Stefen Wisniewski of Penn State ~ 6.3/305
"A natural bender who showcases good flexibility and can really fire off the ball and get into opposing linemen quickly. Has a strong lower half and does a nice job quickly scoop blocking around defensive linemen, driving his legs through contact and washing defenders away from the play. Plays with natural leverage and consistently gets under his man and locks him out at the point of attack. Possesses the body control to chip and get out to the second level, where he exhibits a jarring punch on contact.
Displays good technique and bend in all areas of his game and can really sit into his base and anchor inside. Continues to rework his hands and fight for inside leverage and is really tough to disengage from in the run game. Now, gets a bit ahead of himself on slide down blocks at times and will lose his balance trying to stay on defenders down the line. However, he’s a better in-line run blocker than given credit for, quickly firing off the football, pumping his legs through contact and creating a bit of surge inside while maintaining his balance through the play.
Snaps and steps quickly and showcases natural lateral ability, smoothly changing directions and keeping his base down when asked to mirror in space. Is surprisingly heavy handed, consistently is able to get under the pad level of defenders and does a nice job moving his feet and sliding with opponents through contact. Occasionally gets caught overextending into blocks from his upper body and can be slipped at times, but for the most part is very patient and technically sound into contact.
Impression: You can tell he comes from a family of former NFL linemen. He’s technically sound, moves well through contact, sticks to blocks and looks like a guy capable of starting from day one at the next level at either guard or center. However, to me he looked more impressive on tape as a guard."
Displays good technique and bend in all areas of his game and can really sit into his base and anchor inside. Continues to rework his hands and fight for inside leverage and is really tough to disengage from in the run game. Now, gets a bit ahead of himself on slide down blocks at times and will lose his balance trying to stay on defenders down the line. However, he’s a better in-line run blocker than given credit for, quickly firing off the football, pumping his legs through contact and creating a bit of surge inside while maintaining his balance through the play.
Snaps and steps quickly and showcases natural lateral ability, smoothly changing directions and keeping his base down when asked to mirror in space. Is surprisingly heavy handed, consistently is able to get under the pad level of defenders and does a nice job moving his feet and sliding with opponents through contact. Occasionally gets caught overextending into blocks from his upper body and can be slipped at times, but for the most part is very patient and technically sound into contact.
Impression: You can tell he comes from a family of former NFL linemen. He’s technically sound, moves well through contact, sticks to blocks and looks like a guy capable of starting from day one at the next level at either guard or center. However, to me he looked more impressive on tape as a guard."
"Skinny: One of the premier student-athletes in college football, the feisty, 300-pound Wisniewski has bloodlines that run deep. He made an immediate impact on campus, becoming the first Nittany Lion since 1999 to start on the offensive line as a true freshman. He will have two seasons of starting experience each at guard and center.
SCOUT'S TAKE
This senior is already one of the most pro-ready prospects in the 2011 draft class. Wisniewski is blessed with excellent physical skills for an interior lineman, possessing quick feet, good burst out of his stance, wide shoulders, great knee bend, and an excellent upper body strength. The Penn State product is extremely adept at pulling and reaching the second level due to his nimble feet and once he gets his hands on defensive linemen, he finishes his blocks with aplomb. Where Wisniewski really shines though is in the mental aspects of the game, which have allowed him to be a first team All-Big Ten performer as both a center and a guard for the Nittany Lions.
There is very little lacking in terms of technique as the Penn State product’s refinement in this department is beyond his years. Standing at 6’3” Wisniewski has more than enough length to line up on Sundays at either center of guard. However, the fact that he tips the scales at merely 297 pounds could limit him to the center position and make him useful in only certain pro schemes. He may be a master technician, but when he faces 340-pound nose tackles in the NFL his current frame simply won’t be enough to handle the situation one on one. It is indisputable that Wisniewski needs to add weight to his frame, especially in his lower body, if he is going to make it big in the league where they play for pay. It appears he is headed back to the guard position as a senior after starting at center in 2009 but things could change depending on how the other PSU linemen perform."
SCOUT'S TAKE
This senior is already one of the most pro-ready prospects in the 2011 draft class. Wisniewski is blessed with excellent physical skills for an interior lineman, possessing quick feet, good burst out of his stance, wide shoulders, great knee bend, and an excellent upper body strength. The Penn State product is extremely adept at pulling and reaching the second level due to his nimble feet and once he gets his hands on defensive linemen, he finishes his blocks with aplomb. Where Wisniewski really shines though is in the mental aspects of the game, which have allowed him to be a first team All-Big Ten performer as both a center and a guard for the Nittany Lions.
There is very little lacking in terms of technique as the Penn State product’s refinement in this department is beyond his years. Standing at 6’3” Wisniewski has more than enough length to line up on Sundays at either center of guard. However, the fact that he tips the scales at merely 297 pounds could limit him to the center position and make him useful in only certain pro schemes. He may be a master technician, but when he faces 340-pound nose tackles in the NFL his current frame simply won’t be enough to handle the situation one on one. It is indisputable that Wisniewski needs to add weight to his frame, especially in his lower body, if he is going to make it big in the league where they play for pay. It appears he is headed back to the guard position as a senior after starting at center in 2009 but things could change depending on how the other PSU linemen perform."
"Third year starter Stefen Wisniewski is the Lions top pro-prospect and likely the only candidate who could broach the first round next April. Wisniewski consistently bends his knees, blocks with leverage and easily rides opponents from their angle of attack. Explosive at the point he uses effective body positioning to turn defenders off the ball yet is not a dominant drive blocker to this point. There’s a lot to like about his game as Wisniewski offers a great deal of versatility."
"Positives: Outstanding NFL bloodlines... Athletic... Versatile, will get equal looks at Guard as well... Intelligent, heady, good football IQ, good awareness... Good pass protector... Good quickness, quick pass set... Quick initial step, fires off the ball... Natural knee bender... Plays with good hand placement and arm extension... Good agility... Good lateral movement and slide... Does a good job reacting to stunts and zone drops... Reasonably good lower body strength... Good anchor... Very solid run blocker... Good punch... Good strength at POA, very solid upper body strength... Can move defenders off the line... Plays with good leverage... Stays low and drives his legs on contact... Understands angles and positioning... Can pull and trap block well... Can get to the second level... Good flexibility and body control, breaks down well in space... Does a nice job blocking on the move, can explode into his blocks... Good overall technique... Very solid balance... Plays physical... Stays on his blocks, hard to disengage from... Tenacious, determined, competitive... Plays physical, works hard to finish his assignments... Good character... Good fit in ZBS, similar in many ways to former Denver Bronco Ben Hamilton.
Negatives: Narrow base... Will lunge into some blocks... Inconsistent balance... Not especially strong at POA... Lacks ideal size at Guard, will need to add some bulk... Has some past injury concerns."
Negatives: Narrow base... Will lunge into some blocks... Inconsistent balance... Not especially strong at POA... Lacks ideal size at Guard, will need to add some bulk... Has some past injury concerns."
"Coming from a family where his father and uncle both played in the NFL, Wisniewski is a versatile interior offensive lineman who has a very productive college career. The first true freshman Nittany Lion to start along the offensive line since 1999, Wisniewski played guard his first two seasons and has transitioned to center in his junior season. He is also known for having great grades, giving back to his community and teaches 10th grade English.
As for his skills on the field, Wisniewski is very technical and fundamentally sound. Stays low with a good center of gravity, using his feet and body lean to maintain leverage and position. Not particularly strong and lacks a quick twitch for that initial burst. Very intelligent player who understands how to hold his ground. Needs to gain upper body strength and not overextend his arms.
A hard-worker who understands the commitment necessary to be a professional football player. Obvious strong pedigree with close family being NFL players. Must bulk up to play guard in the NFL. Likely a good fit in a zone blocking scheme, which utilizes his talents and doesn't rely on athleticism.
Wisniewski projects as a second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft."
As for his skills on the field, Wisniewski is very technical and fundamentally sound. Stays low with a good center of gravity, using his feet and body lean to maintain leverage and position. Not particularly strong and lacks a quick twitch for that initial burst. Very intelligent player who understands how to hold his ground. Needs to gain upper body strength and not overextend his arms.
A hard-worker who understands the commitment necessary to be a professional football player. Obvious strong pedigree with close family being NFL players. Must bulk up to play guard in the NFL. Likely a good fit in a zone blocking scheme, which utilizes his talents and doesn't rely on athleticism.
Wisniewski projects as a second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft."
"The top center in a very average senior class, Wisniewski is a bit undersized for the position and does not play with a lot of power, which noticeably showed up against a big, strong Alabama front. He has played out of position this season at guard and is most naturally suited for the pivot. He is a terrific technician, is very quick to the second level and has great instincts and a feel for the game. NFL executives will know exactly what they are getting with this smart, tough and hardworking athlete with a blue-collar approach. He is the type of player who will outperform his draft status wherever he is selected."
"You may recognize the last name as he’s from a fantastic football pedigree. Wisniewski has the ability to play guard or center at the next level. He’s not an overly strong player, but he is very smart, and does a great job of being the lower man at the point of attack. He should have no problem bulking up with a bit of room to grow, but he could become a top notch center or guard at the next level."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Stefen Wisniewski
An all around superior Interior Lineman, Stefen Wisniewski should be able to lock down either a Center or Guard gig for the next decade. Probably a 2nd Rounder, but in a weak class, he has very real chance of advancing into the 1st.
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.
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.
RSS Feed