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Scouting The 2013 NFL Draft: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

We continue our look at some of the prospects the Jets may be interested in drafting in April. Here we stay on the offensive side of the football, but move back to the line with

Introduction

The MAC is hardly the most notable conference in college football, but it can produce some talented footballers. Eric Fisher is most definitely a talented football player and a first round offensive tackle. He'll likely go between the 10th and 25th pick and if the Jets do decide to trade down, drafting Eric would not be the worst decision they have made. Eric Fisher has played his career at left tackle, 2 starts as a freshman, 9 as a Sophomore, 10 as a Junior and all 12 as a senior.

Measurables:

Height: 6'8

Weight: 302 lb's

Position: Offensive Tackle

School: Central Michigan

Positives:

Start as we always do, no issues with the law. Was named a team captain this year and is well respected by teammates and coaches. Has been described as very teachable and has a fun out-going conversation. Good height and alright bulk, good speed and long arms. Excellent technique in pass protection, plays with a good base and natural bend at the knees. Has good to great footwork and mirrors pass rushers around the edge. Plays with excellent leverage and re-sets well if he is knocked back. Has the patience to face pass rushers and his lateral ability cuts off the outside. Good first punch and doesn't over extend in pass protection. In terms of run blocking he is a good to very good in-line blocker, very good feet and gets off the snap very well. Has good power keeps his blocks moving, finishes them on every snap. Shows good body control in the open field and reliable to get to the next level. Has good blitz recognition, especially on delayed blitzes and pressure coming from the defensive backs. Plays with a real passion for the game and you can tell he has a real desire for football

Negatives:

His bulk is only OK, could do with adding a little strength to his upper body and his lower body isn't as think as you would like with an offensive lineman. Needs to work on his run blocking, although that is still better than most prospects in this draft. Because of his height he can play with his pad level too high, and can run block too high which make him susceptible to some pass rushing moves.

Conclusion:

I really like Eric Fisher, and I think he will be an elite tackle at the next level. Comparisons will be made to Joe Staley, the 49'ers 2007 first round selection and former Central Michigan player, now a 2x pro bowler and elite tackle. His pass protection is at the absolute elite level already and his future may well be at left tackle because of it. However I love his potential on the left or right side. His run game is still good and you still need to protect the QB on the right hand side. He has a great attitude and a real desire, we need tackle help and he is one of the better tackles in the draft.

Would I Draft Him For The Jets?:

Yes, hell yes! I think he is elite, so why wouldn't I want us to draft him. He has all the talent in the world, his pass protection is NFL ready and his run blocking is good to great already. He'll grade out at a 90+ in the draft process. That means if we want him, we may need to take him at #9 which I doubt many would like. I'm very interested in talented, football intelligent players and he is one. We can go a number of ways, would I be disappointed if we went this way? absolutely not.