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Interesting signing, in that 2014 #2 overall selection Greg Robinson is slated to slide inside from his college tackle position. Could this be insurance against Jake Long not making it back the start of the season? Bond is a huge guy, measuring 6'6", 330 lbs. Taken in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he didn't make the 53 man roster final cut. After spending a season on the Vikings' practice squad, the Carolina Panthers snagged him, only to let the Rams sign the former North Carolina tackle. Here's his NFL Scouting Combine measurable-s:
| Ht | Wt | Arm length | Hand size | 40-yd dash | 10-yd split | 20-yd split | 20-ss | 3-cone | Vert | Broad | BP | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 6 in | 329 lb | 35 1⁄2 in | 9 5⁄8 in | 5.27 s | 4.96 s | 7.85 s | 22.5 in | 8 ft 9 in | 22 reps | ||||||||||
| All values from NFL combine[1] |
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Here's his strengths and weaknesses courtesy of NFL.com:
STRENGTHS
Tall, long lineman with good overall girth. Has the length to prevent tackles from reaching the quarterback, has quick enough feet to mirror and can widen to anchor. Shows good mobility for his size once he gets his body in motion, often pulling and leading runs downfield. Overpowers linebackers directly in his path, very tough to get off his block once engaged. Powerful when balanced on drive blocks, keeps his legs churning to push the pile. Flashes attitude to take his man away from piles as the whistle blows.
WEAKNESSES
Height and tendency to play with high pad level cause him to give ground at times, especially when he’s slow to get his hands up. Defenders can get their hands into his chest and pop off to make plays at the line. Leans and bends at the waist, relying on his length to push away defenders instead of moving his sometimes-heavy feet. Must prove he can come off the ball quick and low, tends to raise up on contact to allow opponents to slip past him. Pass pro awareness in inconsistent, will fail to keep his eyes moving to find late blitzers. Can be out-quicked in space, as well as defenders attacking plays before he gets his body moving behind the line off the snap.
BOTTOM LINE
A massive man even among one of the biggest lines in college football, Bond’s size alone gives him a chance to be a late round draft pick. He got too big after his first year as a starter in 2011 (372 pounds), but dropped to the 330-pound range for this senior year.
The "bottom line" part for Bond may show a tendency toward Rokevious Watkins-itis (An uncontrolable yearning for doughnuts wrapped in pizza)? Either way, while Bond may merely be a "camp body", Jeff Fisher could be beating the bushes for more offensive line help...
In other news: Jermele Cudjo re-signed?