23. Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
By Thomas Jackson of Eagles Eye
Sherrod is one of the more experienced tackles in the SEC, if not in the entire nation. He played in 10 games as a freshman in 2007, started 10 games as a sophomore, and started 12 games as a junior. He paved the way for a Mississippi State rushing attack that averaged 227.6 yards per game in 2009, ninth best in the nation. For his efforts, Sherrod was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the conference's coaches. More of the same continued as a senior in 2010; the Bulldogs rushed for 214.8 yards per contest and compiled a 9-4 record that included a bowl blowout of Michigan.
Sherrod will be viewed by the Eagles as the final piece on the right side of an improving offensive line that hasn't seen dominance there since the glory days of Jon Runyan.
Sherrod may not become an immediate starter, but eventually he will be expected to be groomed as lefty Michael Vick's "Blind Side" protector...
Sherrod has great agility for a man of his size and has been clocked as fast as 5.08 in the 40-yard dash. He is fundamentally sound, but struggled slightly against elite pass-rushers--whom he will see plenty of in the NFL. But the Eagles will have the benefit of the old veteran genius Howard Mudd as their new offensive line coach to teach him the tricks of the trade.
Sherrod is one of the more experienced tackles in the SEC, if not in the entire nation. He played in 10 games as a freshman in 2007, started 10 games as a sophomore, and started 12 games as a junior. He paved the way for a Mississippi State rushing attack that averaged 227.6 yards per game in 2009, ninth best in the nation. For his efforts, Sherrod was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the conference's coaches. More of the same continued as a senior in 2010; the Bulldogs rushed for 214.8 yards per contest and compiled a 9-4 record that included a bowl blowout of Michigan.
Sherrod will be viewed by the Eagles as the final piece on the right side of an improving offensive line that hasn't seen dominance there since the glory days of Jon Runyan.
Sherrod may not become an immediate starter, but eventually he will be expected to be groomed as lefty Michael Vick's "Blind Side" protector...
Sherrod has great agility for a man of his size and has been clocked as fast as 5.08 in the 40-yard dash. He is fundamentally sound, but struggled slightly against elite pass-rushers--whom he will see plenty of in the NFL. But the Eagles will have the benefit of the old veteran genius Howard Mudd as their new offensive line coach to teach him the tricks of the trade.
