Mock Draft Special: Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks has the Bucs drafting DT Evander (Who?) Hood with the 19th Overall Pick in the NFL Draft. His reasoning is the Bucs will pass on a RB with the Derrick Ward signing and that since they missed on Haynesworth they will go with Hood here. Don’t be alarmed, he also has Sanchez (8th Jaguars) going ahead of Stafford (10th 49ers). Who is this Evander Hood? . . .
Per the boys from Mocking the Draft:
Evander Hood
6'3, 295 pounds | Missouri | Defensive tackle
Strengths: Hood is a physical and aggressive tackle who likes to get after it along the line of scrimmage. He has good size and his frame looks to be nearly maxed out. Hood's tenacity is an asset against blockers. He keeps his hands active to quickly disengage and work down the line or into the backfield. Plays with a lot of intelligence and recognizes when cut blocks are coming or if a runner is changing direction. Hood displayed solid athleticism and agility at the Combine, which shows he could hold up in the 3-4.
Weaknesses: Because of his somewhat small size for the position, Hood will probably never be a two-gap plugger at the next level. Watching Hood, he'll too frequently get high in his stance, allowing offensive linemen to push him around. Has trouble with double teams, which he routinely saw his senior season. Doesn't finish plays off in the backfield. Had just 2.5 tackles for a lost and 1.5 sacks in 2008.
Final word: Hood saw his production drop dramatically in 2008 following a stellar junior season. His senior year exposed his flaws as a pass rusher and inability to handle two blockers. What a team will get in Hood is a consistent, hard working player who can handle the run fairly well. Reportedly showed a lot of effort during Senior Bowl practices. Played in 48 games at Missouri, starting 32.
Round projection: 2
Courtesy of YouTube:
Maybe I’m just impatient? I don’t see a player like this playing immediate dividends. When I think 1st Round Draft Pick I think of an immediate impact guy. Does Hood or Peria give you the feeling that either can anchor the line? I realize these are pretty big generalizations considering I’m basing my opinion off YouTube videos and mock draft hyperbole, but really? I know Buc ‘Em contributer kmac would be the first to tell me you build a team through the offensive and defensive lines. I guess I’m saying if we intend to draft Evander Hood or Peria Jerry in the 1st Round, wake me when it’s over…