clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2011 NFL Draft Picks: Cowboys Select David Arkin, T/G, Missouri State - Beefing Up The Line

With the #110 pick in the NFL draft (#13 in the 4th round), the Dallas Cowboys selected offensive lineman David Arkin from Missouri State. A tackle at a lower-level school, Arkin will likely move inside to guard. A versatile guy that could swing between tackle and guard if needed. Versatile is a word that goes with Arkin. 6' 5", 300 lbs. Wasn't projected by most services to go this high in the draft.

It was hard to find solid scouting reports on the guy but jump below to read some. Also, Rick Gosselin had him as his #100 player, so that's good.

The best review I found was from Scott Wright at NFL Draft Countdown, he had him as his #8 guard:

Strengths:
Has experience at guard and tackle. Great size. Thick thighs. Adequate strength and lateral quickness. Had a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game. Anchors well. Has strong hands and uses them quickly. Does a good job of sustaining blocks.

Weaknesses:
Struggled early in the year at a new position as he would keep a poor base when drive blocking, didn’t always finish, and was too high on first contact to the second level. Needs to bend more. Lunges at defenders on the second level. Needs to get stronger.

Outlook:
Arkin has dominated his entire career at MSU and is one of the most versatile linemen in this draft with good tape at both tackle and guard for at least one full season. I like his ability to swing from guard and tackle as a backup early in his career and believe he could eventually start at guard with improved strength and some coaching. His ability at both positions could draw him up boards as high as 4th or 5th round.

Here's what Sideline Scouting says:

Positives: Smart... Good pass blocker... Reasonably quick pass set... Good short area quickness... Very solid lateral movement and slide... Good footwork and agility... Does a nice job changing direction... Plays with good balance... Can pull and get to the second level... Good flexibility and body control... Blocks reasonably well on the move... Good strength at POA... Can control once locked on... Solid drive blocker... Takes good angles... Does a nice job turning defenders from the running lane... Has some suddenness to his game, flashes some explosion... Physical... Relentless, gives a good effort, competitive.

Negatives: Needs to bulk up a bit... Plays too upright... Can be beat by outside speed.

NFL Draft Scout bio here.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Blogging The Boys Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of all your Dallas Cowboys news from Blogging The Boys