Marcus Cannon of Texas Christian ~ 6.5/350
"A massive, thickly built offensive lineman who fills out his frame really well and doesn’t look to have much soft flesh through his mid-section despite his weight. Has experience at both right and left tackle and has been one of the most dominant linemen in the MWC over the past three years.
Showcases natural flexibility in his lower half and has the ability to sit into his stance, fire off the football without much wasted motion and create a real jolt on contact in the run game. Blocks with leverage despite his size initially off the football, can get under defenders and is really heavy handed through contact. Exhibits a good, balanced punch off the ball, extends his long arms well into contact and can create a jolt at the point.
But, he doesn’t play with a consistent mean streak and at times will get a bit upright through contact and be content to just seal. But when TCU needs a yard he definitely has the ability to routinely drive defenders off the football and finish. However, needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time. Too often is the last lineman moving off the snap and will initially allow opposing defenders to get under and into his frame, forcing him to play from behind instead of consistently being the aggressor.
Showcases good range off the edge in the pass game for his size, but isn’t real coordinated on his kick-slide. Has a tendency to lose balance easily in his footwork, gets overextended easily and is forced to open up his hips in order to reach defenders flattening out around the corner. Now, he does have the length, power and coordination to unleash a nasty punch on contact and is a Velcro guy who is at his best when asked to anchor and move his feet through contact, but will struggle with athleticism and burst off the edge.
Impression: A massive, strong body with some bend and natural athleticism for his size. Lacks the range to play left tackle in the NFL, but I could see him starting at either a right tackle or guard and becoming a very good player at either spot."
Showcases natural flexibility in his lower half and has the ability to sit into his stance, fire off the football without much wasted motion and create a real jolt on contact in the run game. Blocks with leverage despite his size initially off the football, can get under defenders and is really heavy handed through contact. Exhibits a good, balanced punch off the ball, extends his long arms well into contact and can create a jolt at the point.
But, he doesn’t play with a consistent mean streak and at times will get a bit upright through contact and be content to just seal. But when TCU needs a yard he definitely has the ability to routinely drive defenders off the football and finish. However, needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time. Too often is the last lineman moving off the snap and will initially allow opposing defenders to get under and into his frame, forcing him to play from behind instead of consistently being the aggressor.
Showcases good range off the edge in the pass game for his size, but isn’t real coordinated on his kick-slide. Has a tendency to lose balance easily in his footwork, gets overextended easily and is forced to open up his hips in order to reach defenders flattening out around the corner. Now, he does have the length, power and coordination to unleash a nasty punch on contact and is a Velcro guy who is at his best when asked to anchor and move his feet through contact, but will struggle with athleticism and burst off the edge.
Impression: A massive, strong body with some bend and natural athleticism for his size. Lacks the range to play left tackle in the NFL, but I could see him starting at either a right tackle or guard and becoming a very good player at either spot."
"Pass Blocking: Massive right tackle prospect with good feet for his size. There are concerns about his ability to handle speed on the edge. Difficult for average college strong-side ends to get around, especially when his technique is solid. Short steps off the line, can even backpedal when necessary to cut off blitzing linebackers. Enough lateral movement to maintain one hand on an end and block down to double-team defensive tackles. Struggles against NFL-caliber speed rush because he is slow off the snap. Allows defenders too far into his body instead of extending his arms to keep distance. Has a strong second punch, though he takes some time to land it. Bends at the waist and takes time to recover if punched. Poor awareness of late blitzes, leaving his quarterback vulnerable. Lines up in two-point stance even when his teammates have their hands down because he'll struggle to maintain contact off the snap. Will push off when opponent tries to disengage, instead of keeping his feet moving to sustain.
Run Blocking: Owns prototypical size to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Uses his size to seal the edge and wall off inside rushing lanes, but does not consistently get his hands up to manhandle smaller players. Strong enough to anchor against bull rushes from bigger defensive linemen and turn them out of the hole. Needs to get out of three-point stance more quickly, but might be more explosive when lined up closer to the ball inside.
Pulling/Trapping: His relatively quick feet may allow him to create holes when trapping inside, but his ability to pull around the line is limited. Tough to shed once latched on, but a lack of flexibility prevents him from hitting targets in space or reacting quickly to inside defenders.
Initial Quickness: Only adequate in his initial quickness, often comes off the snap last among the linemen. Quicker defensive ends can beat him outside, especially if the quarterback takes a deep drop. Can land a strong punch, but is a bit slow to get his hands on the numbers to control his opponent.
Downfield: Once out of his stance, he can reach linebackers. Fails to hit targets, however, only getting a hand on them instead of dominating with his size. Allows defenders to bounce off his blocks to make plays.
Intangibles: Solid player with good character and work ethic. Added 50 pounds since arriving at TCU. Only missed two contests with an ankle injury in 2008."
Run Blocking: Owns prototypical size to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Uses his size to seal the edge and wall off inside rushing lanes, but does not consistently get his hands up to manhandle smaller players. Strong enough to anchor against bull rushes from bigger defensive linemen and turn them out of the hole. Needs to get out of three-point stance more quickly, but might be more explosive when lined up closer to the ball inside.
Pulling/Trapping: His relatively quick feet may allow him to create holes when trapping inside, but his ability to pull around the line is limited. Tough to shed once latched on, but a lack of flexibility prevents him from hitting targets in space or reacting quickly to inside defenders.
Initial Quickness: Only adequate in his initial quickness, often comes off the snap last among the linemen. Quicker defensive ends can beat him outside, especially if the quarterback takes a deep drop. Can land a strong punch, but is a bit slow to get his hands on the numbers to control his opponent.
Downfield: Once out of his stance, he can reach linebackers. Fails to hit targets, however, only getting a hand on them instead of dominating with his size. Allows defenders to bounce off his blocks to make plays.
Intangibles: Solid player with good character and work ethic. Added 50 pounds since arriving at TCU. Only missed two contests with an ankle injury in 2008."
"Some of you may recognize Cannon’s high school, as it was the one featured in the movie and television series “Friday Night Lights”. That’s right, he went to Texas football power Odessa High.
Cannon is one of the most versatile linemen in the draft.
Still, despite being first team all-district, he was only a three star recruit and wasn’t even ranked in the Top 50 for offensive lineman. He went on to redshirt as a freshman, and was a limited participant in all 13 games for TCU as a redshirt freshman.
But he quickly got in the groove as a sophomore starting at right tackle for the next two seasons. His name started to be heard around the nation as he was a punishing run blocker who mauled defensive lineman and also didn’t give up a sack. He made the switch to left side for his senior season, a move which Andy Dalton was ever so thankful for.
Strengths
The greatest thing Cannon ever did was stay for his senior season and play left tackle. He got to show off his athleticism even more, despite being a monster physically. It’s not often that you see 350 pound lineman showing nimble feet and having an ability to keep up with speedy edge rushers. But Cannon excelled on the left side of the line, displaying excellent athleticism, as well as still making a name for himself as a mauling tackle. Cannon has been said to be a genuine character that wouldn’t harm a fly. But on the football field it’s no holds barred, and he will run you over. He’s a smart player, recognizing defensive lineman strengths and weaknesses only to use those weaknesses against the opposing player.
Weaknesses
Despite his athleticism, his weight is still a slight concern. He may be asked to drop a bit of weight if he truly wants to play on the left side of the line. He may have to switch to the ride side permanently or even make the transition inside to guard because of his wide frame and punishing run blocking skills. His size also limits his ability to get a good knee bend at times as he is known to come out of his stance too high. It hasn’t been exposed as much since there aren’t many great pass rushers in the Mountain West Conference. But bullying pass rushers may take advantage of that at the next level, which is why a move to the inside could be good for him.
Draft Range
Cannon is a special talent who should go in the first round, and is a mid-second round pick at the very least. Teams like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Green Bay will take a look at him in the first, and his floor is around pick 40 with the Dallas Cowboys who are sure to jump on him if he falls.
NFL Comparison: Leonard Davis"
Cannon is one of the most versatile linemen in the draft.
Still, despite being first team all-district, he was only a three star recruit and wasn’t even ranked in the Top 50 for offensive lineman. He went on to redshirt as a freshman, and was a limited participant in all 13 games for TCU as a redshirt freshman.
But he quickly got in the groove as a sophomore starting at right tackle for the next two seasons. His name started to be heard around the nation as he was a punishing run blocker who mauled defensive lineman and also didn’t give up a sack. He made the switch to left side for his senior season, a move which Andy Dalton was ever so thankful for.
Strengths
The greatest thing Cannon ever did was stay for his senior season and play left tackle. He got to show off his athleticism even more, despite being a monster physically. It’s not often that you see 350 pound lineman showing nimble feet and having an ability to keep up with speedy edge rushers. But Cannon excelled on the left side of the line, displaying excellent athleticism, as well as still making a name for himself as a mauling tackle. Cannon has been said to be a genuine character that wouldn’t harm a fly. But on the football field it’s no holds barred, and he will run you over. He’s a smart player, recognizing defensive lineman strengths and weaknesses only to use those weaknesses against the opposing player.
Weaknesses
Despite his athleticism, his weight is still a slight concern. He may be asked to drop a bit of weight if he truly wants to play on the left side of the line. He may have to switch to the ride side permanently or even make the transition inside to guard because of his wide frame and punishing run blocking skills. His size also limits his ability to get a good knee bend at times as he is known to come out of his stance too high. It hasn’t been exposed as much since there aren’t many great pass rushers in the Mountain West Conference. But bullying pass rushers may take advantage of that at the next level, which is why a move to the inside could be good for him.
Draft Range
Cannon is a special talent who should go in the first round, and is a mid-second round pick at the very least. Teams like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Green Bay will take a look at him in the first, and his floor is around pick 40 with the Dallas Cowboys who are sure to jump on him if he falls.
NFL Comparison: Leonard Davis"
"Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past two-years. Experienced at both tackle positions.
Positive: Large, athletic blocker who easily controls defenders once engaged the point of attack. Blocks with good lean, shows the ability to adjust, and stays square. Quickly gets his hands into defenders, rides opponents from their angle of attack, and keeps his feet moving. Gets movement run blocking and effectively blocks with his legs. Solid footwork sliding out off the edge. Large enough to engulf opponents. Moves well on his feet.
Negative: Must properly condition himself, as he E(TM)s too big. Played upwards of 375 pounds as a senior.
Analysis: At the top of his game, Cannon is a blocking prospect who can be a dominant force at several positions up front. He comes with starting potential once he smoothes out the rough edges of his game and commits himself to proper conditioning off the field."
Positive: Large, athletic blocker who easily controls defenders once engaged the point of attack. Blocks with good lean, shows the ability to adjust, and stays square. Quickly gets his hands into defenders, rides opponents from their angle of attack, and keeps his feet moving. Gets movement run blocking and effectively blocks with his legs. Solid footwork sliding out off the edge. Large enough to engulf opponents. Moves well on his feet.
Negative: Must properly condition himself, as he E(TM)s too big. Played upwards of 375 pounds as a senior.
Analysis: At the top of his game, Cannon is a blocking prospect who can be a dominant force at several positions up front. He comes with starting potential once he smoothes out the rough edges of his game and commits himself to proper conditioning off the field."
"Positives: Will get looks at Right Tackle as well... Reasonably good athlete... Reasonably long arms... Good agility for a man his size... Good short area quickness... Good run blocker... Gets off the snap quickly when run blocking... Strong... Plays with good power... Possesses a good hand punch... Very solid drive blocker... Stays low and plays with reasonably good leverage... Gets movement in the running game... Can dominate at POA, sustains his blocks... Can get under the pads of his opponent and turn them from the action... Does an adequate job getting to the second level... Solid flexibility and body control... Very solid in pass protection... Good anchor... Very solid lateral movement and slide... Reasonably good short area quickness... Reasonably good balance, seldom on the ground... Can be aggressive, hard worker.
Negatives: Can be a little slow getting into his pass set... Gets too upright in his slide to the outside edge... Slow to recognize delayed blitzes and stunts... Doesn't breakdown especially well on the move... Doesn't always get his hands on linebackers in space... Will throw his body into defenders when blocking on the move... Lacks good lateral blocking range... Struggles with speed rushers... Bends at the waist, leans and overextends into blocks on the edge... Doesn't always play with passion, appears to occasionally play down to his opponent... Too heavy, needs to play at 330-335 lbs."
Negatives: Can be a little slow getting into his pass set... Gets too upright in his slide to the outside edge... Slow to recognize delayed blitzes and stunts... Doesn't breakdown especially well on the move... Doesn't always get his hands on linebackers in space... Will throw his body into defenders when blocking on the move... Lacks good lateral blocking range... Struggles with speed rushers... Bends at the waist, leans and overextends into blocks on the edge... Doesn't always play with passion, appears to occasionally play down to his opponent... Too heavy, needs to play at 330-335 lbs."
"Strengths: Cannon is a very strong player who plays with a mean streak. Takes good angles to get into position to make blocks. Delivers a violent punch in the running game and has the lower body strength to drive defenders off the ball. Able to get to the second level cleanly and deliver jolting blocks. Strong punch in pass pro. Has the strength to lock out and anchor in pass pro.
Weaknesses: Initial quickness off the snap is a question, as is his lateral agility in pass protection. Elite athletes will be able to beat him around the edge. Struggles to pick up stunts and blitzes in pass pro. His weight will need to be monitored.
Projection: Third rounder. Cannon could become an immediate starter at guard next season, and he might be a better guard prospect than tackle prospect because of his weight and lack of lateral quickness."
Weaknesses: Initial quickness off the snap is a question, as is his lateral agility in pass protection. Elite athletes will be able to beat him around the edge. Struggles to pick up stunts and blitzes in pass pro. His weight will need to be monitored.
Projection: Third rounder. Cannon could become an immediate starter at guard next season, and he might be a better guard prospect than tackle prospect because of his weight and lack of lateral quickness."
"When any college football fan thinks about TCU, it is their defense that comes to mind first…and rightfully so. However, the Horned Frogs did not go to a BCS Bowl in 2009 and are eyeing another one this season just because of their defense. The offense may not be dynamic, but they are smart and control the game. In order to do that, TCU relies very heavily on their offensive line and nobody in purple is more important to the offensive line than tackle Marcus Cannon.
After serving as a backup as a redshirt freshman in 2007, Cannon stepped into a starting role at right tackle in 2008. He was often a very dominant player and saved his best outing for the Poinsettia Bowl against Boise State. By 2009, Cannon took over just about every game; he did not allow a sack all season and went up against some very good defensive ends. Cannon made the move to left tackle in 2010 and he could play either spot at the next level.
At 6-6 and 350 pounds, Cannon is a big lineman who has enough athleticism to move his feet and stop the more nimble ends. Cannon could sneak into the first round, but he is more likely a second or third round selection at this point. Yet, for a second or third rounder, he is a very polished blocker who has the ability to immediately help any NFL team."
After serving as a backup as a redshirt freshman in 2007, Cannon stepped into a starting role at right tackle in 2008. He was often a very dominant player and saved his best outing for the Poinsettia Bowl against Boise State. By 2009, Cannon took over just about every game; he did not allow a sack all season and went up against some very good defensive ends. Cannon made the move to left tackle in 2010 and he could play either spot at the next level.
At 6-6 and 350 pounds, Cannon is a big lineman who has enough athleticism to move his feet and stop the more nimble ends. Cannon could sneak into the first round, but he is more likely a second or third round selection at this point. Yet, for a second or third rounder, he is a very polished blocker who has the ability to immediately help any NFL team."
"A lightning rod for debate in the scouting community, Cannon can be criticized for his inability to sort out protection and raw positional instincts. Evaluators say he pitches too many no-hitters and will require significant development in the pros. Nonetheless, he has rare size, ridiculous weight-room strength and is very athletic for as big as he is.
His size may be ripe for a move inside, but whether inside or outside, he must show that he can do a better job of sinking his hips and playing with more consistent knee bend. Late in the season, he began to show more aggression in his play, but there are times it appears the light bulb is flickering. It may take a year or two for him to feel comfortable in the pros, but coaches and scouts will salivate when he finishes testing. He does possess first-round physical talent."
His size may be ripe for a move inside, but whether inside or outside, he must show that he can do a better job of sinking his hips and playing with more consistent knee bend. Late in the season, he began to show more aggression in his play, but there are times it appears the light bulb is flickering. It may take a year or two for him to feel comfortable in the pros, but coaches and scouts will salivate when he finishes testing. He does possess first-round physical talent."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Marcus Cannon
When I evaluate any prospect, 1% of it derives from my own analysis of The Tape, and 99% of it is my evaluation of the evaluators: Those guys, quoted and linked, above, whose expertise DWARFS mine.
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Marcus Cannon plays with exceptional Crouch, excellent Power to drive the Run Game, and very good Power to Anchor against the Pass Rush. His Lateral Agility isn't bad at all, for a Beast of his massiveness, although his Range, naturally, leaves something to be desired.
He's clearly suited to play Right Tackle in the Pros, and should be a very good one.
Beast!!
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As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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Marcus Cannon plays with exceptional Crouch, excellent Power to drive the Run Game, and very good Power to Anchor against the Pass Rush. His Lateral Agility isn't bad at all, for a Beast of his massiveness, although his Range, naturally, leaves something to be desired.
He's clearly suited to play Right Tackle in the Pros, and should be a very good one.
Beast!!
***
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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