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Photo of Evander Hood
Grade
?
  • 4.97 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 34 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 33.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 108.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.50 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.55 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'3" Height
  • 300LBS. Weight

Overview

Hood started 32 of 48 career games, but won't wow scouts with his athleticism. But his size, technique and tenacity make him an intriguing prospect for the 2009 draft. Voted honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2007 by league coaches, Hood finished with career highs in every category -- 49 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and three forced fumbles. He struggled as a senior with opposing offensive line schemes keyed on stopping him. Hood finished with only 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2008. His effort was unquestioned and a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl solidified his stock as one of the more consistent defensive tackles in the 2009 draft.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: More than the sum of his parts. ... Legitimate NFL size. ... Plays with a passionate, physical style. ... Locates the ball quickly and pursues well down the line. ... Flashes initial burst off the snap and the lateral quickness to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. ... Recognizes the trap block and can burst through the hole to make the play behind the line of scrimmage. ... Physical at the point. ... Seems to enjoy the hand-to-hand combat in the trenches and doesn't back down from contact. ... Active hands and can disengage from blocks due to his hand play. ... Durable performer. ... Showed great toughness in 2006, missing only three games after breaking his foot and having a screw inserted, before returning to play the final seven games at less than 100 percent. Negatives: Lacks the elite explosiveness or strength usually associated with highly rated defensive tackles. ... Only moderate initial quickness. ... Flashes the lateral quickness to elude and collapse the pocket, but is too inconsistent in that area. ... Often plays too high and loses leverage, negating his own strength and size. ... Missed three full games and parts of others in 2006 with a broken foot suffered midway through the season.
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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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