Grading System

BRUCE NELSON

Position: C Class: Sr School: Iowa Conference: Big Ten Ht., Wt.: 6'5, 301 40 Time: 5.22 Grade: 3.45 Selected by Carolina Panthers Round 2, pick 18 (50 overall)

BIO: All-Conference selection as a senior and honorable mention choice the prior year when he started every game at center. Started 10 games at left guard and one at left tackle as a sophomore after playing every game with the first unit at left tackle the prior season. Named to several All-Academic teams in the past. Originally walked onto the squad. POSITIVES: Tough, durable lineman with a good degree of versatility. Starts with a wide base, quick setting in pass protection and uses good positioning to wall off defenders. Super smart, works well with his linemates and plays assignment football. Keeps the opponent in front of him, takes out linebackers at the second level or turns defenders out for the running game. NEGATIVES: Not a knee bender and blocks tall, struggling with his footwork. Not effective in space and better in confined quarters. Though he gets positioning on defenders, not a blocker who opens up the middle of the field. ANALYSIS: Lack of size is a concern but his versatility, tenacity and intelligence are major pluses which gives him a real chance of sticking at the next level. PROJECTION: Mid Fifth Round