D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Strengths
Tall, long, thick right tackle prospect with huge hands and a solid (not sloppy) build. That pure size gives him the power to collapse the edge to create running lanes. Defensive ends must be very quick off the snap to beat him on their initial pass rush move because of his length and hustle. Has improved his anchor against bull-rushes, wide base and length make him tough to move. Flashes footwork to reach linebackers at the second level, who cant separate from him once he locks on. Shows some bend for his size in his stance, can get low to cut-block on quick passes and in short-yardage situations.
Road-grading run-blocker Very powerful Ability to sustain blocks Extremely physical Has a mean streak Bullies defenders Raises his level of play in big games Athletic Has good length Has some quickness to the second level Perfect for a man-blocking scheme Lots of experience against first-round talents Fiery leader
Powerful run blocker. Fluker's combination of size and power make him a formidable prospect who should only get better. While he disappointed scouts by electing not to participate in the Senior Bowl (citing lingering calf, groin injuries), Fluker's incredibly impressive frame left scouts drooling. Despite weighing in 20 pounds heavier than he'd been listed at Alabama, Fluker showed impressive overall weight distribution, long limbs (including 36.38" arms) and shockingly little flab in his middle. Powerful hands. Is capable of latching on and controlling pass rushers. Passionate player who was regarded as a emotional leader for the Tide... For a drive-blocking, power-based scheme, Fluker ranks as the top right tackle prospect in the draft.
Weaknesses
Gives up too many secondary rushes, lacks recovery speed to stay in front of his man if the quarterback holds onto the ball. Must get his hands up more quickly to sustain blocks, both in pass protection and in the run game. Quicker players in space can avoid him if they see him coming. Loses his balance regularly when overextending towards his target, often ending up on the ground.
Poor pass-blocking technique Heavy feet Needs to improve footwork Can struggle with speed-rushers Slower in his drop than he should be Could be forced into guard Probably won't fit a zone-blocking system
At his size, Fluker is strictly a right tackle or perhaps even a guard prospect as he hasn't demonstrated the agility or balance necessary to handle NFL speed rushers on a consistent basis. Even as a run blocker -- his specialty -- Fluker has a tendency to drop his head and stop his feet as he makes contact, resulting in some of his more talented opponents being able to disengage.
Thanks to all the CSC members who participated in this year's community mock draft. Without your help, none of this would be possible.
Below are the complete results from our community mock draft.
Catch up with all of the mock draft selections in our 2013 CSC Community Draft Section.
Pick | Team | Selection | Team Representative | Approval Rating |
1 | Kansas City Chiefs |
OT Luke Joeckel - Texas A&M |
Hans Petersen | 77% |
2 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
QB Geno Smith - West Virginia |
Dragon Ninja Warrior | 48% |
3 | Oakland Raiders |
CB Dee Milliner - Alabama |
Ralph Malbrough | 42% |
4 | Philadelphia Eagles |
OT Eric Fisher - Central Mich. |
Aburton531 | 78% |
5 | Detroit Lions |
DE Dion Jordan - Oregon |
ShadowFlash | 50% |
6 | Cleveland Browns |
DE/OLB Ezekiel Ansah - BYU |
Fan since the Aints | 54% |
7 | Arizona Cardinals | OT Lane Johnson - Oklahoma |
Joseph Williams Stern | 94% |
8 | Buffalo Bills | G Chance Warmack - Alabama |
aburton531 | 52% |
9 | NY Jets | S Kenny Vaccaro - Texas |
organictallman | 33% |
10 | Tennessee Titans | G Jonathan Cooper - UNC |
cajuncommando58 | 67% |
11 | San Diego Chargers | DT Sharrif Floyd - Florida |
lostastic | 55% |
12 | Miami Dolphins | DT Star Lotulelei- Utah | Ralph Malbrough | 58% |
13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | CB Xavier Rhodes - Florida St. | jeff.l.b | 75% |
14 | Carolina Panthers | CB Desmond Trufant - Washington | Stilljreming | |
15 | New Orleans Saints | DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo - LSU | Dave Cariello | |
16 | St. Louis Rams | OLB Jarvis Jones - Georgia | caomhin | |
17 | Pittsburgh Steelers | WR Cordarrelle Patterson - Tennessee | aryanspecial | |
18 | Dallas Cowboys | OT D.J. Fluker - Alabama | SAINTMANUMIT | |
19 | NY Giants | BlackandGold4ever | ||
20 | Chicago Bears | MobileSaint | ||
21 | Cincinnati Bengals | Fan since the Aints | ||
22 | St. Louis Rams (from Washington) | Kevin Held | ||
23 | Minnesota Vikings | cajuncommando58 | ||
24 | Indianapolis Colts | Legatron Morstead | ||
25 | Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle) | Fan since the Aints | ||
26 | Green Bay Packers | caomhin | ||
27 | Houston Texans | TeeThaKingSaint23 | ||
28 | Denver Broncos | aburton531 | ||
29 | New England Patriots | ShadowFlash | ||
30 | Atlanta Falcons | Dave Choate | ||
31 | San Francisco 49ers | BlackandGold4ever | ||
32 | Baltimore Ravens | NawlinsOriole |