Unsung AP Draft Prospects Part III: Louis Vasquez

I went to the bottom of the draft barrel again for this one. Whether Brian Waters stays or goes fact is we need another guard. Tackles benefit immensely from having a solid guard to push defenders into, as evidenced by Branden Albert's success next to Brian Waters, Vasquez may be the answer. Here's my case for him.

via images.morris.com 

Measurables

• Height: 6'5"
• Weight: 333 pounds
• 225 Bench: 39x
• 40: 5.22
• Vertical: 30 1/2"
• Arm Length: 34 3/4"

Production Notes

• Couldn't find any highlight reels for him however if you watch Graham Harrell's highlight reel you can see him in the LG position, he takes a lot of blocks independently, freeing up surrounding linemen for the double team. He seems a little slow off the snap but that's expected in a spread offense as the linemen often have to anticipate the snap just as much as the defense.
• Didn't allow a sack all season in both his Junior and Senior campaigns despite playing in the pass happy Texas Tech offense.
• Touted as the best linemen of the high powered Texas Tech offense
• Named the eighth best guard in the draft by nfldraftscout.com
• Was named to the All Big XII second team  and All America third team

Things to look at

• He has only set up private workouts for Philadelphia and Miami, but wants every chance he can get to raise his stock (currently sits in the fifth round)
• Posted the most bench reps at the combine with 39 and ties for eighth place in the vertical amongst all offensive linemen
•  Suffered injuries throughout his career at Texas Tech, but was on the field a lot more than on the bench, and has played through injury before.
• He is obviously a top tier pass blocker amongst linemen in the draft, however his potential as a run blocker is astounding. He's got tons of brute strength (judged by his bench and vert turnout) in all the right places to surprise scouts as a run blocker.
• At 6'5" 335 pounds he's larger than all the top tier offensive tackles in the draft. And his wingspan in longer than all the top tier tackles' as well. A switch to RT would not be out of the question here.
• Played LG in college, a position currently occupied by Brian Waters, but Texas Tech has thrown him in different positions on certain occasions

Current NFL player comparison

via i2.chargers.com

Kris Dielman

• He caries LT weight and height and executes this to control the interior line.
• Dielman, just like Vasquez, played in a pass happy system back in Indiana. 
• Dielman is a consistent pass blocker and absolutely crushes opposing linemen in the run game. Nick Hardwick, Mike Goff, and Kris Dielman have been crucial aspects in creating a powerhouse running game by opening up huge lanes for LT and Darren Sproles. 
• What a coincidence he didn't allow a single sack last season.

My Verdict

• He has all the right tools to become a very solid starter in the NFL whether it be as a tackle or guard, although his nimble feet and ability to move his weight fairly quickly makes him prime cut to be an excellent guard
• Has the potential to be a very versatile lineman holding all the tools to play any position on the line
• Worth the pick if we get him in the fourth although he is projected to go early fifth, his potential outweighs his risk substantially.
• When I watch Graham Harrells highlight reel I see the LT pushing blocks his way a lot. If he plays at the same level he played in college he could hide a blemish at the RT position on the line. His ability to pick up blocks after he pancakes his man could make Damion Macintosh serviceable for one more season if Macintosh simply pushes his lineman in toward Vasquez after a couple seconds
• Could prove to be a vital part of the Chiefs success with two of three opponents in the AFC west now running the 3-4.  3-4's are taken apart in the interior, if he could contribute to making the NT a non-factor 3-4's will have difficulty being effective against Kansas City