LKelley67

let's dig into the possible #2 to #4 choices starting with D'Brick-

some assorted bios, comments, etc.:

With the signing of Drew Brees it is unlikely the Saints will draft Matt Leinart. Even though Brees is coming off of a major injury it would be too much money tied up in one position if the Saints drafted Leinart. The Saints are now able to look at other positions in the draft. There is a possibility that the Saints trade this pick, but it's not very often that an offensive tackle as dominating as D'Brickashaw Ferguson comes along. Ferguson has started every game in his college career since he was a freshman. Ferguson's footwork and balance are so good that he nearly always keeps his man in front of him. He is excellent at keeping his opponent off balance with his long arms and large hands. Many feel that Ferguson will be a future all-pro in the NFL.
NFL Player Most Comparable to: Walter Jones

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Draft Exchange Analysis:
D'Brickashaw began this year as a unanimous all-american selection and has shown why he could been a top 5 selection last year. He combines a unique combination of size and speed that lets him be effective against speed rushers on the outside (something most OTs struggle with). He also has shown to be very smart in recognizing blitz packages and picking up the right person. However, D'Brickahsaw could stand to add anywhere from 10 - 20 lbs but luckily has the frame to do so.

Most Like: Levi Jones (Cincinnati Bengals)

From Virginiasports.com:

WORTH NOTING: Considered by many the top offensive lineman in the country ... Outland Trophy candidate ... preseason first-team All-American ... mentioned as a possible first round NFL draft pick last spring, but he decided to return to UVa for his senior season ... made a big move last year in a breakout campaign ... put on more than 30 pounds from the year before and is now starting to grow into his body ... didn't turn 21 until just before last season's bowl game ... earned first-team All-ACC honors for the first time to become UVa's first all-conference tackle since 1998 ... has started every game of his career (39), the longest streak by a UVa left tackle since All-American Jim Dombrowski started a record 45 games in a row from 1982-85 ... with luck he could be the first offensive lineman in school history to start 50 games ... is only the second player (along with 1992 first-round draft pick Ray Roberts) in school history to start three bowl games at left tackle and one of only nine offensive linemen to start as many as three bowl games ...joins RT Brad Butler as the only offensive linemen to start every game the last two seasons.

HONORS: 2004--Named a fourth-team All-American by CollegeSportsReport.com ... first-team All-ACC ...ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week following UVa's game against Clemson (Oct. 11) ... first-team All-State by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association and by the Roanoke Times ... received the Speed Elliott Award as UVa's Most Improved Player. 2003--ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his play against Western Michigan on Sept. 13 ... ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his play vs. North Carolina on Oct. 4. 2002--Freshman All-America Team by Scripps/Football Writers Association of America ... first-team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News ... first-team Freshman All-American by CollegeFootballnews.com ... honorable mention Freshman All-American by Rivals.com ... ACC All-Freshman Team by The Sporting News

AT VIRGINIA: 2004--Increased size and strength helped him have a breakout season with the ACC's most improved offense ... went from 265 pounds the previous season to 295 ... started every game for the third year in a row ...exceptional all season ... very durable ...played all but about 20 plays ... had an "outstanding" overall performance in the 30-10 win over Clemson according to Al Groh as UVa rushed for 239 yards and gained 464 yards of total offense ...the 464 yards of offense are UVa's most ever against Clemson, while the 239 yards on the ground are second-most ...UVa led the ACC in rushing offense (242.8), total offense (423.4), first downs (264) and fewest sacks allowed (16) ... Virginia's 112.6-yard improvement in the rushing game was the second-best improvement in ACC history, as well as the second-best improvement in the nation behind Michigan State (141.1) ... lettered.

2003--Started for the second year in a row at left tackle ... started all 13 games ... two-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honoree ... graded out at 94 percent in the 59-16 win at Western Michigan in the season's third game to win for the first time ... the Cavaliers rushed for 217 yards, their second-best output of the season ... didn't allow a sack despite being matched against Jason Babin, the nation's fourth-leading sacker and a first-round NFL draft pick ... honored by the ACC a second time after compiling a 90-percent grade in his best game of the season against North Carolina ... didn't allow a sack and helped pave the way as the ground game gained a season-high 229 yards ... earned his second letter. 2002--Installed as the starter at left tackle in training camp and remained there the entire season ... earned freshman All-America honors... became UVa's first true freshman to start on the offensive line in the season opener ... set a school record with 14 starts ... one of four offensive players to start every game ... played all but about 15 snaps during the season ... was frequently matched against bigger and older players, but he held up well throughout the season ... had one of his best performances in the win over #22 N.C. State ...was a "key cog in the running game" according to Al Groh as the Cavaliers gained 197 yards on the ground ... didn't allow a sack or pressure in passing situations against the ACC's top defense ... overall Virginia gained 346 yards of offense, 37 more than the Wolfpack's average coming into the game ... was tremendous in the win over West Virginia in the Continental Tire Bowl as the Cavaliers accumulated 391 yards of offense and averaged 6.3 yards per play ... lettered.

HIGH SCHOOL: Outstanding two-way lineman for coach Russ Cellan at Freeport High School ... SuperPrep All-American ... PrepStar All-American ... rated by SuperPrep as the top offensive lineman in New York and the state's #2 player behind fellow UVa newcomer Kwakou Robinson ... #26 guard in nation by Rivals.com ... #30 offensive lineman in the nation by SuperPrep ... ranked as the fifth-best offensive lineman in the East region by PrepStar ... Prep Football Report's #35 player in the East region ... received the Thorp Award as Nassau County's top player ... is the first lineman to win the award since 1979 ... Newsday All-State honoree ... recorded 55 tackles, six sacks, and eight quarterback hurries as a defensive end his senior year ... three-year starter.

PERSONAL: D'Brickashaw Montgomery Ferguson ... born 12-10-83 in New York, N.Y. ... son of Rhunette and Edwin Ferguson ... has a brother, Edwin, Jr., who graduated from UVa in 2001 ... religious studies major.

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No doubt the most touted OT in this year’s class. D’Brickashaw has just about everything a coach could want in a tackle. Despite suffering a knee sprain early in the 2005 season, his durability has never been a question, given that he’s the first lineman in the school’s history to start 50 games. With his long arms and tall frame, Ferguson excels in pass blocking, keeping the defensive lineman in front of him with superior technique, but his footwork and agility are what makes him special. It doesn’t necessarily make him the fastest tackle in football, but his quick feet are a huge plus with scouts. Last but not least, he has a terrific attitude and is a very coachable young man. He wants to be out on the field playing at all times, and works hard on his conditioning and training.

Negatives:

Hard to believe that a kid that is 6’5’’ and 295 pounds is considered small in some circles, but in today’s NFL if you aren’t 300+ at the tackle position an eyebrow gets raised. D’Brickashaw came to Virginia weighing right around 260 lbs. He’s done a good job of slowly adding weight year by year, but with his height, he could certainly use a few more pounds to keep the elite pass rushers at the next level from getting to his QB. His run blocking is suspect at times because of his size. So not only would a few more pounds be beneficial to him, but added strength without sacrificing quickness would be as well. Through all the great performances he’s had, there have been a few not so stellar ones as well ― consistency in the running game and as a tackle as a whole is key.

Overall:

Ferguson has the potential to someday be a Hall of Fame tackle in the NFL. He is brick wall of a man (as his name so aptly implies), and will be a solid tackle in the NFL for years to come. He did the right thing in coming back for his senior season. Last year’s draft was heavy at the position, and he has now propelled himself to the top of the OT ranks for the 2006 draft. If he can stay relatively injury free the rest of this year, and continue with the fantastic work ethic he has, he’ll be at the top of everyone’s wish list in April. The Outland Trophy is a very viable option for Ferguson, and the more hardware he can add to his resume the better he’ll look in April.

Final Word:

DOMINATION — Brick needs to finish off his senior season with absolute determination and domination. Just because he’s got a first class ticket to the next level is no reason to let up. If Brick can show the football world why everyone is talking about him, demonstrating the ability to shut down the opposing linemen and run block, it will be a huge bonus for him. Increasing his strength and a nasty attitude will surely go a long way in becoming a top pick in 2006.

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Ferguson is a year 4 year starter that has established himself as one of the most athletic offensive lineman in college football history. His feet are amazingly quick and he uses them quite well. Add in his height, which gives him great leverage, and D’Brickashaw can make any pass rusher a non factor. Very quick off the snap and displays good fundamentals as a run blocker. Decided to come back to school for another year, despite the opportunity to be a top 5 selection. Great character.

Weaknesses
There are a lot of questions concerning Ferguson’s size. He has the frame to put on weight but remains vastly undersized. This leads to him often times struggling as a run blocker, and could make him vulnerable to bull rushes at the next level. Ferguson most also display consistency as he has had some disappointing performances in the past.

Overall Analysis
Whether he adds the needed weight or not Ferguson will still be a top notch OT prospect he won’t last past the top 10 picks. His athleticism is extremely rare and teams love the fact he went back to school for an extra year. The question is how good he will be at the next level? No matter what, he should be a top pass protector, but can he improve as a run blocker? If he does, he could be a future hall of famer.

Reminds You Of:
Anthony Munoz

TheDeuce

I noticed that his biggest negative was his size. I remember hearing reports from Mel Kiper and others on ESPN.com that have said that Brick has actually added somewhere up to 15 pounds, which has shown NFL scouts that he has the ability to add the weight. I just don't really think this guy has a weakness.

saintsrule

It would be a great pick.

LKelley67

yup, some of those comments were from before his senior season. it is a tough decision for some of those guys- $20 million after my jr year as a mid-first rd pick or $40 after the next? it worked out great for him. he probably would have been the number one tackle in last year's draft too. but that would have been the saints at #13. this year he'll get a lot more than jammal did at #6, the absolute lowest i can imagine him going.

BrooksMustGo

This really settles things for me. Brick has all the physical tools, but also the makings of a team leader. I completely understand the dilemma we face over the pick. The LB position has been overlooked for so long that we are all dying for an impact player.

But we live in a division of speed rushers and blitz packages. Brick excelles against the type of players in this division. If we don't cover Brees blind side, we'll be picking in the top 5 again next year. I have no confidence in Gandy and his big price tag being effective for another season.

http://www.blackandgold.net/site/signature/buddysig.jpg

Euphoria

I seriously think addressing our OL building one of the better lines will take us futher than any other position on the team. Brees did well when his line dominated and they have a good line and the RB in the league right now, the TE in the league. He had tools and weapons there he doesn't have diddly now in NO.

zachsaints52

I'm with you Euphoria, get Brick!!!!!

LKelley67

looking for people to add more skinny about the dewd

AllSaints

Oh yeah......