Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcats offensive system usually lends to reliable pass catchers but the
offensive prospects we like best are on the line. Should he physically mature,
adding bulk and strength, center Austin King has a future as a starter at
the next level. A smart, heady pivot man that explodes off the snap into his
blocks, King is effective not only at the line of scrimmage but out to the second level
as well,
quickly engaging linebackers to remove them from the play. Fundamentally sound, competitive
and a cognizant lineman, it is very easy to like King and a big senior season
will put him into the middle rounds. Guard Jeff Roehl has the size and
power King lacks, turning defenders off the line and opening holes for the
running game. Roehl dominates opponents but is stiff and restricted to
confined quarters, which will push him into the late frames. Still, he could be
very effective blocking for a power running game or in a zone-blocking scheme.
NU has a pair of receivers to watch including senior Jon Schweighardt, a
tough and heady receiver possessing only average size/speed numbers. Teammate Kunle
Patrick has those numbers and the junior is developing into a fine wide out
for the future.
Defensively the Wildcats have a lot of question marks, something that will
hamper them on the field next season and result in only a few free
agent signings during the draft. Patt Durr is a lot like many of his
predecessors at NU; explosive, intense, versatile and undersized. Durr, who
played on the outside last season, moves to middle linebacker this year, though
his best pro-position could be on the weak-side. Pre-draft workouts will dictate
whether or not he is selected in the late rounds. Underclassmen Colby Clark
is an athletic lineman that can play either tackle or end and has a nice future
ahead of him.
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