The 2020 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Ross Blacklock 2020 NFL Draft profile.
Position: Defensive Tackle
Size: 6-foot-3, 290 pounds
Class: redshirt junior
2019 stats: 40 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Blacklock was a four-star recruit who played in the U.S. Army All-American Game. Following high school, he went to TCU where he progressed to a point where he is now a top NFL Draft prospect.
He redshirted his first year on campus, but started every game in 2017. Blacklock finished the season with 27 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. TCU won 11 games and the Alamo Bowl that season. Blacklock missed the entire 2018 season with an Achilles injury. He returned this season and had 40 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. The Horned Frogs failed to qualify for a bowl game at 5-7.
After two seasons played at TCU, Blacklock built his stock up enough to declare for the NFL Draft. Blacklock is a good defensive line prospect who should be selected either late in round one or early in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Blacklock has great burst at the line of scrimmage. When the ball is snapped, Blacklock gets out of his stance immediately and attacks. His ability to do this wreaks havoc on offensive lines and helps give Blacklock his power.
His great strength and power help him win one on one matchups. He can shed blocks well against players that are much bigger than him. With his momentum going from getting off the snap quickly, he transfers the speed to power well.
He has a great motor that never seems to turn off. From the time the snap starts to the time the whistle blows, Blacklock is engaged. He chases down the quarterback or ball carrier, showing good pursuit in the process.
Blacklock can be fooled on plays more than he should be. He has a hard time figuring out why offensive linemen are blocking the way they do. Plays with misdirection and play-action can also fool him. NFL coaches will need to work with him to make sure he is more aware of what offenses are trying to do.
He also lets his pad level get too high way too often. Blacklock can lose some of his momentum and power from the beginning of the play because he stands too tall. If he keeps his pad level low he can maintain his momentum throughout the play.
While he looked to be good in 2019, any Achilles injury that causes a player to miss a season is serious. It could limit what he can do in the future and could mean another injury is more likely. Teams will need to make sure he checks out medically before selecting him.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
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