2009 NFP Scouting Series: Virginia Tech

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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 Virginia Tech Hokies return a talented group of prospects from their 2009 Orange Bowl victory and are again expected to compete for the ACC title.

Offense

Tyrod Taylor: No. 5, QB, 6'1", 216

More of an athlete playing the quarterback position at this stage in his development. Is a really gifted runner and is always a threat to take off and pick up yards on the ground. Showcases natural strength in the open field with the lateral agility to consistently make the first man miss.

Isn’t real comfortable in the pocket and gets squeamish in the face of pressure; has a tendency to put his head down and tuck the ball away too quickly. Is still developing as a passer and is limited to only reading one side of the field. Struggles going through his progressions and lacks the ability to decipher information quickly in the pass game. Has a tendency to bounce in the pocket and lacks ideal footwork when setting to throw.

Is a more gifted passer than given credit for, possesses a strong arm and can fit the ball into tight areas. His accuracy will get spotty at times, and he lacks ideal rhythm in the short/intermediate pass game, but displays good touch down the field.

Impression: Still has a way to go, but offers an intriguing skill set and should at least find a home as a “wildcat” option.

Ed Wang: No. 77, OT, 6'5", 305

Is a tall, lean lineman who displays a quick kick-step off the snap and has the athleticism to reach the corner in the pass game. Is very patient in pass protection and does a nice job extending his arms and keeping linemen off his frame.

Possesses the fluidity to mirror defenders in space with the coordination to punch, recoil, and set again quickly. However, he lacks ideal flexibility and has a tendency to get too high off the ball. Can be bull-rushed at the point of attack.

Exhibits good quickness out of his stance in the run game and showcases the athleticism to get around linemen and reach block on either side of him. Displays good hand placement on contact and demonstrates an ability to angle defenders away from the play and seal outside. Looks natural when asked to pull along the line and possesses the body control to consistently hit a moving target at the second level.

Impression: Needs to add a little more power/bulk to his frame, but is a coordinated athlete who could end up developing into a starting left tackle at the next level.

Sergio Render: No. 70, OG, 6'3", 318

A thick, long-armed lineman who’s a natural bender and can really fire out of his stance. Displays good pop on contact and does a nice job winning initial hand battles and gaining inside position. Consistently is able to work his legs through contact and create movement as an in-line run blocker.

Looks natural in space and exhibits the body control to drop his pad level and cut down defenders along the line of scrimmage. Does an excellent job pivoting out of his stance and quickly reaching targets away from his frame.

Sits into his stance well and displays the base strength to anchor vs. the interior bull-rush. Possesses the size and length to engulf defenders at the point of attack but has a tendency to get a bit overextended on contact. Lacks ideal lateral fluidity when engaged and will fall off blocks in pass protection.

Impression: Has the ability to create movement in the run game and engulf defenders at the point of attack. Looks like a starting interior lineman at the next level.

Greg Boone: No. 8, TE, 6'3", 287

A massive tight end prospect who displays good short-area quickness in the pass game and runs very well for a player his size. Is shifty after the catch and exhibits the power to consistently rumble through tacklers in the open field. Possesses good natural strength as a blocker and can control defenders at the point of attack.

Impression: Displays impressive body control and agility for his size. Might be a prospect who could add some weight and possibly make the move to the offensive line at the next level.

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