08-25-2019, 10:25 AM
(08-23-2019, 07:07 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: I do not understand why this thread has become toxic. I started this thread because Westerman had promise when drafted. I never understood what was holding him back. He was considered a "steal" in the 5th round and compared to Alex Mack...
For those that do not remember, here is his draft profile
OVERVIEW
Westerman was a top national recruit who attended Auburn for his first two years, losing most of his redshirt freshman season due to injury before deciding to return to his home state of Arizona to finish his career. He excelled last fall in his first season as a starter for the Sun Devils, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 notice for his stout play and mobility at left guard. Westerman's play his senior campaign did not disappoint, as his attitude, stoutness, mobility, and solid technique made him a second-team all-conference performer.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Outstanding athleticism and movement skills. Is quick off the snap and able to beat defenders to the spot. Can get to difficult cross-face blocks using timing, technique and footwork. At his best when on the move. When pulling or climbing to second level, has a terrific connect rate against moving targets in space. True technician. Plays with desired balance and base and his feet rarely stop chopping and working after contact. Approaches target with bend and rolls hips up under him after contact. Has massive bear paws for hands and is a weight room freak daddy. Has hand placement and upper body strength to lockout pass rushers if he gets extension first. Father was a three-year starter at guard for Arizona State. Should test off the charts at the combine.
WEAKNESSES While he moves stacks of weights with ease, his play strength doesn't always match that when matched up against interior power players. Short yardage push will not be an NFL strength. May need more mass on his frame to handle NFL defensive tackles. When asked to base block, becomes more of a stalemate blocker than block-winner. Could use a more authoritative punch in pass protection. I question whether he can effectively redirect interior pass rushers once they get into the edge on him.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 2 or 3
NFL COMPARISON Alex Mack
BOTTOM LINE Quick-twitch, athletic guard who comes from a football family and has been working on his strength and athleticism from a young age. Offensive line coaches will appreciate Westerman's technical savvy and zone scheme teams will covet his fluidity and blocking ability on the move. A move to center is not out of the question thanks to his body type and quickness and his draft stock may be helped by a potential ability to offer roster depth at several offensive line positions.
I do not know what Westerman is dealing with at the moment. It could be family issues, mental health issues, motivation issues. We simply do not know. But for now he is a Bengal. I hope he can play OT for goodness sake.
I think the bottom line is we are going to see more and more of this. As the medical field becomes more and more knowledgeable about CTE, and legends like Jim Brown are show going to the podium to announce a draft pick with the aid of a walker, there will be more players who make a nice amount of money and think about getting out healthy. If they have a decent degree, or even not, as long as they have smart investment counselors, they can play golf the rest of their life instead of being in pain. It's a lot to think about for someone at that stage.
