Saulsberry moved inside to left guard in 2009 as a sophomore, starting all 12 games. He again started every game in 2010 as a junior, starting at right guard (10 starts), center (2 starts) and left guard (1 start). Saulsberry again showed off his versatility in 2011, starting all 13 games at right guard (9 starts) and center (4 starts).
Saulsberry lacks ideal size and strength and isn't overpowering, but he makes up for it with his tenacious playing style and feisty, competitive attitude. He takes pride in finishing his blocks and looks natural pulling and blocking in motion.
Saulsberry is versatile with the skills set and experience to be a serviceable NFL guard, but his size and frame make him a center prospect for most teams, reminiscent of a poor man's Rodney Hudson and is the best interior line prospect in this class that no one seems to be talking about.
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Strengths: Fires off the snap with explosive burst and no hesitation. Moves very well for a 300-pounder with above-average quickness and range. Does a nice job getting to the second level and blocking in space -- mobile and effective pulling. Has quick feet and bends well at the knee. Sits in his stance with good balance and a strong base.
Extends his arms quickly at the point of attack and is aggressive with his hands -- strong, active punch. Works hard through the whistle with top a motor and nasty demeanor. Scrappy and physical with an intense playing style. Has a tenacious attitude and looks to eliminate defenders from the play -- love his aggressive nature and feisty mean streak.
Has the lower body strength to anchor in pass protection and uses leverage to his advantage. A hard worker on and off the field and strives to be the best he can be -- smart and tough. Put together an impressive collegiate resume as a four-year starter in the SEC with impressive experience and versatility, starting 50 games between four different positions -- right guard (19 starts), left guard (13 starts), right tackle (12 starts) and center (6 starts).
Weaknesses: Doesn't have elite size or strength with limited growth potential. Has almost too much arm length (33 5/8), taking a bit longer to unwind off the snap. Tends to be too aggressive off the snap and will take himself out of the play. Misses too many blocking assignments because he plays undisciplined at times.
Often caught lunging and overextends, struggling to stay under control. Not overpowering at the point of attack and lacks the natural girth to hold up at guard -- probably restricted to center where he has the least amount of college experience.
NFL Comparison: Rodney Hudson, Kansas City Chiefs."
-- Dane Brugler
Displays a solid first step when asked to get into defenders as an in-line guy, but lacks ideal power on contact. Can routinely be overwhelmed backward at the point because he struggles to generate much power from his lower half. Best suited to work in tandem, does a nice job stepping and sealing off his frame.
Is an above-average athlete on the move. Displays the ability to pull from the backside, quickly gets into defenders off his frame and/or at the second level and breaks down well on contact. However, isn’t real sticky, loses balance through contact, struggles to routinely gain proper hand placement and eventually falls off blocks. Displays natural shuffle and slide ability in tighter areas. Does a nice job quickly setting off the snap vs. the pass.
Will expose his check a bit, but is a balanced puncher who slides his feet well and reworks his hands through contact. Becomes less effective in the more space he’s asked to play in and will struggle sticking to blocks once defenders gain a step.
But is athletic/rangy enough to hold his own inside. Exhibits decent anchor strength as well, needs to do a better job protecting himself into contact with his punch, but is quick to work his hands, gain leverage and reset himself inside.
Impression: A solid athlete who does some things well on the move and in pass protection. More of a zone lineman only, but needs to do a better job getting off the snap count on time in order to have a chance of getting drafted. Free agent at this stage."
Springs out of his stance with quickness, has good feet and shows explosion to pull.
However, he does not play with pop or power in his hands and lacks finishing strength — relies on angles and positioning to seal his man.
Balance, body control and sustain are just average and best chance to stick is likely as a swing interior backup."