2009 NFP scouting series: Texas A&M

This summer, the National Football Post is breaking down every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to identify players who might warrant interest from NFL teams in the 2010 draft.

The Texas A&M Aggies have a solid group of returning offensive linemen, which should further enhance the development of junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson next season.

Offense

Jerrod Johnson: No. 1, QB, 6-5, 230

APQuarterback Jerrod Johnson

Displays an elongated throwing motion and will consistently drop his elbow down and slingshot passes underneath. Isn’t real accurate on any area of the field and struggles with his timing when asked to throw receivers open. Gets lazy with his footwork and doesn’t always stride into throws; has a tendency to get flat-footed in the pocket. Doesn’t throw a real tight spiral, and when he tries to force the ball down the field, passes tend to nose-dive on him.

Possesses impressive athletic ability for his size and does a nice job buying time in the pocket and keeping drives alive with his legs. However, he needs to do a better job recognizing defenses before the snap. Has a tendency to take off running too quickly and leaves some potential big plays on the field. Is physical in the open field and knows how to make a man miss; isn’t afraid to lower his head and fight for tough yards.

Impression: Possesses a nice skill set, but is far from NFL-caliber QB at this stage. His lack of footwork from the pocket holds him back in the passing game.

Kevin Matthews: No. 63, OC, 6-4, 298

Displays good short-area quickness when asked to reach defenders and has the technique to walk defensive linemen down the line and/or away from the ball. Snaps and steps quickly and does a nice job gaining inside leverage on linemen lined up off his frame. However, lacks the natural power to simply drive defensive tackles off the ball when they line up over his face. Can be overpowered by the bull-rush and struggles creating much movement as an in-line run blocker.

Isn’t much of a Velco play and lacks the upper body strength to stick to his blocks. However, he does a nice job shuffling his feet through contact and working to stay in front of his man.

Impression: Is at his best reaching defensive linemen off his frame and sealing them away from the ball, but doesn’t stand out in any other area of the game.

Lee Grimes: No. 74, OG/OT, 6-6, 339

Displays natural flexibility out of his stance and possesses a fundamentally sound kick-step off the edge. Possesses only average base strength for his size, but at times does a good job lowering his pad level on contact and anchoring at the point of attack. However, he needs to do a better job extending his long arms and delivering a stronger punch. Struggles with his footwork in the pass game and will lunge into defenders, which causes him to lose balance and at times whiff on blocks. Isn’t real fluid after initial contact and needs to do a better job locking on to his opponents. Lumbers when asked to make his way into the second level, but displays good body control and can break down in the open field.

Impression: Displays impressive flexibility for a guy his size, but needs to do a better job extending his arms and punching defenders on the outside. Looks like a development RT/OG prospect at the next level.

Michael Shumard: No. 76, OT, 6-5, 305

Isn’t a natural bender and lacks the burst to fire out of his stance and get into blocks quickly. Doesn’t possess the fluidity to reach defenders at the second level and struggles breaking down and hitting a moving target. Has a long kick-step on the outside and does a surprisingly decent job reaching the corner and getting his hands on defensive linemen. Is physical on contact, and even when he loses a step on defenders, he still makes it tough for them to shed his blocks. However, he lacks fluidity and struggles redirecting quickly out of his kick-step. Is susceptible to any kind of inside or counter move and doesn’t display the footwork needed to mirror linemen in space.

Does a nice job extending his arms on contact and sealing the edge. Possesses some power in his lower half and can walk defenders away from the play.

Impression: Isn’t a natural bender and lacks fluidity in pass protection. Is a right tackle prospect only, but he doesn’t possess the natural power to consistently drive NFL-caliber defensive linemen off the ball.

Defense

Matt Featherston: No. 46, ILB, 6-2, 235

APMatt Featherston

Possesses a thinly built lower body and skinny-looking calves. Lacks the power to efficiently stack and shed blocks and struggles making plays on the ball inside. Displays decent burst and footwork in coverage and does a nice job closing on the football away from his frame. Needs to do a better job using his hands to keep himself clean in traffic. Is easily cut down or knocked off balance when asked to make plays is pursuit and doesn’t play with the kind of flexible, strong base needed for the position.

Impression: His best attribute is his athletic ability for the position, but even that’s average at best. Doesn’t make enough plays at the line to be considered much of an NFL prospect.

Jordan Peterson: No. 5, FS/CB, 5-9, 186

A naturally gifted athlete with a great burst and impressive second gear to his game. Is an explosive leaper who times the play well and has the ability to high-point the ball. Throws his body around in the secondary and displays some pop as a hitter. However, he lacks overall bulk and looks very thin for the safety position. Has had trouble staying healthy and will need to add more muscle to his frame this offseason to handle the rigors of a Big 12 season.

Impression: An explosive athlete who flashes on tape but looks more like a potential slot guy.

Jordan Pugh: No. 25, CB/FS, 5-11, 190

APJordan Pugh

Possesses good size and gets up to speed quickly when asked to track balls down the field. Lacks balance and flexibility in his drop and consistently sidesaddles his way out of his back-pedal. Opens his hips up nearly instantly off the snap and is forced to chop his feet in order to drive on the football. Lacks footwork in all areas of his game and consistently gets too high when asked to break down. Doesn’t showcase much power or fight when trying to disengage from blocks and isn’t instinctive when asked to attack the line of scrimmage. Is slow to react to the pass and has a tendency to get flat-footed when receivers sit down in front of him.

Impression: Lacks the footwork needed to play cornerback in the NFL. His best shot might be at free safety.

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