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Photo of Xavier Fulton
Grade
?
  • 5.04 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 27 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 31.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 111.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.35 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.56 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'4" Height
  • 302LBS. Weight

Overview

A shoulder injury kept Fulton from fully capitalizing on the incredible potential he showed as a first-year left tackle in 2007, but Big Ten coaches and media still respected his game enough to vote him second-team All-Big Ten as a senior. Fulton, a defensive tackle the first 15 games of his career, only moved to left tackle after redshirting the 2006 season with a knee injury. Fulton's rare combination of size and athleticism give him great upside. Scouts want to see him improve his technique and show strength as a run blocker. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Naturally large man with the frame to add at least an additional 10-15 pounds without a significant loss of quickness. ... Raw, but possesses rare tools. ... Lacks consistency with his initial quickness off the snap, but gets excellent depth in his kick slide to protect the edge as a pass rusher. ... Natural knee bender who plays with balance. ... Still learning to use his hands, but flashes explosiveness in his hand punch and the ability to turn and sustain. ... Athletic enough to block on the move. ... Hustles to the second and even third level. ... Only beginning to scratch the surface of his talent after spending the first three years of his career at defensive tackle. Negatives: Raw. ... Made the transition to the offensive line in 2007 and was surrounded by experienced line mates and ultra-athletic skill position players, aiding in his development. ... Too often late off the snap for a player of his athleticism. ... Relies on athleticism, rather than technique, to control his man and can be walked back to the quarterback when he plays too high, exposing his chest. ... Flashes a good initial pop in run blocking, but is not a masher. ... Good athleticism, but can get out of control blocking on the move, allowing his assignment to evade him. Legitimate durability concern: Torn ACL ended his 2005 season prematurely and forced Fulton to take a medical redshirt for the '06 season. ... Struggled with a shoulder sprain throughout the second half of the 2008 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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