Christian Ballard 2010 Profile

Player Name: Christian Ballard – 6’5 297

‘09 Position: DT

’09 Season Stats:  36 TOT(18 Solo 36 Ast) 9 TFL, 5.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries

Game by game Grade:

	Ballard
UNI	3
Iowa St	4
Arizona	2
Penn St	2
Arkansas St	3
Michigan	-1
Wisconsin	2
Michigan St	4
Indiana	3
Northwestern	4
Ohio St	2
Minnesota	5
Georgia Tech	2
Season Totals:	35

Strengths: Athletic ability, Discipline, Motor.

Weaknesses: Anchoring ability, Hand usage/stack-shed, Pass Rush variety

Notes:  A converted DE who made a nice adjustment inside and who fits in the mold of the ideal 2 technique DT. Has excellent athletic ability and will range out on perimeter plays. Does an excellent job in twists and stunts and can close in a hurry on a QB. Had some issues holding up against double teams when at POA. Relentless motor for a guy who played virtually every snap on defense in ‘09.  Needs to improve hand placement on his punch and bull rush. Shows the ability to consistently penetrate and disrupt running plays when left 1 on 1 inside. No durability issues of any kind and has started the last 26 games. Played as true freshman in ’07.

Summary: A bit undersized in ’09 but has the frame to support more bulk and not lose agility. His role in ’10 will likely be very similar to ’09 and he should be improved when anchoring against the run after adding bulk.  He rarely gave up his gap in ’09 but needed to shed faster and attack the ball carrier more consistently. He may also benefit from all the attention teams have to give Adrian Clayborn also. Definitely will get more attention from NFL scouts as the year goes on and he should steadily rise up most draft boards. Looks to have a lot of upside and is a smart football player. Ballard seems to be an overlooked player on a very talented DL.          

’10 Projection: Season total Grade: +44

44 TOT(21 Solo 23 Ast) 11.5 TFL, 6.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries