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This summer, the National Football Post is breaking down every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to identify players who might warrant interest from NFL teams in the 2010 draft.
The Pittsburgh Panthers feature a pair of talented defensive linemen whom they’ll lean heavily on if they hope to compete for a Big East title.
Offense
Dorin Dickerson: No. 2, FB/TE/H-Back, 6'2", 230
He's a jack-of-all-trades who’s a pure hybrid player on the Pittsburgh offense and has the ability to line up all over the field in the NFL. He's a physically gifted athlete who is put together well and displays good natural power on contact.
He. possesses the strength to win battles at the point of attack and contribute as a blocker at either tight end or fullback. He also showcases impressive straight-line speed down the field for his size and doesn’t take long to get going.
However, he’s raw in all areas of the game and has never really had a chance to develop at one position. He isn’t the most instinctive of receivers in the passing game and lacks ideal technique as a blocker. At this stage, he gets by mostly on his natural athletic ability, but he has the potential to develop into much more.
My Impression
He has a load of upside and could play any number of positions at the next level (FB, TE, H-back, LB). The physical tools are all there, and he reminds me a bit of former Pitt Panther Kris Wilson.
Nate Byham: No. 80, TE, 6'4", 258
He displays a strong base as a blocker and does a nice job extending his arms and keeping linemen off his frame. He isn’t heavy-handed and lacks the ability to stay on blocks, but possesses good footwork and showcases the quickness to mirror in space. He fires out of his stance low and demonstrates the ability to gain initial leverage on contact; can walk linemen off the ball.
Nate Byham
He possesses a good first step out of his stance in the passing game and does a nice job releasing cleanly off the line. He displays impressive concentration and consistently extends his arms and plucks the ball away from his frame.
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