Doug Free OT 6'6 324 Northern Illinois 5.22

Free has had his share of individual success in college, earning post season honors after each season he has played. As a freshman in 2003, he earned Freshman AA honors after being a key cog in Michael Turner’s success. The past two years he has earned All MAC honors, paving the way for Garrett Wolfe to put up major numbers. Free did not have his best season as a senior, but he was hindered with a stress fracture in his foot all season long.

Doug Free has the classic left tackle game. He is long and lean, and is a great pass blocker. He is an excellent athlete, and glides across the football field. He easily mirrors defenders moves, and he can get out and block on the move. Free is also an excellent run blocker, as evidenced by the success of the running backs for the Huskies over the past few seasons. He gets off the snap quickly and seals off defenders to open up holes.

The only real question with Free is that he needs to prove he can handle the added weight. He has put on about 20lbs from his playing weight, but he has the tendency to slide back down as the season goes on. He also is not overly powerful at the point of attack. He can open holes in the running game, but he’s a finesse blocker. Added strength would help him drive people off the ball.

Free has dropped a little this year, but not because he lacks the talent. The stress fracture in his foot limited his impact, and allowed some other lineman to creep up in the rankings. Free still has a lot of potential, and should hear his name called at some point on Day One.