Interesting OT prospect - Fenuki Tupou
by cowboysuberfan on Mar 12, 2009 9:52 AM CDT
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PrintAs I've written before, I think we have a ticking time bomb at one of the most important positions on the team: left tackle.
Who knows how much Flozell has left in the tank. He fell off last year...was it injury? the lack of Kosier? Who knows, but he's soon to be 34, and hasn't had a history of being a workout warrior.
While Doug Free is an option, he hasn't shown much in his first two years to make me feel secure that he's definitely the guy to protect Romo's blindside. We need another option, and now is the time to start developing him.
I'd prefer having more options at LT rather than hoping that Flozell will rebound or that we'll definitely hit on a 4th rounder like Free. Its too important a position to be exposed at. The name Torrin Tucker should give us all shivers. I don't think Leonard Davis is an option, he wiffs too much as is at guard.
I was hoping someone like William Beatty might fall to us in the 2nd, but that looks all but impossible. However, another guy caught my eye out of the NFP's top 100
68. OT Fenuki Tupou, Oregon - A massive tackle prospect with good power and smooth feet for his size.
Did a little background on him, and he's a naturally massive and powerful guy, with good feet. He transferred from JUCO, so only has 2 years at the D1 level. Given another year of experience, and this guy might've been a first rounder. See his profile here.
All his negatives sound fixable with good coaching and experience. Plus, it sounds like he has the talent to move to guard if Free does develop into our next LT.
I'd love him in the 3rd, but given how OTs always go higher than expected, we might have to get him in the 2nd. While Duke Robinson has been a favorite of mine, I really think adding a guy who has the feet to play LT, plus the girth to play guard, might be more beneficial.
Anyone seen Tupou play?
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Not bad...
The history of the draft says Tackles rise and Guards/Centers drop.
Further, there are few OLB/DE/NT prospects that will drop to us, given the huge demand of all the teams switching to the 3-4 and the Planet Theory in general (there’s only so many big guys on the planet).
Because we have only 3 picks in the top 100 at #51, #69, #97+ (though one or two could be added at the end of round 3, I say that the prospects of getting any quality LT is remote at best.
However, this draft is EXTREMELY deep at Center and Guard. Add the BPA at DB, LB, and/or NT and you have a pretty decent draft heading into the old day 2.
Res firma mitescere nescit
I liked watching Tupou.
I thought he’d be more of a G/T hybrid in the pros, but he’s not much of a road grater; athough, he does have some power.
George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?
by Aaron Novinger on Mar 12, 2009 11:45 AM CDT reply actions
Yeah, you can bet Jason Smith is hearing.....
ca-ching, ca-ching
I know that.......
but this is just elevating him even more.
I think I'd only want one in those two spots.
Regarding Tupou, Oregon’s offense is based on a lot of running (QB or HB) from spread formations—not very pro-style considering Romo is probably gonna operate from the pocket as much as possible.
George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?
by Aaron Novinger on Mar 12, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
No on Tupou
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
+1
After thinking about it, I’d only take Tupou if he slipped into the 5th or lower round. I just remember seeing him standing around watching plays end.
George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?
by Aaron Novinger on Mar 14, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
He projects better at OG in the NFL...imo, and should be available mid 3rd to late 4th round.
Better possible LT prospects available at #51:
Eben Britton
William Beatty
Jamon Meredith
Troy Kropog
True....but he was projected early-mid second rounder prior to the Senior Bowl Games and Combine.
Many move up during that time…alas Jarron Gilbert, William Beatty, Conner Barwin,Clay Matthews, Donald Brown, etc. etc. etc.. all can go 1st round now, and were seen as 2nd-3rd rounders in December.
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