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2016 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Northwestern FB Dan Vitale

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 the versatile Dan Vitale today.

#40 – Dan Vitale/FB Northwestern: 6-2, 239

The Good

– Comes across formation on wham blocks effectively
– Can actually get off the line of scrimmage as a receiver
– Quick in phone booth
– Runs aggressively
– Great burst
– Sure hands catching the ball
– Low pad level, explodes into defenders
– Blocks through the whistle
– Adjusts to throw of ball

The Bad

– Questionable balance downhill
– Bad open field angles, does not get a hat on defenders well in open field
– Can be lazy blocking technique, just throws shoulder
– Doesn’t always understand blocking angles/shoulder to target
– Fails to play to blocks with sense of urgency at times
– Lacks lateral blocking ability

Other

– Outstanding combine.