NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Andy Levitre, OG, Oregon State by Jody Jamieson 24/2/2009
Levitre is viewed as another offensive lineman who is able to play anywhere and everywhere on the line except center. He even played a bit of tight end for the Beavers, but let’s not go nuts! Most of his time with Oregon State was at tackle, but the truth is he’s not best suited to playing outside in the NFL. He tried out at right tackle at the Senior Bowl, but he had a tough time in one on one drills. He’s a good pass protector, but he can’t deal with speed around the edge. He slides inside and doesn’t have to deal with people beating him outside. This years Draft doesn’t have an outstanding guard prospect. Max Unger is probably the best guard in the draft, but he will likely play center in the pros. Duke Robinson is supremely overrated in my eyes, but that’s another story for another day. Levitre is the best of the pure guards in this Draft in my opinion.
When Levitre played inside with the Beavers he was a run blocking stud, and his pass protection is very solid against guys who aren’t quicker than him. I like his ability, but his peak in the Draft is probably the middle of the second round. I see him peaking around the middle of the second round and falling no further than the middle of the third round. The further down you go in the Draft, the harder it is to project where a player falls.
What we like about Levitre
Fairly athletic player who gets a great push in the running game. He’s strong and powerful, and can be pretty dominant. Uses his hands superbly and rarely gets called for holding. Great leader and was a team captain at Oregon State. Tough and durable guy who was rarely injured, and when he was, he played through the pain.
Question marks about Levitre
Looks great getting out in space, but often when he gets there he doesn’t know who to block. Will certainly play guard in the pros, but isn’t the most experienced in the position he will play. Didn’t play a single snap at guard in 2007, and played sparingly inside in 2008.
Highlight of his college career
Levitre was voted an AFCA All-American in 2008. The AFCA awards are voted for by the coaches.
Other snippets
6′ 3″ tall and weighed in at 305 lbs at the NFL Combine. 2008 First Team All-Pac 10 His brother Erick was a center with the Arizona Wildcats. If the Eagles don’t draft an offensive lineman in the first round, Levitre will be a candidate with their 2nd round pick. If he falls to the third, the Bengals, Jaguars and 49ers will be interested.