Overview

Simply put, there isn't an offensive lineman in the country whose stock flourished over the 2007 college football season more than Nicks'.

Nicks signed with New Mexico State out of high school, but transferred to Hartnell Junior College due to academic struggles. At Hartnell, Nicks emerged as one of the elite JUCO prospects in the country and signed with Nebraska over the likes of Louisville, California, Wisconsin and Washington.

Upon signing with Nebraska, Nicks became a regular contributor immediately, serving as the primary backup at right tackle most of the 2006 season and filling in as the starter against Colorado and Oklahoma when starter Matt Slauson went down with an injury. Nicks made the move to left tackle as a senior and started 11 of 12 games there in 2007, earning Second Team Big 12 honors in his first starting season. Of course, there is a gamble when basing a draft selection on one year's work, but Nicks' play in 2007 was impressive.

Blessed with surprising quickness off the snap for such a large man, Nicks was effective as both a pass and run blocker for the Huskers. Rather than rely on his size and strength, Nicks' balance and overall athleticism were key in his ability to protect the quarterback's blindside in this offense. He may lack the elite footwork to remain on the left side at the NFL, but his girth and strength make him a natural candidate for the right side.

Graduated from North Salinas High School in 2003.

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Analysis

Positives: Massive. ... Despite his weight, Nicks doesn't have a sloppy build, but instead his weight is distributed throughout his body. ... Long arms and big hands. ... Surprising quickness off the snap. ... Explosive strength evident both in his pass and run blocking. ... Devastating upper body strength and has the big hands and long arms to latch onto the defender and control him. ... Good quickness for the reach block and can turn and seal the edge. ... Surprising quickness to get to the second level. ... Good balance in his kick-slide. ... Uses his hands well to control the defender and keeps his feet moving to remain squarely in front of the pass rusher. ... Remains on the balls of his feet and is rarely out of position.

Negatives: Has only played left tackle one season, and despite his success there in 2007 there are concerns Nicks lacks the foot quickness to handle the NFL's speed rushers. ... Only one season as a starter at the D-I level. ... Surprising agility to get to the second level, but struggles to engage second-level defenders. ... Can dominate pass rushers when he gets his hands on them, but struggles to re-engage if his initial hand punch misses. ... Potential for weight to get out of control has to be a concern.

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