7th Round: Andrew Datko, OT, FSU

[humanrefutation]

Ted does it again! #noideawhothisguyis

[ReasonablySober]

Datko played four games in 2011 because of persistent shoulder injuries but was a stalwart of the Florida State offensive line when healthy. He is a much better run blocker than pass blocker and will need to work on his pass set and overall strength to be able to block NFL-caliber defensive ends. A former walk-on, Datko has the drive and competitive spirit necessary to succeed at the next level; he certainly has the size. A big man who can get overpowered at times, strength training should be a postseason necessity for him.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Datko is fast off the line of scrimmage and immediately fits on his blocks. He is not an explosive mover, but he can stay with his blocks once on them. In pass protection he can struggle at times but usually blocks long enough to get the job done. He makes up for his average athletic ability by being technically sound and understanding how to use his hands and feet to keep defenders occupied. He works hard to keep defenders moving in the run game and, despite his weaknesses, is a "get the job done" player at the end of plays and games.
WEAKNESSES Datko can be stiff at times and struggles noticeably with certain movements. While he is an effective blocker, it is usually not pretty. When he has to move a lot, inconsistencies in his play can show up. He does fit on blocks OK, but it is often a struggle for him to get there. He is a catcher as a blocker, but it has served him well up to this point.

[beyond_the_arc]

McShay had some good comments that the guy had 2nd or 3rd round ability flashes before his shoulder injury. He had surgery after his junior year and was still effected by it this year which is why he was shut down after 4 games.

[emunney]

Gotta like getting a potential starting T (down the line, of course) in the 7th. Maybe we put him on IR and let him work with our strength and conditioning team for a year.

[xTitan]

definitely worth the risk in the 7th round, if he can't recover from shoulder problems you really don't lose much.

[Wilford Brimley]

Can't hate taking a lineman at this point in the draft.

[RiotPunch]

When healthy, Datko is a 3rd round caliber tackle. I think he's better than his teammate Zebrie Sanders, and has the potential to play LT. Fabulous value in the 7th, assuming those shoulders are going to be okay.