Vladimir Ducasse (OT, UMass)

[NYPacker]

Here's to hoping that the Packers taking Charles Brown in the first round of the draft. If that doesn't happen because TT found someone better, then by all means go for it. However OT is still very much a need and I would love for us to snag Ducasse. I think he'll be there by the time we pick in the second and would add great value. From the film I see that he's very raw in that his footwork is a bit slow and needs to protect the inside. However he impressed me with his strong punch which totally freezes up speed rushers and ability to transition as he hustles backward (something you really need in the ZBS) All in all he's also seen snaps in 4 positions in the offensive line so if not a future LT he'll definitely find a place starting at another position. He's also very smart, well liked by his peers, and has no character issues. He's very humble and willing to give back to the community, total packer person IMO.

Pass blocking: Reliable pass protector, using length and size not seen at the FCS level. Uses those attributes to anchor or run smaller rush ends around the pocket. Needs quite a bit of work in his pass protection technique before moving on to the next level. Stands upright and bends at the waist; will lose his balance when extending against better college players, much less NFL pass rushers. Inconsistent with his punch, catching rushers too often and giving up too much ground to less talented players. Will stop his feet after initial contact, shrinking the pocket. Recovery speed against outside-in or spin moves is questionable.



Run blocking: Gets out of his stance with enough agility to seal the edge, get out in front of stretch plays and screens as well as to find the MIKE linebacker at the second level. Controls his body and keeps his feet moving to find and ride smaller defenders out of the play. Will combo block and use his length to knock late blitzers off their approach. Must extend his arms when drive blocking; keeps his hands too low and against his body, and will give up leverage against NFL defenders. Loses his balance and gets tossed aside by smaller ends when reaching for them on the edge.



Pulling/trapping: His foot quickness will allow him to get around trash and quickly move to his target when pulling or trapping. Even though he is inconsistent hitting targets on the move, his athleticism should allow him to improve there and take out linebackers inside.



Initial Quickness: Good initial drive off the snap as a run blocker, getting into the jersey of his man and quickly collapsing the tackle when blocking down. Must speed up his first step in his kick slide, but has the athleticism to do so.



Downfield: Good mobility in space, easily getting to the second level and beyond. Understands angles, and is able to move his feet to create them. Willing to mix it up with anyone coming into his area. Fails to hit his intended target and adjust to players coming from inside at times. Hesitates before getting downfield to help his ballcarrier.



Intangibles: Voted co-captain by his teammates, Ducasse is a good student in the classroom and film room who lets his play do his talking for him. He must prove he can step up his consistency and effort against better competition.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwLp0hBtWsg]YouTube - LT Vladimir Ducasse Highlights/Lowlights 2010 UMass SB[/ame]

 

[PackersRS]

Can't believe we're a week to the draft and this guy's profile wasn't already here. Thanks, NYPacker!

 

[NYPacker]

Can't believe we're a week to the draft and this guy's profile wasn't already here. Thanks, NYPacker!

Pleasures all mine. Is it already 1 week left? God I can't wait for this draft. GO PACK!