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John Drake OG USC 6’4 350
By: Robert Davis

John Drake has been one of the most underrated college lineman the past couple seasons. Despite playing on back to back national champion teams, his name is never mentioned among the top guard prospects. USC has had a lot of offensive line talent over the past two seasons, including Cowboys 2nd round pick Jacob Rogers, but there may not have been a more important lineman to USC’s success over the past two seasons. He has opened up holes for the thunder and lightning duo of LenDale White and Reggie Bush, and helped give Heisman winner Matt Leinart time to throw the ball downfield.

John Drake is one of the most physically gifted guards in this draft. He has great size, is a great athlete at that size, and is very strong. Drake can be a dominating run blocker. Once he locks on to an opponent, the lineman is out of the play. But he also is a great pull blocker and can get out and block on the move.

There are two pressing issues with Drake and how he projects to the next level. He has been injury prone in his two years with USC, having numerous ankle injuries. He needs tests to show that his ankle is 100% to help with the durability concern. But Drake also has weight issues. This could be related to the ankle injuries, as Drake has on more than one occasion been layed up immobile because of his injured ankle. He is listed at 350, but is probably in the 370 range. He needs to show up in the 350’s to show he is willing to put in the work to keep himself in shape.

John Drake could be one of the bigger steals in the draft if he can stay healthy and show he has the dedication to keep himself in shape. As a player, he has the skills to be a first day selection at offensive guard. With the questions around his durability and conditioning however, he is not going to be taken until Day two.

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