Carl Nicks SELECTED BY: New Orleans Saints Round 5(29)

SI Grade 3.84 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Junior-college transfer who began his career at New Mexico State. Full-time starter last season who earned All-Conference honors.

POSITIVES: Big, athletic tackle with a large degree of upside potential. Strong at the point, anchors in pass protection, and easily controls defenders. Keeps his feet moving, displays the ability to slide laterally, and blocks with good pad level. Jolts opponents with good hand-punch and works to finish blocks. Better-than-average agility and can adjust to knock pass-rushers from their angle of attack.

NEGATIVES: Lacks balance, haphazard in his movements, and on the ground too much.

ANALYSIS: Nicks is a well-sized blocker with intriguing athleticism. He offers a good amount of upside and could start in the NFL if he improves the details of his game.

PROJECTION: Middle Second Round