|
 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
by Jody Jamieson
18/2/2009
Last year, there were 8 offensive linemen taken in the first round of the Draft. This year you may be hard pushed to find 8 tackles who will be taken in the first 32 picks, but I still believe this year the Draft class is better than last time out. Did anyone really have 9 offensive linemen going in Round 1 last year? Not a chance. Teams start reaching when the run begins and it goes mad. We saw it last year in Round 1 with tackles and we also saw it in Round 2 with wide receivers. Offensive tackles are high in demand right now, and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that we could see another similar run this time. After all, there was only one Top 10 linemen (Jake Long) taken before the run started after Ryan Clady went 12th overall to Denver. This year there could be as many as 4 offensive tackles taken in the Top 10.
 Eben Britton was a decent prospect in the eyes of many after playing his freshman and sophomore year at right tackle for Arizona. For his junior year, he was shifted across to left tackle and he has seen his stock soar. Britton had a fantastic 2008 which surely influenced his decision to come out early. After all, when you have all the momentum, it makes sense to declare for the Draft when your stock is at it’s highest. Britton projects to be a solid player at either tackle spot, and his versatility will interest scouts. There is the consensus Top 4 offensive linemen in the Draft (Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith and Michael Oher) and it’s really between Britton and William Beatty for #5. What makes this interesting is that both Britton and Beatty are almost locks to be taken in the first round.
What we like about Britton
A three year starter for the Wildcats, Britton excelled at both tackle positions, showing tenacity in the running game. Great in line blocker who gets a great push. May even project as a guard with his ability in the run game. Scouts love versatility after all. Britton is powerful and doesn’t give defenders a chance when he gets engaged. Huge wingspan.
Question marks about Britton
Isn’t particularly quick, and could be exposed by speed rushers. Some wonder if the spread offense covered up his deficiencies due to the ball coming out of the quarterbacks hands really quickly. Footwork needs to improve if he’s to be a solid left tackle. Isn’t particularly agile.
Highlight of his college career
The Wildcats had an excellent 2008, and Britton was a big part of their 8-5 record. Their season culminated in victory over #17 BYU in the Las Vagas Bowl in December.
Other snippets
Britton is 6′ 6″ tall and weighs in and 310lbs.
Britton majored in creating writing, so at least if he bombs in the NFL, there can be a spot open for him at the Diner!
Will be 22 in October.
Voted first team All-Pac 10 in 2008.
Chicago will take a look at #18 after the retirement of John Tait. If Chicago pass, he could end up in Philadelphia, Miami or Pittsburgh
|
