C, Max Unger, Oregon

C, Max Unger, Oregon

Pros:  Understands positioning and can turn and seal his opponent away from the ballcarrier. Sustains his block through the whistle. Excellent hand placement, balance, anchor and mirroring technique as a pass blocker.

Cons:  Oregon's offensive scheme hid his deficiencies in drive blocking. Better suited inside than out. Adept at the shotgun snap, but needs experience with the quarterback under center.

Styg's Broncos Fit:  A tough player with a nice, workman-like attitude towards his responsibilities.  Though his speed and agility impressed at the combine, on the field he doesn't look quite that quick.  He is, however, good on short pulls and traps and can land blocks at the second level.  Very intelligent and understands his job.  If he has a serious compromise, it is in his whole-body strength, as he is severely lacking in lower-body strength, and very inconsistent about using his upper-body strength to consistently hit and reset against opponents.  It really hurts his drive-blocking ability, which makes him an early liability in the running game.  Overall he is a solid player with experience at the tackle position, but I am expecting Denver to not rank him that highly for what they are trying to do, and for a second-round pick, I think they will be looking for more than a questionable starter.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

 Has plus agility for an interior linemen. Very light on his feet and quick off the snap. Moves in space fairly well. Properly targets defenders on the second level. Great character. Solid team player who switched effortlessly from left tackle to center. Has the intelligence to make pre-snap adjustments along the offensive line. Picks up blitzes nicely. Uses his quickness to adjust to spin moves and stunts.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• Ex-Oregon offensive lineman Max Unger recently came back from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he was one of seven Ducks to participate in the week's worth of medical tests, drills and interviews. He ran the third-fastest three-cone drill and 20-yard dash, and is projected as a second-round pick. He returned to Los Angeles on Saturday night, where he'll stay until he returns to Eugene for pro day on March 12. After one of the most stressful four days of his life, as he said, the Daily Emerald caught up with Unger.  [see more...]
• Unger is a very versatile offensive line prospect from the University of Oregon. He has started every game since setting foot on the Oregon campus, starting his freshman and sophomore seasons at left tackle before switching to center for his junior season. He is listed as a tackle prospect by ESPN, but will likely be a better center in the NFL.  [see more...]
• Was born in Hawaii...Redshirted in 2004 then went on to become a four-year starter...Twice named 1st Team All-Pac-10...Played left tackle his first two years with the Ducks then moved inside to center in 2007...Could realistically play center, guard or tackle at the next level...Good all-around player who is effective and both a run and pass blocker...Doesn't necessarily stand out in any way one area but his ability to play every position along the line is very enticing...Definitely has the ability to start in the NFL but should at the absolute least be a valuable backup...One of the premier  interior line prospects available.  [see more...]
• At this point in his career progression, Unger is a much better pass blocker than run blocker. As a sophomore, Unger was one of the best left tackles in the nation. Then, with the arrival of Fenuki Tupou at Oregon, he shifted inside so head coach Mike Bellotti could get the best players on the field. Will be at least a very dependable backup lineman at the next level.   [see more...]
• Unger is a very solid prospect that will give Alex Mack a run for his money to be the first center taken ... Could be a combine warrior ... Supreme versatility is his trademark, but first-round picks generally aren't draft for versatility ... Best fit is in the zone-blocking scheme, but really can start in a power running game.  [see more...]
• The Pac-10 has been known to feature standout offensive linemen to supply to the National Football League every draft, but organizations looking for a quality center in 2009 have spent more time than usual out on the West Coast. Unger and California's Alex Mack have long been regarded as the two elite centers in the collegiate ranks, as both have garnered numerous postseason awards. Based on their stellar performances throughout the week of practices at the Senior Bowl, a team selecting either of these players is sure to find their center issues will soon be resolved.
  
  Over the past three seasons, either Unger or Mack has received first-team All-Pac-10 Conference honors, with the other settling for second-team. Both are strikingly similar in size (6:04.5), weight (both are more than 300 pounds) and strength (Unger ranks second on the team with a 363-pound power clean lift and Mack holds the Cal squad record with a 374-pound lift). They have also provided excellent blocking in the middle of the line for their rushing attacks, as both have registered double-digit totals in touchdown-resulting blocks in each of their seasons as starters.  [see more...]
• An athletically gifted pivot man who has experience at left tackle. Can line up at any position along the offensive line and offers a lot of versatility. Possesses great foot quickness and athleticism in space. Displays elite lateral mobility for an interior lineman and is difficult to get around in pass protection. Extends his arms well and keeps D-linemen off his body.   [see more...]