2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Marcus Cannon 

Drafted by NE Patriots 

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.

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.

Player Name: Marcus Cannon

Position: Offensive Tackle/Guard

School: TCU

Height: 65

Weight: 358

Arm: 34

Hand: 9 1/8

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

About the author: Keet Bailey

Keet Bailey heads the NFL Draft division of NFL Soup. Bailey's 2012 NFL Mock Draft scored 12th overall among 112 participants according to The Huddle Report's Annual Mock Draft scoring contest. An avid Cleveland Browns fan, Keet hails from and resides in Ohio. Follow Keet on Twitter @NFLSoupKeet