Player Profile: Menelik Watson

Menelik Watson

Height:  6'5
Weight:  310
School:  Florida State
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Rank:  #5 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Very athletic.  Was a former college basketball player
-Does a great job getting set up in his pass pro
-Average arm length (34")
-Does a great job of locking guys down in pass protection
-Gets to the second level and does well finding and making blocks in space
-Does an excellent job of taking away pass rushers to his outside.
-Has a strong initial punch to jar back defenders
-Uses good athletic ability to slide side to side to mirror defenders
-Able to slide off double teams and move to the next level in the run game
-Always keeps his feet moving
-Good footwork.  Shows his basketball background
-Strong Work Ethic.  Strives to improve

Weaknesses
-Inexperienced and Raw.  Only 2 years of football experience.
-Looks lost at time.  Might struggle in a complex blocking scheme
-Not overly powerful.  Relies more on athletic ability and position
-Struggles to maintain blocks in the run game.  Let's guys get off him.
-Struggles with speed rush to the inside
-Was a RT only at FSU
-Plays at too high of a pad level
-Still developing a good anchor
-Gets off balance at times
-Isn't overly aggressive or possess a mean streak

Summary
Menelik Watson is a former college basketball player who came to football after watching a Florida State game and falling in love with the sport.  He didn't see much of a future as a 6'5 post player and thought that football could be the key to a better life for his family.  Watson played one season at Saddleback Community College and then this past year at Florida State.  Watson is still very raw, but flashes a lot of skill that has already impressed scouts, coaches, and general managers.  He is a good athlete and uses that in pass protection to keep defenders in front of him and off the quarterback.  He has room to improve as a run blocker but was used in pulling to get out and attack defenders in the open field.  Watson does have a lot of areas he needs to improve on, but most of those concerns are all from inexperience and adding more strength.  Because of his lack of elite strength and good athletic ability Watson might be best suited to play in a zone  blocking scheme that can highlight those strengths.  But with some good coaching he should be able to fit into any scheme.  He has the size and athletic ability to be a left tackle in the NFL.  Watson will likely go in the second round, but don't be too surprised if some team takes a chance and picks him in the late 1st round.