Wolf
100% Texan
Continuing our draft watch series, let's take a look at junior center/guard Maurkice Pouncey from Florida.
The Texans primary needs entering the 2010 draft are at running back, free safety, interior offensive lineman, defensive tackle and cornerback assuming Dunta Robinson leaves in free agency.
Pouncey will show up as a center in most scouting reports but he can play center or guard. In my reviews, I'm looking for guys that project at center/guard instead of guard/tackle since the Texans primary need is at the interior positions.
Pouncey's ability flexibility to play center or guard is what makes him attractive as a potential draft pick of the Texans. His combination of size, strength and agility make him a good candidate for a zone scheme. He's quick enough to get to the second level and projects as a good pass blocker.
Based on current pre-combine and pre-Pro Day thinking, selecting Pouncey in the first round (#19-20 overall) might be a bit early. On the other hand, he is likely gone by the time the Texans pick in the second round (#51-52 overall).
Based on current projections, Pouncey would be considered a steal for the Texans in the second round. Sometimes interior linemen slip in drafts. He's also an underclassman who won't turn 21 until training camp.
But Maurkice comes highly decorated, having won the 2009 Rimington Trophy which is given to the nation's outstanding center in NCAA Division I-A football. So it's not like he's going to slip through any cracks.
As most SEC fans know, Maurkice has an identical twin brother Mike who decided to stay in school for his senior year and take over his brother's position at center for the Gators in 2010. It will be interesting to see how the twins adjust to being split up for the first time in their lives.
http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houst...10m2d6-Texans-draft-watch-CG-Maurkice-Pouncey