass receiver. The complete tight end must be able to not only take short, quick steps in the blocking game; but he must be able to run for distance and stretch the field. Being an overall athlete is a must for this position, and more and more we are seeing former basketball players excel at the position because of the required agility.
Scouting Points: As I’ve pointed out probably every time, the three cone and pro agility drills are my favorite to watch to get a gauge on agility. On film or in person you can get a good look at how athletic the tight end is by watching him move in and out of his cuts and by watching his feet and hips in the blocking game. Does he stumble and lumber around, or is he quick and fluid in his movements? These are some keys to watch for.

Size: Size may be more important for a tight end than any other skill position. To play here, you must be of a certain height and weight. A short tight end will not only struggle blocking, but will also have a harder time getting open and being seen in tight spaces. A tight end that is too skinny or lean will not be able to fight off jams and “box out” in the red-zone. Size matters here because the tight end must be so versatile. It is important to remember that a tight end is going to take a lot of hits from linebackers and will be asked to bang heads with blitzing ‘backers and ends for most of the game. They must have the size to hold up.

Scouting Points: Size cannot be scouted, but there is an industry standard here. Most tight ends need to weigh at least 245lbs. There has been some change here over the past few years with Vernon Davis and others coming into the league. We have always used 245 as a standard and will still mark a report if a player is under that weight. I prefer that a tight end be at least 6’3″, but I’ve seen others use 6’2″.

Catching: Being able to catch is what separates a tight end from an offensive lineman. In the high school and even college ranks, the tight end is generally a bigger player that has decent hands. Once you get into major college football and the NFL, you will find that the tight end is a very specialized position that requires a lot of attention. This is the one position in football other than a quarterback that demands a position coach for so few roster spots. Being able to catch as a tight end is a virtually must. In the era of 3-4 and cover two defenses, a pass catching tight end is no longer a last resort. The tight end is now becoming a one or two read in most offenses. Because of the athletic ability being seen at the position, and because of the openings in zone coverages, a tight end used as a receiver propels most elite offenses in the NFL.

Scouting Points: This is quite simple, as noted with the wide receivers. I like to chart catches and drops for tight ends just like with the receivers. One thing to note with tight ends is that many have the bad habit of body catching because they are usually going across the middle. This is a very bad habit and one that must be broken during rookie camp if it persists. Tight ends need to have strong hands that can pull the ball in when in space and when they are getting hit. Watching tight ends run the gauntlet in Indianapolis is very important to me because here I have a chance to watch them make multiple catches in a very natural environment for them, as most tight ends will be running horizontal routes versus a wide receiver you runs mainly verticals.

Pass Blocking: Not many offenses keep their tight ends back as pass blockers anymore, but this is still a valuable asset in the tight end. If a tight end is kept in on a pass blocking assignment , he is generally going to be asked to do one of two things; he will either be zone-blocking or hinge-blocking. My terminology may be different from what you learned, so I’ll break these down in the next section.
Scouting Points: Zone blocking is becoming more popular with the success of the Denver Broncos and college teams like Florida and Texas. A zone block asks the player to take a 45-degree step to either the strong or weak side (which is called in the play) and fill a “zone” or “gap”. This is a very popular method because it essentially allows you to fill every possible rushing lane and lets you utilize quicker linemen. Hinge blocking incorporates some of the zone theory, but instead the player steps first inside to close down the gap and then opens to the outside to seal off any edge rushers. This is called a hinge block because the player should resemble a door being opened when he steps back and outside. Now that you have a basic understanding of these blocking schemes, you can watch and evaluate how well the tight end is pass blocking. Some things to note in pass blocking are: a) the blocker needs to keep a wide base and use his hands to punch at the defender; b) in pass blocking, you do not want to engage the defender or lock up with him, you want to keep him at bay and punch, only taking him to the ground if he locks up with you; c) most linemen are taught to block inside out, watch for this on film.

Run Blocking: Run blocking is where tight ends earn their paychecks. Most people look at the red-zone touchdowns as the role of a tight end, but the majority of NFL offenses still teach run blocking over route running. The tight end is the catalyst for most off-tackle and outside runs. Depending on the play called and the blocking scheme, the tight end can be one of the most important people on the field. Run blocking is an unquestioned skill that every tight end must possess or learn immediately. Being an effective run blocker is what keeps most rookies off the field.
Scouting Points: Just as there were a few techniques to look at with pass blocking, there are some with run blocking. I won’t get into steps as much here, but some things to look for follow. The tight end needs to be the first man off the line of scrimmage on every play. He must anticipate the snap count and fire off into his man. Once he has made contact, the blocker must get inside leverage (on the chest plate in most cases) and drive his man in the direction the play calls for. This is where lower-body strength comes into play. The tight end must be strong enough to use his butt and legs to drive the defender. The blocker will take short, choppy steps in an effort to move the defender. This is where the term “rolling your hips” comes from. The blocker should be rolling through his defender by using his legs to drive block.

Footwork: Footwork sets up all blocks, routes and catches. Having sound footwork will help the blocker set up the correct angle and puts the receiver in the proper position on his routes. Tight ends must be nimble on their feet and have exceptional balance to be able to play the position on every down.

Explosiveness: As mentioned above, the tight end should be the fastest player off the line of scrimmage. The tight end must be explosive on every play as to not tip off pass patterns and run downs. Every release should be the same within the first few steps. Quick burst is very important to the position and will be watched and evaluated heavily on film and the Combine.

Route Running: Tight ends are expected to be able to run precise routes, just as receivers are. The how-to for receivers is a good read on route running, but there are some differences for the tight end. Most routes by the TE will begin with a straight up-field run. The TE must release hard off the line of scrimmage, and in most cases low to the ground. The TE will also need to be able to maintain consistency in their routes, despite running through and around traffic at times. The TE should fire straight off the ball, without trying to juke the DE or OLB. We want his first 5 yards to be a dead sprint.

Scouting 101: Offensive Linemen Part 2 of 2

Hand Placement: Hand placement is extremely important for every offensive lineman, on every play. Hand placement dictates leverage, angling and even penalties. If a lineman’s hands are too wide, it’s holding. If he doesn’t have the proper placement on the chest of the defender, a holding penalty can be called, or the blocker can lose the battle that happens on every play up front.

Ideally, the blocker will place both hands on the chest plate of the defender in a run blocking situation. Outside pass blockers are taught to punch, instead of initiating contact and trying to control the rusher.
Scouting Points: Look for a lineman that has quick hands and doesn’t get too wide in his placement. Ideally, the lineman will control the defender by keeping his hands inside the shoulder and most likely on the chest plate of the defender. A lineman should have a wide base and a thin top when blocking. His hands should be up, almost like a boxer, when he comes out of the snap. Most lineman are taught to fire out of their stance and actually clap their hands together in an effort to teach them to keep their arms in.

Vision: An offensive lineman must be able to see the rush coming, or see the defender he’s assigned to, on every play. Having exceptional peripheral and straight-line vision are important for a lineman. Tackles must excel at seeing blitzers coming off the edge, while guards and centers must be able to quickly spot and react to stunts, twists and zone drops.

Scouting Points: Short of giving an eye exam, there’s not much we can do here other than watch. Most offensive tackles in college will be asked to block one-on-one with defensive ends, especially the good ones. A pro-level blocker will be able to recognize line stunts, twists and drops; but he must also be able to see the blitz coming off the edge and quickly react to it. This can be tested well in one-on-one situations.

Toughness: Every play is a literal fight for an offensive lineman. A lineman must have the mental and physical toughness to withstand a battle 60-75 times a game. Players are hit, kicked, gouged and slammed in to repeatedly. Injuries will happen almost every week. For a NFL team, a lineman must be able to stay in the game, every game, without losing his composure.

Pass Blocking Technique: This has been touched on in many of the sub-topics, but it all boils down to how well a lineman can actually block. An ideal pass block begins with a quick first step off the ball. When pass blocking, the first step is always back and usually with the outside leg. This gives the lineman leverage and balance. A tackle’s first move is going to be to center himself with the rusher and to punch with his inside or outside hand, depending on the move the defender is making. A guard or center is going to also center himself, but instead of punching, he will actually make contact with the defender in an effort to control him. The lineman should have their knees bent and be taking small steps in order to control their balance and any leverage they have.
Scouting Points: Here we are breaking down every move the blocker makes. Does he have a quick outside step? How is his punch? Does he have the strength to over-power defenders? Every play you must look at the subjects listed here and evaluate the player.

Run Blocking Technique: Much like pass blocking, the first step is the key here. The run blocker will take a short step off the line of scrimmage and towards his defender or zone. The lineman will be looking to engage the defender and lock on with his hands on the sternum. This gives the lineman an area of contact to drive block the defender. It’s key for the blocker to keep his head up, feet moving and hands in contast contact when drive blocking.
Scouting Points: Quickness off the ball, vision, strength and hand placement are the key here. We want the lineman to have a low pad level and to roll through his block, keeping his feet moving at all times.

Scouting 101: How to Scout an Offensive Lineman

Part 1 of 2

When scouting an offensive lineman, we are looking at many things at once. We must look at size, strength, hand speed, footwork, agility, hand placement, vision, reflexes and toughness. These are all things that must not only be scouted, but evaluated and compared to other players at the position. These traits all combine to make an offensive lineman a good or bad pass blocker and run blocker, which is what we are essentially looking for.

It is hard to sum up what makes a good offensive lineman, since the label consists of three positions. We will look at each position individually, and as a whole, when breaking down the many traits that make up an offensive lineman.

Strength: A good offensive lineman has to be strong enough to drive his man off the line of scrimmage and control his area in pass protection. Strength can be measured quite simply by watching a player. Does he drive his man off the ball? Does he routinely get pushed backwards by the defender?
Scouting Points: Watch the lineman’s technique here. Does he dip and drive the defender, or is he trying to just shadow block him? We want a lineman that has a mean streak and likes contact. The ideal lineman will drop his butt and hips, bend his elbows into a “V” formation and drive his man with his hands inside the chest plate of the shoulder pads. Try not to look too much into a player’s bench press numbers. Some players are just naturally stronger and better lifters. There are too many outside factors to consider as well, like arm length and form.
Tackle: Offensive tackles are usually long and lean, and because of this not as impressive when benching. The offensive tackle must have strong arms and hands, but his power still comes from his base. A tackle must be light on his feet though, so we do not want a heavy player here. Give up a little strength with a tackle if he has quick feet and hands. Tackles are not asked to simply drive block as much as interior linemen, so if you can find a tackle that excels in pass blocking but needs work in the run game, you can work with him.
Guard: The ideal guard will be naturally strong, especially through the midsection. Guards are asked to open the majority of the running lanes in the NFL, so they must be able to simply move the pile. Guards are generally thicker in their base, with shorter arms and more brute strength. A great example of this is Larry Allen. While he is still quite tall, he is very solid throughout his base and has extraordinary overall strength. Guards are not asked to do much in pass protection when compared to tackles. They also benefit from having the help of the center on most downs. Center: Centers are the weakest of the group, but strength is still key to their performance. With more 3-4 defenses taking over in the NFL, centers must be strong enough to handle their man one-on-one if needed. A good center is going to have very strong lower body lifts and be able to use that strength to gain leverage. A center is at a blocking disadvantage because his first responsibility is the snap of the football.

Hand Speed: Having quick and strong hands is essential to being a good blocker. One of the first drills we teach young linemen on the high school level is to snap their hands up from a three point stance. Having quick hands is a necessity for a skilled pass blocker. You must be able to mirror and shadow the defender, with the ability to quickly punch and slide the rusher. Having quick hands in the run game allows you to get on the defender before he is able to get “into” the lineman’s body and drive him off the ball.
Scouting Points: This attribute is pretty easy to scout, but there is quite a bit of comparison involved. A great thing to be able to do is obtain a sideline view of the offensive and defensive lines. You can then study the snap of the ball, on both rushing and passing downs, and see which lineman is getting his hands up and into the defender first. The lineman should make one, solid movement at the snap of the ball; with either his lead foot coming forward or going back, depending on the ball, and his hands coming up with his shoulders getting squared. All Positions: Every position is the same here, all linemen must have quick hands in order to hold up against skilled pass rushers and run stoppers. Being able to beat the defender of the ball is key, and much like in a fight, whomever lands the first punch generally wins.

Footwork/Agility: You routinely hear in scouting circles that offensive linemen must have the feet of a dancer to excel on the edge in the NFL. While interior offensive lineman can be protected by each other, an offensive tackle is generally on an island in pass protection and must have the agility and coordination to counter a faster pass rusher.
Scouting Points: We get to see this on almost every third-down in a game. The offensive lineman takes a quick out step and punches, while the defensive end rushes with a hard outside move. How does the lineman adjust to this? Does his inside foot (right foot for a LT, etc) stay planted, or is he nimble enough to move and slide? Can he hinge step (opening up towards the outside to wall off the pass rushing lane)?
Tackle: A well rounded offensive tackle must be able to hinge-step, slide step and double step to be an adequate pass rusher in the NFL. Part of being able to scout this is knowing the terminology. A hinge step is where the lineman (left tackle here) steps away from center and out, and then swings away from the line of scrimmage. This is called a hinge-step because the player mimics a door opening by turning himself away from the LOS. A slide step is just that, the player takes a hard step left, or right, and then slides with their inside foot to block off a rushing lane. A double step can be called many things, but we always kept this simple. The player will take one six-inch step (right/left) and then follow that with another six-inch step by the same foot. This can be done with one foot and then the back foot following.
Guard: All guards in the NFL must be able to pull, trap and fold block before entering the league. The best of the best at these blocks is an agile guard that can get to the perimeter and is quick and mobile enough to make a play on the end or linebacker he is blocking. To do this, the guard must have a quick outside step. Some OL coaches teach a cross-over step when pulling (left foot crosses behind right, then pull), while others teach a slide step. I prefer the cross-over step, as it puts the OL’s shoulders square to the target.
Center: You will not see a center pull, trap or fold block many times in a game. In fact you’ll never see one pull, but centers must be agile enough to get upfield. In some blocking schemes the center will key on a middle linebacker every play if he is uncovered on the line of scrimmage.