| A multifaceted prospect with no glaring weaknesses, Mack heads what some scouts are calling the best center class in a decade. He has ideal NFL size and bulk and knows how to use it well, taking smart angles and getting good leverage to create space. The four-time Academic All-Pac-10 and 2008 recipient of the Draddy Trophy - sometimes referred to as "the academic Heisman" - is very strong. He doesn't, however, sacrifice agility or quickness. Some scouts think his combination of strength and athleticism could allow him to play guard in the NFL. It helped Mack pave the way for a Cal offense that averaged 32.6 points and 376.0 scrimmage yards last season despite relying on first-time starters at quarterback and running back. Mack was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's best center, for the second consecutive year. While Mack is considered to be the best overall player available at center in 2008, he does have some room for improvement. He doesn't have great balance and isn't particularly light on his feet. As a result, his famously aggressive play can sometimes leave him out of control and out of position. He'll also need to continue to work on his footwork and lateral movement to keep up with blitzing linebackers inside. Those minor issues aside, scouts foresee a long career for the Santa Barbara native. A minor ankle injury that kept Mack from participating in drills at the scouting combine won't prevent an NFL team from taking him early April 25. Mack has a good chance of becoming the first center drafted in the first round since Ohio State's Nick Mangold went 29th in 2006. |
