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It's hard to criticize this pick. Centers drafted very late have a tendency to make Roster more than any other position. Elgin is undersized. Needs a lot of conditioning and strength work (Hmmm, think he is prospect for BB's O-Line Double Secret Probation Program). He has all the BB assets we look for: he is smart, Intense, nasty attitude on the field, competitive, super tough, heads-up player, maximizes his abilities, keeps his feet moving after contact and tries to drive his man into the ground, looks for players to hit, doesn't stop at one block, hard working (has gained 14 pounds this offseason, 277 to 291), has ninja-quick hands (which is a necessity for a Center), etc. I will compare him to Hochstein, the player he will be try to replace in 2008. Hochstein spent over a year on the Practice Squad, and Elgin will do the same. He has no chance of making this team in 2007. He was drafted because of his future potential in a year or two. From 2004 to 2006 he started 15 games at Center and 21 games at Right Guard. Elgin is a Stash Player, meaning he will be stashed on various lists for a year or two or three as he develops and gains strength. If everything goes well this season he will be on the Practice Squad. I believe (but I'm 100% certain) that Hochstein's contract is up after this season. If everything goes well: he will be a versatile interior Lineman, like Hochstein, who is able to start and back-up multiple positions on the interior O-Line. Why he could work: He was coached by one of Belichick's boys. So BB got the inside scoop on this guy. He has all the intangibles Pats are looking for. He will wok out in BB's Double Secret Probation Program, and hopefully develop itno a Wally Williams type Center. NFL.com- "Compares To: Andy McCollum, St. Louis -- Elgin's versatility is his key to earning a roster spot … He is just an adequate athlete who might never win a starting job at the next level, but with his ability to play a variety of positions, he has enough redeeming qualities to be a capable fill-in when injuries deplete the front wall's depth." Elgin (6-3¼, 291) ran his 40s in 5.16 and 5.18 seconds, the short shuttle in 4.39 and the three-cone drill in 7.10. He also had a 27½-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot-11 broad jump and 22 bench presses. Campus: 5.16 in the 40-yard dash … Bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times … 389-pound bench press … 522-pound squat … 345-pound hang clean … 4.39 20-yard short shuttle … 27½-inch vertical jump … 8-foot-11 broad jump … 32¾-inch arm length … 9½-inch hands … Right-handed. "Positives: Has adequate muscle thickness in his chest and shoulders and good lower-body thickness … Has natural hand strength to lock-on and control at the line of scrimmage … Shows adequate body control coming out of his stance and can generate decent short-area explosion … Picks up stunts and blitzes well, keeping his head on a swivel to quickly recognize coverages … Has the functional short-area speed to get out in front on pulls and traps, showing the initial burst off the snap to get to the second level quickly … Does a nice job of extending his arms to seal and sustain … Comes out of his stance with his hands right into the defender's chest … Shows good hip explosion to neutralize the double team … Moves his feet and has the hip snap needed to wall off while maintaining position … Takes proper angles and makes the right body adjustments when getting to the second level to neutralize the linebackers … Shows good knee bend and the proper leg base in pass protection … Keeps adequate balance when redirecting and moves his feet to mirror the defender's moves … Plays with an aggressive attitude." Positives: Is quick and agile and can move his feet and beat blockers to the point. Has quick hands and can snap and step. Good athletic ability. Tough, hard-working and smart. Can handle making line calls. Summary: Lacks the girth and functional strength to play guard, and his best chance in the pros will come at center. Could bring some versatility if he can get stronger. Most ideally suited for a zone-blocking scheme. Hawk-Items - - One of six seniors selected to 2006 Leadership Council . . . one of three juniors selected to 2005 Leadership Council . . . moved to right guard in spring, 2005 after starting all 12 games at center in 2004 . . . split time between guard and center in 2006 after starting all games at right guard in 2005. 2006 Honors - - Named as first team academic all-American and to District VIII academic all-American team . . . Permanent Team Captain . . . earned Forest Evashevski Scholastic Achievement Award . . . Coaches Appreciation Award, offense . . . named honorable mention all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media . . . semi-finalist for Draddy Trophy, the top academic award given out in college football . . . Alamo Bowl Sportsmanship Award . . . selected to compete in Hula Bowl. |
