As you should know by now, our attention has now shifted to the 2016 NFL Draft as it relates to the prospects. From now until the draft takes place, we hope to profile as many draft prospects as we possibly can for you. Most of these player profiles will be centered around prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have interest in.
Breaking down LSU’s Vadal Alexander.
#74 – Vadal Alexander/OL LSU: 6-6, 329
The Good
– Shows some fire blocking
– Hips flexible enough to mirror edge rushers
– Good hand placement
– Understands leverage and angles on the edge
– Patient, waits for rushers to declare their move
– Understands using momentum of defenders against them
– Surprising recovery speed
– Pushes the pile for extra yardage
– Good leg drive
The Bad
– Slow to react off the snap
– Bad balance, bad on his feet
– Laterally slow
– Lacks power and anchor proportionate to his size
– Fails to block to the whistle
– Needs to find someone to block, head on a swivel
– Susceptible to being redirected inside
– Drops vision and doesn’t watch his way to target
– Doesn’t sustain blocks
Other
– Alexander seems to start games slow but improve as the action progresses
– 2015 Second and Third Team honors from SI and AP
– Four-year starter, played in 50 and started 46 at LG and RT
– Blocked for a 100-yard rusher in 28 of his 46 starts
– Was rated fifth-best OL prospect by ESPN and 247sports.