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2016 NFL Draft Player Profiles: USC C Max Tuerk

Related Topics: 2016 NFL draft

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.

Breakdown of USC lineman Max Tuerk.

#75 Max Tuerk/C USC: 6’5 298

The Good

– Remarkable athlete for his size and position, not only one of the most explosive and athletic for interior positions but across the entire offensive line
– Explosive and shows snap out of his stance, very capable puller both long and short pulls (fold blocks)
– Natural in space, reaches target with ease the way few can, has no problem getting to the second level on combo blocks
– Quick feet in pass protection, able to move laterally and does nice job getting arms extended
– Nasty demeanor, desire to finish blocks
– Shows ability to keep lower half in sync and pumping in the run game
– Sets his hips and has no problem getting in position and generating push on down/angle blocks
– Leverage is not awful considering his height
– Versatile, has started everywhere along the line

The Bad

– Lacks length for size (32 1/2 inch arms)
– Inconsistent game overall in several areas
– Hands need to be tighter, especially in space, can get grabby and is late disengaging, holding risk
– Lower half will go dead, more frequent on drive blocks in a booth, vulnerable to falling off
– On ground too often
– Doesn’t always keep eyes up on contact in space, misses aiming point and causes him to fall off
– Recent and fairly serious medical concerns, coming off knee injury

Bio

– 38 career starts
– Breakdown of starting experience: 18 at C, 14 at LG, 5 at LT, 1 at RT
– Tore ACL in left knee on October 10th vs Washington, not able to work out at Combine or Pro Day (did 26 reps on bench press at latter)
– Started 5 games at left tackle as a true freshman, first USC player to ever do so
– Decorated high school career, played tight end in 2009

Tape Breakdown

It sucks to see any player get hurt in the final year leading up to the draft.