2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mike Pouncey, Florida
By Editorial Staff
6-5 320lbs Senior
Pros:
Mike Pouncey is the twin brother of 2010 Draftee Maurkice Pouncey. He decided to return for his Senior season after he didn’t get the necessary answers from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. Pouncey is a big and powerful interior lineman that can play either guard or center. This versatility makes him very attractive to scouts because it enhances his ability to play right away in the NFL. Another factor in Pouncey’s high draft stock is his size and strength. With many NFL defenses switching to the 3-4 defense there is a need for bigger stronger interior linemen. The linemen need to be bigger in order to handle the massive nose tackles. Another important part to consider when evaluating Pouncey is his experience. Pouncey has received a lot of playing time and that playing time has come in pressure situations and against strong competition in the SEC.
Cons:
While Pouncey is big he doesn’t have great athleticism which is why he will be seen as only a guard or a center. If teams felt he could slide outside to tackle then his draft stock would be even higher. Coupled with his lack of elite athleticism is the need to improve on his pass blocking technique. Pouncey needs to continue to work on his pass blocking technique in order to improve his game.
Thoughts:
Come April 2011 Mike Pouncey will be a heavily discussed name. His size and versatility will have a lot of NFL teams considering him at the top of the draft. Pouncey comes in at #29 on our 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board and ranks #2 on our top 5 Guard/Center rankings.
Projected Round:
I would be shocked if Pouncey slips out of the first round and if he does someone will be getting a steal!