Scouting Profile: Miami OT Ereck Flowers
Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class, leading up to the NFL Draft which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Chicago.
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Ereck Flowers
Position: OT
School: Miami (FL)
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 324 lbs.
Age: 20
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 5.31 sec |
| Bench Press | 37 reps |
| Vertical Jump | N/A |
| Broad Jump | N/A |
| 3-Cone Drill | N/A |
| 20-yd Shuttle | N/A |
Strengths
- Massive, athletic frame.
- Displays good awareness and instinct.
- Has the agility to excel in a zone-blocking scheme.
- Led all offensive linemen at the combine with 37 reps on the bench press, which is impressive given his long arms (34.5 inches).
- Plays with intensity and aggressiveness.
- Mirrors pass rushers well and is able to get to the second level quickly.
- Experience at both left and right tackle, though there's some debate about which position he would be better suited to at the NFL level.
- Durable; missed just one game after undergoing surgery for a minor knee injury in 2014.
- Was praised for his leadership abilities during his time at Miami.
Weaknesses
- Needs to improve in pass protection, particularly against smaller, speedier defenders.
- Often leans forward, causing him to lose balance.
- Occasionally late off the snap.
- Has a tendency to get his hands too high and wide, leading to holding penalties. He was flagged for six holding penalties over his last two seasons at Miami.
NFL player comparison: Andrew Whitworth
Both players have the size and length to bully defenders along the line of scrimmage and are agile enough to hold up against skilled pass rushers. Just as Whitworth has done with the Cincinnati Bengals, Flowers has the potential to carve out a lengthy and productive career for himself.
Ideal fit: Carolina Panthers
Drafting someone to help keep Cam Newton upright should be a priority for the Panthers after allowing the 12th-most sacks (42) in the NFL last season. Flowers has some technical issues that will need to be corrected, but he would be an upgrade over Byron Bell, who failed to live up to expectations as Carolina's starting left tackle last season.
Draft Projection: Round 1 (21-32)