Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Zebrie Sanders (Florida St.) - 2012 NFL Draft Pick #144 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Zebrie Sanders (2012 NFL Draft)

Position: Offensive Tackle

College: Florida State University

Overview

Zebrie Sanders was considered one of the more intriguing offensive tackle prospects heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. Having played for a prominent program like Florida State, he showcased both athleticism and strength on the field.

Strengths

• Size and Length: Sanders has an ideal frame for an NFL offensive tackle, standing at 6'6" and weighing approximately 300 pounds. His long arms provide a significant advantage in blocking situations.
• Footwork: He demonstrated excellent footwork during his college career, allowing him to stay balanced and agile while defending against speed rushers.
• Pass Protection: Sanders showed promise in pass protection, displaying the ability to anchor against bull rushes and maintain his ground against powerful defenders.
• Experience: With multiple years of starting experience at Florida State, he was well-versed in the techniques and responsibilities expected of an NFL offensive lineman.

Weaknesses

• Consistency: One of the main concerns was his inconsistency in performance. At times, he struggled with technique and would have lapses that could lead to penalties or quarterback pressures.
• Run Blocking: While solid in pass protection, Sanders had to improve his run-blocking technique. There were instances where he struggled to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage.
• Injury History: Teams had concerns about his durability, particularly after dealing with injuries during his college career, which could impact his long-term viability in the league.

Draft Projection

Sanders was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft, with many analysts believing that his upside as a developmental tackle could make him a valuable pick for teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth.

Final Thoughts

Zebrie Sanders presented a mix of potential and risk heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and college experience made him an attractive option for teams seeking to develop a young offensive tackle.