2009 NFP scouting series: Penn State

(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Fires off the ball and gets on top of linebackers quickly. Is an impressive athlete for his size and possesses the straight-line speed to consistently get down the seam. Is an explosive leaper with long arms who knows how to high point the football and secure the catch. Displays good balance and fluidity as a route runner and knows how to separate out of his breaks. Still developing as a blocker, but certainly has the size and power to be effective in that area. Didn’t play much last season because of troubles off the field, and because of it he lacks some awareness in all areas of his game.

Impression: Is one of the most physically gifted tight ends in the country but has yet to put it all together. His lack of maturity is the only thing holding him back from developing into a good tight end at the next level.

Mickey Shuler: No. 82, TE, 6-4, 250

A savvy receiver who lacks the burst to get down the seam but displays good short-area quickness and knows how to work his way into soft spots on all levels of the field. Is a natural plucker who extends his arms well and does a nice job securing the ball over the middle. Showcases good technique as a blocker and consistently gets his hands inside and angles defenders away from the play.

Impression: Is never going to be much of a playmaker at the next level, but he does all the little things right and looks like a solid No. 2 option.

Stefen Wisniewski: No. 61, C/G, 6-3, 302

Is a bit narrow in his stance but showcases great flexibility and can really fire off the ball and get into linemen quickly. Has a strong lower half and does a nice job driving his legs through contact and washing interior defenders away from the play. Plays with natural leverage and consistently gets under his man and locks him out at the point of attack.

Showcases strong hands and does a nice job moving his feet and sliding with opponents on contact. Redirects quickly in the pass game and demonstrates the coordination to mirror defenders in space.

Possesses the body control to chip and get out to the second level, where he exhibits a jarring punch on contact. Displays good technique and bend in all areas of his game and can really anchor inside. Gets a bit ahead of himself on slide-down blocks and will lose his balance trying to stay on defenders down the line. However, he’s comfortable pivoting out of his stance and eliminating targets in space.

Impression: You can tell he’s the son of a former pro: He’s technically sound and looks NFL-ready. The best interior lineman I’ve studied so far this year.

Dennis Landolt: No. 73, OT, 6-4, 305

Lacks flexibility and is a bit high out of his stance, but does a nice job delivering a quick punch on contact. Moves his hands and feet in sync and showcases good coordination in pass protection. Displays a smooth kick-step on the outside, but consistently gets too high on contact and can get walked into his quarterback’s lap. However, he possesses impressive lateral mobility and redirects quickly off any kind of inside move.

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