| The first offensive player from a non-FBS program to be taken in this draft might very well be Silatolu. Projected to go as high as the second round but possibly not until the fourth, Silatolu spent the past two years dominating Division II defensive linemen as a left tackle. His position in the pros, however, is likely to be at guard. It doesn't appear he has the length or lateral quickness - his 40-yard dash at the NFL combine was among the worst for offensive linemen - that is needed to fend off elite pass rushers. Not playing against FBS or even FCS competition certainly hurts Silatolu's stock, and his one chance to do so went by the wayside when a pulled hamstring forced him to pull out of the Senior Bowl. Most scouts, though, feel Silatolu has what it takes to be a solid NFL run blocker. He has good footwork and finishes blocks well, often smothering opposing tacklers, but his leverage needs work. Far from being the fastest or strongest O-liner at the combine, he did show off his athletic ability by finishing toward the top in the vertical and broad jumps. Silatolu made the AP Little All-America first team this season and was the runner-up for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year. The northern California native keyed a Midwestern State rushing attack which ranked second in Division II, and the Mustangs were No. 1 in total offense while finishing with their first undefeated regular season. Silatolu is somewhat raw but plays mean and is a good puller, capable of getting outside and upfield to run block. |
