Derek Sherrod   Position: OT School: Mississippi State Height: 6’5 3/8" Weight: 321 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 5.20 All-Star Game: Senior Bowl Team Captain: 2010 Draft Projection: Late 1st Round

Summary

Derek Sherrod is a versatile, experienced offensive tackle with 47 career games played including 35 starts. He has played with a great level of consistency in his career at Mississippi State, and his high character personality and attitude earned him team captain in 2010. If he continues to develop and improve, and all indications are he is a hard working and willing learner, Sherrod could be one of the better offensive tackles in this class. He has the versatility to play on the right or left side, but projects best as a starting left tackle in the NFL.

Pass Blocking

Sherrod possesses good arm length (35 3/8”) and a great initial first step in pass protection. He does a great job against speed rushers, using his quick feet to cut off edges. He mirrors the defender in pass protection very well, using his agility and fluid movements to his advantage when staying in front of a defender. Sherrod recognizes stunts and blitzes very well, and does a good job being patient and covering his assignment. Against power rushers Sherrod struggles to stay on balance and gives up leverage too often. He is built top heavy and will need to improve the strength of his base at the next level.

Run Blocking

Sherrod has the quickness to seal the edge in the running game and gets to the next level fast. He tends to come off the ball too upright against the run allowing defenders to gain a leverage advantage. He does not consistently show the ability to drive block or power defenders out of the way. Sherrod a bit of a finesse player in the run game and lacks nastiness. He needs to finish blocks better. Sherrod shows great recognition in the run game and understands assignments and when to release and pass off his blocks. His straight line speed is average. Sherrod stands up defenders well but doesn’t display the strength to re-direct.

Awareness

Sherrod’s experience definitely shows when on the playing field. He understands both passing and running schemes very well and appears to have a high football IQ. In the passing game he recognizes stunts and blitzes early on. In the run game he stays true to his assignments and understands pursuit angles. Sherrod is a leader on and off the field.

Hand Placement

Like most college offensive lineman, Sherrod will need to improve on his hand placement. He tends to give up inside placement to more powerful defenders and loses leverage and balance that way. His arms get to wide at times and he doesn’t have the overwhelming strength to make up for this lack of technique. There is no concern here, however, as Sherrod is a willing learner and technique will improve over time.

Mobility

Sherrod has above average mobility for an offensive lineman and is extremely light on his feet for a big man. He moves well, is quick off the snap, and displays pretty good athleticism. This combination is why he is best suited for the left side of the line. Has good, but not excellent, balance, and runs a bit top heavy at times.

Footwork

Sherrod’s footwork can be inconsistent at times and tends to get worse as he gets tired. When it’s on, he has quick, light feet and a nice kick step to put him in proper pass blocking position. He doesn’t get crossed up by stunts or blitzes. Sherrod keeps his feet wide allowing for a good base in pass protection. In the run game he is more quick than fast, and is a fairly fluid looking athlete.

Additional Information

It is worth noting for anyone who drafts Sherrod what a quality individual he is. It starts with his academics where he was one of only 16 players in the country to earn the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Award, given to exceptional scholar athletes and includes a post graduate scholarship. He was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, commonly referred to as the “Academic Heisman.” In addition, Sherrod was a four-year member of MSU’s community service club, and even organized a Thanksgiving food drive. These qualities are the types of intangibles that can set a player like Sherrod aside from others come draft day.

Production/Experience

2010: Played and started in all 13 games.
2009: Played and started in all 12 games.
2008: Played 11 of 12 games with 10 starts, missed opener due to injury.
2007: Played in 11 of 13 games as a true freshman.

Academics

Sherrod is a business major who graduated with a 3.54 GPA in his college career.

Awards & Honors

2010: Finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy (often referred to as the “Academic Heisman”), won the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Award as a scholar athlete, named to the Associated Press All-SEC First Team, named to the Associated Press All-American Second Team.

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