Scouting report: Evander Hood

Evander Hood

6'3, 295 pounds | Missouri | Defensive tackle

Strengths: Hood is a physical and aggressive tackle who likes to get after it along the line of scrimmage. He has good size and his frame looks to be nearly maxed out. Hood's tenacity is an asset against blockers. He keeps his hands active to quickly disengage and work down the line or into the backfield. Plays with a lot of intelligence and recognizes when cut blocks are coming or if a runner is changing direction. Hood displayed solid athleticism and agility at the Combine, which shows he could hold up in the 3-4.

Weaknesses: Because of his somewhat small size for the position, Hood will probably never be a two-gap plugger at the next level. Watching Hood, he'll too frequently get high in his stance, allowing offensive linemen to push him around. Has trouble with double teams, which he routinely saw his senior season. Doesn't finish plays off in the backfield. Had just 2.5 tackles for a lost and 1.5 sacks in 2008.

Final word: Hood saw his production drop dramatically in 2008 following a stellar junior season. His senior year exposed his flaws as a pass rusher and inability to handle two blockers. What a team will get in Hood is a consistent, hard working player who can handle the run fairly well. Reportedly showed a lot of effort during Senior Bowl practices. Played in 48 games at Missouri, starting 32.

Round projection: 2