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Photo of Branden Albert
Grade
?
  • 5.17 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 111.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6'7" Height
  • 315LBS. Weight

Overview

An exciting blend of size and athletic ability, Albert emerged as a standout his freshman season and went on to start all 36 games for Virginia before leaving after his junior year. A former basketball player who has only played football since his junior year of high school, Albert has rare quickness for a man of his size to block at the second level, and features the size, strength and hand placement to generate movement at the point of attack. An all-conference selection each of the past three seasons, Albert will be graded by some teams as a tackle prospect after fairing well at left tackle in two starts due to injury to starter Eugene Monroe.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Rare size and athleticism for the guard position. ... Good initial quickness. ... Can get to and block effectively at the second level. ... Flashes violence in his initial hand punch. ... Good recoil and settle in pass protection. ... Massive player who can absorb the bull rush and anchor effectively. ... When he plays with leverage can be a very effective drive blocker. ... Ascending prospect who flashed foot quickness and balance in two starts at left tackle in 2007. Negatives: A bit top-heavy. ... Can struggle against lesser players when he tires and plays with too high of a pad level. ... Good quickness to generate initial block, but too often doesn't sustain long enough. ... Flashes nastiness, but needs to play with more consistency. ... Marginal lateral quickness to pull.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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