Evander Hood SELECTED BY: Steelers Round 1 (32)

SI Grade 3.99 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his junior season. Senior totals included 62/7/5 after 49/8/5 as a junior.

POSITIVES: Athletic defensive lineman swiftly moving up draft boards. Plays with terrific explosion, quick off the snap, and fluid changing direction. Holds the point of attack, resilient, and flies around the field trying to make positive plays. Displays an array of moves getting off blocks, possesses a burst of closing speed, and makes plays in every direction on the field. Moves well for a big man, and works hard until the whistle blows.

NEGATIVES: Stands to improve the strength in his lower body. Not a big or bulky lineman.

ANALYSIS: Hood is an athletic defensive tackle who has the physical skills to be used in a variety of positions at the next level, and he offers starting potential. He played well as a senior, and he really watched his game take off in the post-season. Hood could be a surprise selection in the late part of round one, based on his performance in the past six months.

PROJECTION: First/Second Round