Player Profile: David Yankey

Height:  6'6
Weight:  315
School:  Stanford
Position:  Guard
Ranking:  #4 Guard
Projection:  Day 2

Strengths
-Ideal size (6'6) and bulk (314) to play guard or tackle in the NFL
-Experienced.  Started every game for three years
-Has played both Left Tackle and Left Guard
-Uses size to overwhelm defenders
-Very physical blocker.  Is gonna hit you
-Understands angles, leverage, and how to use his body to shield defenders
-Shows the ability to drive opponents off their spot when using proper pad level
-Does a good job blocking in space.  Rarely misses a block while on the move
-Utilized in pulling and trapping frequently
-Uses good footwork to make up for lack of elite athletic ability
-Finishes blocks.  Once he locks in, your done

Weaknesses
-Lacks a strong anchor in the pass game.  Can be pushed back by a good bull rush
-Can be more of a grabber than a puncher
-Inconsistent pad level.  Can get too high at times which causes him to lose leverage
-Lacks good balance.  Tends to lunge
-Struggles to sustain blocks

Summary
Andrew Luck helped bring Stanford back, but it's the play of the offensive line that has done most of the work.  A big part of that is David Yankey.  A three year starter, Yankey has been the backbone of the line.  He's played both left guard and tackle and excelled at both.  Yankey uses his size and strength to overwhelm defenders and open up holes in the run game.  He's very physical and will hit you in the mouth, but he isn't overly strong and won't move defenders off their spot.  Yankey isn't a great athlete, but has good footwork and Stanford took advantage of that by pulling and trap blocking with him on 90% of run plays. Yankey uses that same footwork and length to keep defenders at bay in the pass game.  He completely shut down Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year Will Sutton in two games this past season.  Now Yankey has a lot to like, but his big weaknesses is his balance.  Yankey often gets too far out in front of himself and often falls down or looses his balance.  If he gets that fixed he could be even better.  But for interior lineman, their balance is key.  Yankey should likely be a 2nd round pick but I wouldn't be surprised to see him go at the end of the first round or even fall to the 3rd round.