Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Derek Newton (Arkansas St.) - 2011 NFL Draft Pick #214 by HOU

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Derek Newton - 2011 NFL Draft

College: Arkansas State

Position: Offensive Tackle

Scouting Report

• Size and Strength: Derek Newton possesses a solid frame with good height and weight for an offensive tackle. His physical attributes make him a candidate for both tackle positions in the NFL.
• Agility: Newton demonstrated good footwork and agility during his college career, allowing him to effectively block speed rushers off the edge.
• Pass Blocking: He showed promise in pass protection, displaying the ability to set up quickly and maintain balance against various types of defensive linemen.
• Run Blocking: Newton was effective in run blocking schemes, often getting to the second level and creating opportunities for running backs.

Weaknesses

• Technique: At times, he struggled with hand placement and leverage, which can be an issue against more skilled pass rushers at the NFL level.
• Consistency: Newton's performance varied from game to game, leading to concerns about his ability to maintain a high level of play throughout a season.
• Competition Level: Playing at Arkansas State, he faced less competition compared to larger programs, raising questions about his readiness for the NFL.

Draft Projection

Derek Newton was projected to be a mid-to-late round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Teams were intrigued by his physical tools and potential but were cautious due to concerns about his technique and level of competition.

Overall Assessment

Newton was viewed as a developmental prospect with the potential to grow into a reliable offensive tackle given the right coaching and experience. His versatility and size made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth.