Taking a look at various players who could tempt the Washington Redskins with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft, watching at least three or four of their games. As the draft gets closer, I'll post these reports more frequently and take a look at other rounds as well -- or players they would look at in case of a trade in the first round.
Player: Ereck Flowers
Position: Tackle
School: Miami
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 329 pounds
Projected round: First, likely in the middle.
Games watched: Nebraska, Clemson, Florida State, Virginia
What I liked: His footwork in the run game, allowing him to seal defenders at the line, whether inside or outside. He worked hard to get in proper position. Also, he showed attitude in the run game, which is always good, and worked well to the second level. He did a nice job using his hips off the line in the run game, mainly because he stayed low and it enabled him to control his man. His footwork needs fixing in pass protection, but when his base was right it was really good -- and he does a nice job setting to the outside. Had one play vs. Virginia in which he blocked inside and then, as the running back hit the hole behind him, Flowers turned around and headed to the hole to take care of a linebacker. It was not his man at all, but his awareness and instincts were good and it led to a four- or five-yard gain that would have been one or two otherwise. Has a good ability to anchor in protection and, with constant coaching, you would think that would improve. Did a solid job recognizing stunts, though I did see him taken out by one game up front. Saw him bury a defensive back on a screen to the left where Flowers had to sprint to the outside. Flowers has a big frame and long arms, and when his technique was right he could react well to the rusher.
What I didn’t like: He was beat to the inside quite a bit, partly because he perhaps overset to the outside and partly because of his hands. Flowers’ hands often were low -- causing him to be slow -- or sometimes too outstretched so he did not get a good punch on a player, making him unable to knock him off his path. So a rusher would take him upfield and cross back inside. When they tried to do this right off the line, Flowers reacted better. His hand placement will need to be corrected. It consistently allowed pass-rushers to get into his chest; Flowers definitely can anchor, but it’s something to watch. Some of his problems stemmed from being late off the snap or from where he held his arms after the snap. Because of this, he often would allow smaller rushers -- such as Virginia’s Eli Harold -- to knock him off-balance. Flowers didn’t always lose in those situations, but he must be more consistent. The skills are there to be a good pass protector. Flowers’ base needs to be more consistent as well; you get knocked off-balance in part because your base is narrow. That’s the case with Flowers. He also would occasionally lunge.
ESPN Insider on his intangibles: "Excellent overall makeup. Loves football. Motivated and wants to be great. Low maintenance and has his house in order. Sharp and learns well. Strong work ethic. Team-first type of guy. Will play injured. Developed into leader of Miami offensive line."
Why they could use him: Because they could use a legitimate starting right tackle. Flowers has flaws, but he should be able to help immediately -- he also played some right tackle in college. The Redskins have Morgan Moses and Tom Compton at right tackle, and they do love Moses’ size. But he’s coming off a Lisfranc injury and the coaches won’t know his true progress until they can see him work on the field. Compton did not distinguish himself as a starter.
How he fits: Flowers would give the Redskins a true bookend to pair with left tackle Trent Williams. He’s not as athletic as Williams, but he can move and he has good size. Also, if for some reason anything happened to Williams, they could probably slide Flowers over to left tackle if needed. He would be an option only if the Redskins traded down from the fifth pick. His film was better than Moses’ last year, but that’s why Moses lasted until the third round.
