Cincinnati Bengals Select Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin Live 2012 NFL Draft Grade

facebooktwitterreddit

With  the 27th pick acquired from New England, the Cincinnati Bengals have selected Kevin Zeither, Guard, Wisconsin

Here is our report on Zeitler:

Pros:

Great size

2 year Starter

Thunderous strength in the run game

Dominated elite competition

NFL ready size and muscle composition

Very strong lower body that is balanced out by long arms

Does not stop blocking until after the whistle

Quick agile feet capable of pulling

Technique is nearly flawless

Durable hasn’t missed games because of injury

 

Cons:

Can get sloppy when double teaming a defender

Is prone to penalties for blocking after whistle

Sometimes overextends himself and loses his balance and leverage

not the fastest off the ball

Doesn’t have the greatest athleticism to pull

Player Comparison:           Alan Fanaca

 Round Projection:               Mid to late 2nd Round

 Summary:

He dominated the Nebraska and MSU game against NFL talent.  He is a bulldozer in the run game and has quick agile feet in the passing game.  His technique is flawless most of the time.  Only trouble I have seen from him is when he double teams…too many times he allows an inside move and fails to use his center for help.  Besides this one easily correctable trait he is a perfect OG.  I think teams in the mid 2nd round will pounce on him and many teams might trade up to snag him.  Teams needing help in the run department such as Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, Colts, Titans, Browns, Cowboys, and Giants will make a play for him.

Live NFL Draft Grade: B

I think the better value here was Cordy Glenn, but the Bengals opt for a mauler in Kevin Zeitler, who was part of a stellar unit at Wisconsin. This is a solid pick but I would have rather had Glenn.