Nate Potter 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Nate Potter
6'6, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Boise State

First word: Potter gets a lot of love from different evaluators but there isn't to much upside to his game.  He is a limited athlete with questionable bulk and strength.  He is playing in a conference that features weaker competition which will impact his ability to adjust to the NFL game.

His biggest weakness is his ability to protect the edge and reach speed rushers.  He doesn't have the foot speed to beat the rusher to the edge.  Potter's lack of bulk and ability to anchor makes him vulnerable against the bull rush.  He just hasn't shown the ability to be a consistent pass protector against top level competition.

In the running game, Potter struggles to obtain leverage and get a good push off the line of scrimmage.  His lack of strength is apparent as he struggles to velcro to the defender and control.  This upcoming season, Potter needs to show better strength and hand placement.

Overall, Potter needs a lot of work and in my opinion is far from a 1st round prospect.  Unless improvements are made, Potter will struggle to protect the quarterback and open adequate running lanes.

Bold statement: Potter will not be selected before the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL draft

Games viewed: Oregon State ('10), Nevada ('10), New Mexico State ('10), Hawaii ('10)

Nate Potter
6'6, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Boise State

Notes:

• Potter has the ability to quickly go from stance to set due to his good snap awareness
• He is a hard worker always playing until the whistle blows
• Potter constantly keeps his legs moving which helps him create a push
• His linear build and thin lower half impacts his ability to anchor and play a power game
• He doesn't appear to play with great strength and struggles to move defenders off the football
• Potter has below average quickness and struggles to protect the edge
• Moving his feet is a real problem for Potter as he struggles to keep up with speed rushers
• His lack of foot speed also limits his ability to get into position and anchor
• He appears to have short arms which allows defenders to get into his body
• Potter is really going to struggle to hold up in pass protection