Laken Tomlinson
Duke, RG
Height: 6.3
Weight: 320
Age: 23
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Athleticism: D-
A massive, athletically-limited interior lineman. Only average initial movement off the line of scrimmage and dropping into his pass sets. Has limited range on plays, and was only used on very short pulls. Lacks lateral agility and is too easily avoided by defenders.
Pass Blocking: D
Lack of athleticism really hinders him in this area. Lets defenders cross his face to easily, and can be shed laterally. Struggles to redirect quickly and is exposed when he has to block outside of a small radius. Can be walked back by a bull rush and lacks a great anchor, even given his superior size. Doesn’t extend and lock out with his hands and occasionally gets overpowered. Held up well despite his shortcomings but likely won’t be so successful in the NFL.
Run Blocking: B
Powerful drive blocker who can move linemen off the ball and open up holes for the running game. Possesses road-grading power and size to engulf defensive linemen and turn them out of the hole when necessary. However, is a very limited athlete who doesn’t do much outside of a phone booth and struggles to hit moving targets. Sustains well as a run blocker and consistently gets the job done.
Technique: B-
Has a powerful punch in his hands, but hand placement can be erratic and errant at times. Keeps his pads low and gets very good leverage against opposing linemen. Will run his feet on contact, but slow-footed and balance can be an issue.
Intangibles: A-
Incredibly tough and durable, having started all 52 games that Duke has played during the past four years. Smart and experienced, which serves him well on the field. Only occasionally does he get overloaded by the blitz. Effort is always there, but is without a nasty switch. Named to the academic all-ACC team three times and reportedly a high character player.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: Laken Tomlinson is one of the most durable players in college football, which counts for something at a position which plays every offensive snap and is predicated on consistency among its members. Tomlinson might be limited to teams that run man-blocking schemes that pound the ball downhill, but he has the ability to become a starter in the NFL, and a solid, dependable backup at the very worst.
Comparison: Larry Warford
Grade: 7.7 (4th Round)
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Main Photo: goduke.com
