Alex Mack
C / Jr.
California
6' 5'' / 300 lbs.

POSITIVES

Manuel Ramirez is an absolute mountain of a man, and even stronger than he looks. He's been groomed as a player as a wide split, pass protector, and coming into this third year as a starter, he promises to get even better. His real strength, and something you wouldn't expect from a Texas Tech lineman, is his run blocking. He's one of the best run blockers in the draft. He gets down the line, or downfield, and finishes with enormous power.

NEGATIVES

Ramirez doesn't have really quick feet, and does get caught flat-footed at times. He does an adequate job pulling, but isn't asked to do it much, so that will need to be developed. Also, playing with those wide splits gives the offensive linemen a natural advantage, especially on blitz pickup, so how he adjusts to moving to tighter splits could hurt him.

FINAL WORD

Ramirez is a real sleeper pick at guard. He doesn't get much recognition for his run blocking because he plays at Texas Tech, but he shows a ton of potential in that area, and in combination with already solid pass blocking skills, it's a huge plus. I can see Ramirez being drafted later than some of the big names, but ending up a ten year starter in the NFL.