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Power ranking NFL Draft picks of UGA players

By Jay Hawkins

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle John Theus (71) and teammates runs out of the tunnel prior to the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Tackle. San Francisco 49ers. John Theus. 4. player. 42.

In the fifth round, UGA offensive tackle John Theus was taken No. 6 by the San Francisco 49ers. Theus played right and left tackle at UGA and was a Freshman All-American in 2012. He was a stalwart on the offensive line his four years in Athens.

Theus has a big frame at 6-6, 303 pounds and his position is very valuable in today’s NFL. With that being said, many people (including myself) are not that high on Theus. Although he was undoubtably a good player, Theus seemed to be overrated during his career at UGA. He never seemed like a guy you could depend on outside of his freshman year.

Pro Football Focus has a good analysis of Theus. Here are the strengths they list:

  • Size is an obvious benefit. Hard to move with any sort of power rush and has good length to go along with it.
  • When he uses his hands right, defenders have a hard time getting past in him in passing situations.
  • Shows good awareness for picking up stunts and blitzes. Able to disengage one block and shift into another.
  • Effective at gaining inside position on run plays, allowing him to maneuver defenders out of the way.

However, Theus also has some glaring weaknesses including:

  • Not the most nimble athlete. Lacks the explosive kick step, which allows faster pass rushers a chance to get around him on the edge.
  • Inconsistent with his arm extension. Tends to let rushers get into his body too much.
  • Doesn’t recover easily if he’s hit with a good initial jolt in the pass rush. Can be put on roller skates and even thrown out of the way due to footwork issues.
  • Despite his size, he seems to lack a considerable power element. Doesn’t generate a ton of movement in the ground game.
  • Has bad tendency to lunge at defenders, making it easy for them to sidestep past him and get into the backfield.

You can read the full analysis of Theus here.

I’m not particularly high on Theus. He has got a lot of learn to last in the NFL. San Francisco seems to be taking a chance here to invest in their future.

Next: 3-Jordan Jenkins

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