NFL Draft Profile: Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH)

by khodder on Feb 22, 2012 2:25 PM MST in NFL Draft/Combine

Here is a look at a lower prospect that will not get the attention the other guys we have profiled will. Since late-round picks are every bit as important as early picks and are actually crucial to the long-term success of a franchise, let us look at one on the offensive line.

Brandon Brooks
Miami (OH)
Offensive Guard
6-5
343

Brooks is a prospect that has slipped under the radar a bit, he plays for a team that does not play on national TV very often or at all. After a redshirt seasons as a freshman Brooks has started every season since for the Redhawks of Miami(OH) all across the offensive line, he played both Left Tackle and Left Guard during an injury shortened season in 2010, he started all 12 games at Left Guard as a rFr in 2008 and then started every game in 2009 as well. He started most of the 2011 season at Right Guard after which he was a standout performer at the East-West Shrine Game. A player who could surprise a few people come draft day when his name is called, but that is no indictment on his ability as a player, moreso on the coverage that he has been afforded. His size is what should stick out to most immediately and though he does not carry it badly he could be just as effective in his game at a slimmer 325, a game based on power and brute strength, Brooks is phenomenal in the running game in 1 v 1 power blocking situations, and can hold his on in pass protection, particularly if he is given the protection afforded in pass pro to guards with players off both their left and right shoulders. He does need a bit of technique work, but those are things that can be cleaned up at the NFL level, especially in a mid round selection. Has huge upside to his game.

His size, position, tendencies towards power blocking, and small school education are all hallmarks of what may interest the Cardinals in the draft, especially along the offensive line where Arizona could use help. Despite the low amount of buzz around Brooks and the lack of a combine invite his name should be called somewhere around the third round, the Cardinals will likely be looking for some offensive line help and Brooks is a guy that fits the scheme in Arizona very well, he fits their previous draft tendencies and he could conceivably come in a compete for the starting job at Right-Guard for the Cardinals from day one.

Check out these scouting reports on Brooks;
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=37019
http://nflsfuture.com/2012/02/07/brandon-brooks-scouting-report/

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i have yet to hear bout this cat

But if we do our homework we can possibly get lucky there’s always middle to late round gems and dam he’s huge, I say let’s work him out and if he fares well and there in the 3rd – 4th round why not roll the dice ? It can pay dividends imo

by tucson cards fan on Feb 22, 2012 2:49 PM MST via mobile reply actions

Did a post on my analysis of the top guard prospects over at BTSC...

I loved what I saw from Brooks at the East-West Shrine game. In his other film at Miami (Ohio) however he was popping straight up which can be concerning. If you all want to check it out it is here….

I included multiple videos of each prospect playing as well.

Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert

by Steel34D on Feb 22, 2012 3:21 PM MST reply actions

Nice

I keep seeing Bergstrom listed with tackles and just kind of shake my head. Have you seen Quentin Saulsberry play? I thought he did a pretty good job at the E-W Shrine game and is a player who will be available pretty late in the draft.

I looked over your Mock Draft for the Steelers, as well. You’re way off — no linebackers? What kind of a 7-round mock for the Steelers doesn’t have them taking at least one linebacker?! Also, Derek Wolfe won’t be available for you in the fifth since the Cardinals will be taking him ;)

by tw3kr on Feb 22, 2012 5:55 PM MST up reply actions

I have done 6 Mock drafts as of now

Your right my last one probably should have and could have had a LB. However in my mind I didn’t see one worth it. I like Nigel Bradham and have had him there in the past mocks at the third round. I also like Jame-Michael Johnson from Nevada and I have had them taking him in the fourth.
I am not a fan of Hightower, Burfict isn’t on there radar and I don’t see another worth prospect till the third. Yeah they may take an LB but that draft I played with other scenarios. Every other one I had them taking at least one.

by Steel34D on Feb 22, 2012 7:06 PM MST up reply actions

I like Bradham a lot, as well

JMJ in the fourth would be all right. I’m hoping the linebackers slip a little bit like we saw last year and go a round or two later than currently projected because the Cardinals don’t have a second-round pick and it’s proving difficult plugging in all the guys I want without it! There are a couple ILB’s I would consider late in the draft: Tank Carder, Brandon Marshall, Najee Good.

by tw3kr on Feb 22, 2012 7:28 PM MST up reply actions

Quentin Saulberry

The center/guard from Mississippi State. I love the way he plays. Fiery, nasty with the drive to finish, however he doesn’t really have the strength or size (weight) to be as physical as he needs to be. I don’t know if someone with his body type is going to be able to bulk up anymore either. He is smart and has started at every position on the line. If he could bulk up get to 315-320lbs with strength I like the guy and how he plays the game. With his lack of size but high intelligence I think he is more of a back up center for a team.

by Steel34D on Feb 22, 2012 7:14 PM MST up reply actions