Scouting report: Antoine Caldwell

by Dan Kadar on Mar 18, 2009 1:00 PM EDT in 2009 NFL Draft

Antoine Caldwell

6'3, 305 pounds | Alabama | Center

Strengths: A four-year starter at Alabaspma, Caldwell is quick off the snap. He uses that immediacy to get good leverage. He maintains it by keeping his hands active. Does a nice job of dropping his hips and holding up at the point of attack. Doesn't waste a motion while he's snapping the ball. Plays with a lot of intelligence and made all the line calls during his career.

Weaknesses: Caldwell is purely an in-line blocker who has trouble on the move, particularly when a play breaks down. Lateral agility and quickness is greatly lacking. Size isn't anything special and will need to get stronger in the pros. Not a finisher and won't intimidate opponents.

Final word: Caldwell has played all along the line, but is by far at his best at center. There, he displays the ability to quickly snap the ball and get into position. He's an intelligent lineman who will be an asset to most teams.

Round projection: 4

Tweet Comment 3 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Here's a question

How does Caldwell end up the All-American at center over Mack, Unger, Eric Wood, and Jonathan Luigs?

by IgnatiusJReilly on Mar 19, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

Reputation. I don’t think he was the best college center last year. And collegiate success doesn’t always necessarily translate into NFL glory.

by Dan Kadar on Mar 20, 2009 8:21 AM EDT reply actions

How to best follow day two

If you’re stuck with ESPN like I am, you might want to make sure to open up the site’s draftcast. That will probably update the picks faster than television.

It can be found here.

by Dan Kadar on Apr 26, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions