South Carolina Gamecocks in the NFL Draft: Hutch Eckerson

This post continues a series on our players in the NFL Draft. Today we're looking at Hutch Eckerson.

Hutch Eckerson, OT

Measurements: 6'6 / 310

Career Summary: Eckerson was one of the nation's top-rated offensive tackles in the 2006 class. Unfortunately, his career has somewhat followed the trajectory that most of our offensive linemen who were recruited and coached by John Hunt: it's been disappointing. After seeing early playing time in 2006, Eckerson has been in and out of the lineup and never quite emerged as the dominant tackle we hoped he would be when we signed him, and it took him some time even to emerge as a dependable option. However, Eckerson did finish his career on a high note, turning in a fairly respectable 2010 season that has put him on the margins of NFL teams' radars.

What the Scouts Like: Eckerson has the right size and strength for an NFL tackle. He is versatile, having played both right and left tackle and even occasional time at guard during his time at Carolina. Lastly, he has shown improvement over the course of his career and could continue to develop under proper tutelage.

What the Scouts Don't Like: The production just isn't there for Eckerson. Despite impressive physical faculties, he's frequently been picked on by opposing linemen. He has some work to do on his fundamentals and decision making.

Are the Mocks Right?:  Eckerson is not projected to be drafted by any of the ratings services. He'll have to hope that a team takes an interest in him as an undrafted free agent and work his way up, likely beginning on a scout team or in the CFL.