Player Profile: Billy Turner

Height:  6'5
Weight:  315
School:  North Dakota State
Position:  Offensive Tackle
Ranking:  #11 Offensive Tackle
Projection:  3rd or 4th Round

Strengths
-Four year starter with 56 starts
-Has the ideal height (6'5) and weigh (315) and length (34") of NFL offensive tackles
-Moves well for somebody his size. Can get to the second level and pulling down the line
-Uses his quickness (1.75)  to fire out of his stance in both the run game and in pass protection
-Shows off good footwork that allows him to mirror pass rushers and stay in front of them
-Heavy hands that he uses to rock defenders back
-Shows good power in the run game.  Hits defenders with authority   
-Always has his feet moving. Allows him to move defenders off their spot
-Size allows him to overwhelm smaller defenders
-Solid anchor which will improve with added strength
-Plays through the whistle.  Always looking for somebody to hit
-Displays a nasty streak that teams love out of offensive lineman
-No injury issues to speak of

Weaknesses
-Played in FCS. Can he play LT in the NFL?
-Inconsistent pad level.  Will get to high in pass protection and cause balance issues
-Tends to lung which causes him to lose balance
-Could stand to reshape his body and add more strength. Should help anchor
-Footwork could stand to improve.  Especially on kickstep
-Still raw. Could stand to clean up his technique
-Begins to struggle when having to drop deep in pass protection

Summary
When most players are coming from a lower level of football into the NFL you have to wonder if they can handle the increase is speed and strength.  I'm not too sure you have to worry about that with North Dakota State's Billy Turner.  Turner was a big part in North Dakota State winning two straight National Title's opening holes in the run game and keeping the pocket clean.  Turner is at his best when he's run blocker.  He shows good strength and power to open holes.  Pair that with good athletic ability and quickness and he can be a road grader.  Against a quality Kansas State team Turner blew up and knocked defenders off their feet.  He does get too high at times and loses some leverage but his ability to pull and get to the second level will attract teams.  Turner shows good pass blocking skills, but his technique needs some major work.  He does a good job with his heavy hands and length to keep defenders back, but in the NFL he'll need more than that.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Turner play LT in the NFL, but he'll likely be a right tackle or guard.  He could develop into a Pro Bowler at guard if moved there.  Because of his talent level and potential I see him going somewhere in that 3rd or 4th round.  He'll likely need a year to develop but he could be a steal we talk about in three years.