2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: OT Zebrie Sanders

The search goes on for the guy who can protect the Falcons franchise from the blind side. Zebrie Sanders is one of the options the Falcons have brought in and would look at in the draft.

Zebrie Sanders 

Offensive Tackle

Florida State University 

Combine Measurements

Height: 6'5-1/2" Weight: 320 pounds

Arm Length: 35" Hand Measurement: 10-7/8"

40 yard dash: 5.41 sec. 20 yard split: 3.06 sec. 10 yard split: 1.84 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.99 sec. 3-cone Drill: 8.15 sec. Bench Reps: 28 reps

Vertical Jump: 27.0" Broad Jump: 8'4" 

Stats 

2008 - 13 Games, 11 Games Started: 10 starts at Right Tackle, 1 start at Left Tackle

2009 - 13 Games, 12 Games Started: 12 starts at Right Tackle

2010 - 14 Games, 14 Games Started: 13 starts at Right Tackle, 1 start at Left Tackle

2011 - 13 Games, 13 Games Started: 6 starts at Right Tackle, 7 starts at Left Tackle 

Scouting Report

Strengths

He has great footwork in the passing game and uses his abilities to make sure he keeps his body between the rusher and the quarterback for at least two to three seconds per play. He uses his hands well and can get good pad control in pass blocking.

He's a solid zone blocking run blocker and can work well with the other linemen on the team to form seals on the edge or inside and allow a back to get through cleanly.

Weaknesses

While he is a good technician, he has a lot of trouble with power rushers and isn't the most athletic player out there. He has a tendency to get lost sometimes on the field and will get beat by players that he should have a definite command of.

Overview

Sanders is a good all around player, however, he is going to be miscast by a team as a left tackle when he is a left guard, right guard or even a right tackle. He just isn't quick enough to play a tackle spot in the NFL unless he's in the right scheme. 

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Sanders is a guy who should be available in the second to third round and could be selected as someone who will be competition to start. However, as a pro he's likely a better fit at the right guard spot than anything else.