2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ohio State Buckeyes OT Mike Adams has the Makings of a Franchise Left Tackle (Video)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

OhioStateBuckeyes.com

By Bob Evans
Senior Writer

It took a standout performance during practices at the Senior Bowl, but scouts may have finally forgotten about the so-called red flags which surround Ohio State senior left tackle Mike Adams.

For those of you who have forgotten, Adams was one of the five players suspended the first five games of the 2011 for his involvement in “tattoo gate”. Unlike former quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Adams honored his commitment to remain with the Buckeyes for his senior year instead of bolting for the NFL.

Adams and the other players entered into an agreement with former head coach Jim Tressel, pledging to stay for their senior year, serve their five-game suspensions and become role models for the younger Buckeyes. Even thought Tressel resigned from the program, Adams showed integrity and commitment by honoring his pledge.

Adams’ absence at left tackle could be seen through the first five games of the season for Ohio State, as lower-level teams like Toledo and Colorado were able to get around the younger, inexperienced Buckeyes and put pressure on Ohio State’s quarterbacks. Once Adams returned, teams found it much more difficult to get around the 6’6”, 320 pound mountain of a man from Dublin, Ohio.

He is a prototypical franchise left tackle who utilizes excellent footwork to ensure quicker defenders cannot get around him with a power and swim moves. He has long arms and gets out of his stance well, which make him elite in pass protection.

Adams does have a nasty streak, but has a tendency to let off his aggression level in the run game. He does have the versatility to play both left and right tackle in the NFL, which could help him start from day one with whatever team drafts him. However, he will have to work on continuing to block throughout the play if he hopes to start at left tackle.

Before the Senior Bowl, Adams was certainly a lock to be drafted in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Thanks to a stellar performance, and a number of teams in need of offensive line help, he has been projected to go as high as the middle of the first round.

Being suspended seven times in a four-year career and selling memorabilia for money aren’t the greatest of things to have on your resume for a potential draft prospect. These are definitely not good items to have scouts mulling over as the draft approaches, but he has showed an improved maturity level since returning from suspension in 2011.

With the NFL Scouting Combine right around the corner, Adams will have another opportunity to shine in front of NFL scouts. He will go through a rigorous workout regiment to show off his athleticism and technique, but more importantly will be grilled in interview to find out exactly what kind of man he currently is. But if the video below is any evidence of his abilities, some team will be getting a future star in the former Buckeye.




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