4th Round, Part 2: World B… er… OT Doug Free
By Matt Cordon (kh). Filed in 2007 Draft, Dallas Cowboys News in Brief |
Wrong sport. Sorry.
Dallas used its second fourth-round pick to take tackle Doug Free of Northern Illinois, which has set up something of a shrine page for him here. This could turn out to be a steal: first- or second-round talent who was injured at the beginning of his senior season. He apparently stood out at the Senior Bowl.
Here are some notes:
* Semifinalist for National Football Foundation’s Draddy Award, honoring combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary community service.
* Listed on the “Halfway All America” team by CBSSportsLine.com at the season’s midpoint.
* Tied for fourth in NCAA with 48 consecutive starts.
* Starter in all 48 games of collegiate career, 46 at left tackle. Made two starts at TE at end of 2004 season.
* Grading out at 91% in 2006 and owns 59 knockdown blocks and 10 flat backs this season.
* Posted grade of 90% or higher in nine games and had eight or more knockdown blocks in four games this season.
* Had 95% grade at Eastern Michigan (11-24) with three knockdown blocks.
* Graded out at season-best 97% against Toledo (11-7) while totaling three knockdown blocks.
* Totaled 10 knockdowns, three flat backs and 95% grade against Ohio (9-9). Had 11 knockdowns, four flat backs, and 94% grade vs. Buffalo (9-16). Graded 94% with eight knockdowns vs. Indiana St. (9-23). Posted 92% grade with nine knockdowns at Ball St. (9-30).
* Elected by teammates as one of four 2006 team captains.
* First-team All-MAC in 2005.
* Graded out to a 91 percent mark for the 2005 campaign and accumulated 13 “flat back” blocks and 49 knockdown blocks.
* Earned nickname “Doug Freak” from teammates for his athletic ability. Runs the 40 in 5.0 seconds and posted a 29-inch vertical jump and 565-pound power squat.
