http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/jake-rodgers?id=2553236
Overview
Father, John Rodgers, died Dec. 26, two weeks after suffering a heart attack while watching his son play his final game for Eastern Washington. Initially signed with Washington State as a tight end. Transferred from Washington State in the spring of 2013 after starting all 12 games on the offensive line for the Cougars in 2012. Played defensive end, tight end, punter and kicker in high school.
Pro Day Results
40-yard dash: 5.24 seconds
Vertical jump: 30 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 8 feet, 10 inches
3-cone drill: 8.04 seconds
Short shuttle: 4.81 seconds
Bench: 24 reps of 225 pounds
Analysis
Strengths
Former high school tight end who has natural movement for the tackle position. Gains good ground with first two steps and can handle himself against edge speed. Keeps hands in ready position and has some snap behind his punch. Uses good posture in protection and has enough anchor. Shows desired movement to get to back-side cutoff. Takes pretty good angles to his block. Athletic enough to redirect back inside and smother inside moves when his setup is balanced. Effective quick-setter who can go get his man. Able to work combo blocks and hook defender to the outside in run game.
Weaknesses
Plays from a two-point stance and will have to acclimate to having a hand on the ground. Has some knee bend, but hips are a little stiff, causing occasional anchor and balance issues. Needs to improve consistency of timed punch to maximize length. Plays with athletic traits over technique right now. Legs get heavy and slow after contact. Doesn't get into defenders with desired leverage as run blocker and turns into a pusher rather than driver. Weight distribution can be uneven with occasional over-set in pass pro and mirror issues.
Draft Projection Round 7 or priority free agent
Sources Tell Us "His hands are just too weak to me. He lets his blocks loose because he can't control them with hand strength." - NFC offensive line coach
NFL Comparison Breno Giacomini
Bottom Line
Athletic tackle who shows effective movement skills on interior to make tough angle blocks. Has the feet to compete at swing tackle in the NFL. Rodgers has very good moments in the first half of many snaps, but will see his play decline in the second half of the snap. Improved technique and balance will be the key to his chances as an NFL prospect.
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