 |
By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: The Baylor Bears have featured a prolific point-machine offense since Art Briles took over the program. The Bears have had some stars at the offensive skill positions while their offensive line has gone under the radar for their quality play. Over the past three years, Drango was a mainstay on the line that produced a ton of yards and touchdowns for the program.
Drango started his impressive play in 2013 when he was a strong run blocker and has steadily improved his pass protection. However he went out for the season in mid-November with a ruptured disc in his back. In 2014, Drango played well and was a quality blind-side protector for Bryce Petty. Drango had some some late-season struggles though, especially with Michigan State in bowl season. The Spartans’ ends showed that Drango could be better off moving inside to guard.
That view was reinforced during Drango’s senior year and at the Senior Bowl. He had some struggles with the speed rushers in one-on-ones in Mobile. However, Drango was impressive as a run blocker as he used his size and strength to push defenders out of their gap at the point of attack.
As a guard, Drango could have starting potential in the NFL. He has the feet and enough athleticism to handle pass protection. Drango should be a good run blocker with ability to drive block defenders at the point of attack. He would be a better fit in a man-blocking scheme. Drango will need to continue to work on his feet and technique in pass protection against fast interior rushers.
Some NFL teams could consider moving Drango to right tackle. He might be able to develop into a starter there, but could have some issues in pass protection early on. Given Drango’s experience at left tackle, he looks like at the very least he could start out as a valuable backup on game days who could play either guard position or tackle if an injury hit a starter. It shouldn’t be too long before Drango is capable of being a starter at left or right guard.
Drango could go on the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft, but if he falls to the third day, he should not last long.
Player Comparison: Andrew Norwell. Norwell went undrafted, but has turned into a starting guard for Carolina. Norwell (6-6, 325) and Drango are almost identical in size. Norwell can get movement in the ground game and showed surprising skills at not allowing pressure on Cam Newton. If Drango lands with good coaching and plays right or left guard, I think he could have a strong start to his career like Norwell has for Carolina.
NFL Matches: Indianapolis, San Diego, Miami, Green Bay, San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York Jets, Buffalo, New England, Denver, Kansas City and Seattle
There are a lot of teams that could use a versatile blocker like Drango to help their offensive line. The Colts have to upgrade their front as Andrew Luck has been running for his life for years, and last year, it caught up with them. Denver and Kansas City could also use more young competition on their offensive lines.
Miami has a huge hole at guard and could use two additions there this offseason. Drango could make sense for the Dolphins on the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Every year, it seems like injuries ravage the offensive lines of the Chargers and the Packers. Having a versatile backup would make sense for both teams. Seattle needs to improve the right side of its line, and Drango could compete there for the Seahawks.
The 49ers, Eagles and Jets all could use some youth on their offensive lines. The Bills could take Drango as versatile competitor to push their guards. New England’s offensive line was battered and ineffective late in 2015. Adding more blocking talent up front is a necessity for the Patriots. Drango would give New England some flexibility with a guard/tackle competitor.
RELATED LINKS:
2016 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2016 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2016 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
