C, Eric Wood, Louisville

C, Eric Wood, Louisville

Pros:  Taller than most centers, but not too upright in pass protection and can still cut block. Works hard on every play, and goes through the whistle.

Cons:  Can adequately combo to the middle linebacker and get in front of screens at the college level, but may have issues handling NFL speed in the open field.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   Smart, strong and athletic with lots of durability and and an unquestionable drive and work ethic, this player is almost perfect for Denver.  Where he falls a bit short is in the characteristic "nimbleness" required from our interior linemen.  But for as tall as he is, he has mastered keeping his pads low and rarely loses the leverage battle, and he understands opposing defenses inside and out, putting in lots of extra time to study them.  He isn't the most consistent through the hips and knees, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to stay with and finish a block.  He has an intense attitude and gives 100% every play.  Denver will definitely value Wood, but may find themselves out of the running before they even have a chance to consider him in the 2nd round.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

Wood is incredibly quick off the snap. He get s rid of the ball and gets into his stance effortlessly. Has no durability concerns at all and started 49 consecutive games. Wood is an anchor in the middle of the line who can neutralize most tackles on his own. He does this by getting good hand position and driving the defenders away form the play. Keeps good position thanks to a solid base. Rarely snapped the ball high. Good blitz recognition while the play is developing. Has a frame that can carry much more weight.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• Redshirted in 2004 then went on to become a four-year starter for the Cardinals...Owns the Louisville record for consecutive games in the starting lineup with 49...Was named All-Big East three times (2nd Team in 2006 and 1st Team in both 2007 and 2008)...Also earned Academic All-Big East accolades...Played tight end his junior year in high school...Could also project to offensive guard at the next level...A workmanlike player who certainly isn't flashy but possesses adequate physical tools as well as  top-notch intangibles ... Underrated prospect.  [see more...]
• A team captain and four year starter at the center position for the Cardinals, often the voice of an offensive line.  Increased his weight room numbers across the board each offseason. Known as a film “nut” that prepares himself as good as any offensive lineman in the country. A hard nosed, nasty attitude on the field that has him playing through the whistle each play.  Makes plenty of reads pre-snap and dishes out assignments to his fellow linemen. Film-savvy and understands how to prepare himself for any kind of opponent. Has a tight grasp of what is going on with complex blitzing and stunting schemes.  Gets into his technique quickly after the snap and has a good sense of how to use both his upper and lower body to win a battle.  [see more...]
• In 2007, Wood led the nation's sixth-ranked offense, picking up All-Big East first-team honors. He collected 86 knockdowns and 11 touchdown-resulting blocks. He was one of the few bright spots on a turnover-prone offense, grading 83.25 percent for blocking consistency. He helped the team average 488.0 yards per game, but the Cardinals' running game was halted, placing 64th in the country (146.08 ypg) after finishing 12th the previous season (185.31 ypg).
  
  For the second season in a row, Louisville failed to make the bowl season in 2008. Wood continued his stellar play, receiving third-team All-American and first-team All-Big East honors. The offense scored only 34 times, with Wood ranking second among the nation's centers with 16 touchdown-resulting blocks. He graded 87.08 percent for blocking consistency and made 78 knockdowns as the Cardinals averaged 376.67 yards per game. He also recorded an assisted tackle.  [see more...]
• A tough, blue-collar lineman who likes to get his hands on defensive linemen and drive them off the ball. Possesses a powerful punch at the point of attack and the leg drive to consistently finish blocks. A hard worker with a motor that goes non-stop. Showcases decent foot quickness and has the length to keep defenders off of his body in tight quarters.  [see more...]
• Hey scoutingthesports.com viewers this is Eric Wood. I went to the University of Louisville and I played football for them too. Training out in southern California is great. I met a lot of great people and had a lot of great experiences. Athletes First takes care of us great. Living out here is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I have been so spoiled with nice meals and places that I don’t know what I am going to do when I get back to Louisville. Life was a lot more stressful out here before the combine because there was so much emphasis on all of the drills  [see more...]