D'Brickashaw Ferguson (10/2005)

Position:

OT

[official bio]

School:

Univ. of Virginia

Height:

6' 5"

Weight:

295 lbs.

General Variables:

32 out of 40

Size:

8

Strength:

8

Speed:

8

Athleticism:

8

Position Variables:

36 out of 40

Run blocking:

7

Pass blocking:

9

Footwork/Technique:

10

Attitude:

10

Positives:

No doubt the most touted OT in this year’s class.  D’Brickashaw has just about everything a coach could want in a tackle.  Despite suffering a knee sprain early in the 2005 season, his durability has never been a question, given that he’s the first lineman in the school’s history to start 50 games.  With his long arms and tall frame, Ferguson excels in pass blocking, keeping the defensive lineman in front of him with superior technique, but his footwork and agility are what makes him special.  It doesn’t necessarily make him the fastest tackle in football, but his quick feet are a huge plus with scouts.  Last but not least, he has a terrific attitude and is a very coachable young man.  He wants to be out on the field playing at all times, and works hard on his conditioning and training.

Negatives:

Hard to believe that a kid that is 6’5’’ and 295 pounds is considered small in some circles, but in today’s NFL if you aren’t 300+ at the tackle position an eyebrow gets raised.  D’Brickashaw came to Virginia weighing right around 260 lbs.  He’s done a good job of slowly adding weight year by year, but with his height, he could certainly use a few more pounds to keep the elite pass rushers at the next level from getting to his QB.  His run blocking is suspect at times because of his size.  So not only would a few more pounds be beneficial to him, but added strength without sacrificing quickness would be as well.  Through all the great performances he’s had, there have been a few not so stellar ones as well ― consistency in the running game and as a tackle as a whole is key.

Overall:

Ferguson has the potential to someday be a Hall of Fame tackle in the NFL.  He is brick wall of a man (as his name so aptly implies), and will be a solid tackle in the NFL for years to come.  He did the right thing in coming back for his senior season.  Last year’s draft was heavy at the position, and he has now propelled himself to the top of the OT ranks for the 2006 draft.  If he can stay relatively injury free the rest of this year, and continue with the fantastic work ethic he has, he’ll be at the top of everyone’s wish list in April.  The Outland Trophy is a very viable option for Ferguson, and the more hardware he can add to his resume the better he’ll look in April.

Final Word:

DOMINATION — Brick needs to finish off his senior season with absolute determination and domination.  Just because he’s got a first class ticket to the next level is no reason to let up.  If Brick can show the football world why everyone is talking about him, demonstrating the ability to shut down the opposing linemen and run block, it will be a huge bonus for him.  Increasing his strength and a nasty attitude will surely go a long way in becoming a top pick in 2006.

Mark Mitchell