Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Craig Sauer (Minnesota) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #188 by ATL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Craig Sauer - 1996 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
- **Name:** Craig Sauer
- **College:** University of Minnesota
- **Position:** Offensive Lineman
Physical Attributes:
- **Height:** 6'4"
- **Weight:** 300 lbs
- **40-Yard Dash:** 5.1 seconds
Strengths:

• Versatile Lineman: Capable of playing multiple positions on the offensive line, showcasing adaptability to different schemes.
• Strong Blocker: Known for his powerful blocking technique, both in the run game and pass protection.
• Football IQ: Demonstrates a high level of understanding of defensive schemes and can make adjustments on the fly.
• Durability: Showed consistent performance throughout his college career, rarely missing games due to injury.

Weaknesses:

• Foot Speed: While effective, he lacks the elite foot speed that some teams prefer in their offensive linemen.
• Consistency: At times, he struggled with maintaining technique under pressure, leading to occasional penalties.
• Limited Athleticism: His overall athletic profile may not meet the demands of the most fast-paced offenses.

College Performance:
Craig Sauer had a solid college career, starting multiple games and earning accolades for his performance. He was recognized for his contributions to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, particularly during his senior season where he helped anchor the offensive line. Projected Draft Round:
Most analysts projected Sauer to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 1996 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and preferences for offensive linemen.

Overall Assessment:

Craig Sauer was viewed as a reliable offensive lineman with the potential to develop into a starter at the professional level. His versatility and strong fundamentals made him a valuable asset, albeit with some concerns about his athleticism and consistency under pressure. Teams looking for depth on the offensive line or a project player to develop would find Sauer an appealing option in the mid-rounds of the draft.