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By Jonathan Bales

There are always initial reservations when considering small-school prospects, but Terron Armstead was a highly-coveted player coming out of high school. He chose to go to Arkansas-Pine Bluff because it was the only school that would allow him to participate in both football and track.

Scouting Report

Every year, there are a number of offseason “winners” who catapult their draft stock with outstanding workouts. Armstead might be 2013’s biggest offseason winner. At 6-5, 306 pounds, Armstead ran an official 4.71 40-yard dash at the Combine. He also jumped 34.5 inches and posted 31 reps on the bench press. The 40-yard dash is hardly a make-or-break drill for offensive linemen, but that sort of explosiveness is rare and signals elite athleticism. Armstead is such an amazing athlete that many teams have reportedly considered him as a tight end. Yes, a 306-pound tight end.

I watched every snap for Armstead against Jackson State. As you’d expect, he dominated lesser competition. It’s always difficult to grade small-school players because they can often cover up their weaknesses with superior athleticism or strength. You see that at times with Armstead; he would often let rushers get into his chest and pop him back a little, but since he was so much bigger and stronger, he could absorb the blow even if he was flat-footed.

At the East-West Shrine game and Senior Bowl, Armstead performed well but struggled against bull rushes. He mirrors defenders really well—it’s rare for a speed-rusher to blow past him—but he doesn’t have the same advantage in strength to make up for poor technique against NFL-caliber competition.

Armstead is probably best-suited for a zone blocking scheme. He’s obviously a quick lineman who does well getting to the second level. He might have some trouble holding up at the point against big defensive ends, but he’ll improve as he learns better technique. Armstead is somewhat of a project, but a player who could really come into his own in his second year in the league.

NFL Comparison: Joe Staley

Now considered one of the league’s premiere left tackles, Staley was also a highly-athletic small-school prospect. Armstead isn’t nearly as dominant of a run blocker, but he has the same quick feet and upside.

Projection

With elite potential at a position of great importance, it’s difficult to put a ceiling on how high Armstead could get drafted. With a handful of other offensive tackles likely to get selected ahead of Armstead, he probably won’t be a first-round pick, but I’d never say never. More likely, a team will take a chance on Armstead in the second round.

Fit In Dallas

If the ‘Boys want Armstead, they’ll probably need to hope he falls to them in the second round and grab him there; he won’t be available 32 picks later. The ‘Boys have a private workout with Armstead scheduled, so there’s obviously at least a moderate amount of interest. With the offense transitioning to more of a zone-blocking philosophy, Armstead might be a good fit, assuming he can hold up on the right side.
 
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The koolaid is pouring at a record pace after this guy's combine. Prior to that, everyone would have asked "Who the fuck is that". Now we got jerkies all over the place wanting to draft this guy in the 1st or 2nd round.
 

junk

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The koolaid is pouring at a record pace after this guy's combine. Prior to that, everyone would have asked "Who the fuck is that". Now we got jerkies all over the place wanting to draft this guy in the 1st or 2nd round.

Naw. People were talking about him before the combine
 
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Who was the last small school guy we drafted that panned out?

Patrick Crayton?

Dwayne Harris is coming around. East Carolina isn't small, but isn't that big either.
Sean Lissemore is playing well. He is out of Williams and Mary.
 

dbair1967

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Who was the last small school guy we drafted that panned out?

Patrick Crayton?

Tony Romo and Miles Austin werent drafted, but we did sign them as UDFA's. I'd say Eastern Illinois and Monmouth qualify as small schools.

Doug Free is from Northern Illinois, he looked good for almost two years before dropping off the a cliff. Sean Lissmore's from William & Mary, Jason Hatcher is from Grambling.
 
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So the two small school OL currently on the roster suck...one regressed terribly and the other was not strong enough to play his first year at all, while not improving enough to the point where he could get any playing time in his 2nd year. I have no problem going after small school guys, but this team needs safe picks now with players that can play right away...particularly on the OL.
 
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