Notes:
Had left shoulder surgery after his junior season in high school. Prepped at Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, where he won a state title as a senior. Played all 13 games as a true freshman in 2008, starting the final 12 at left tackle and recording 21 knockdown blocks despite his playing weight being in the 260s. Suffered a left elbow injury against Boston College, but played through it. Started all 13 games in ’09 and graded out at 80 percent with 24 knockdowns and two sacks allowed. Started all 11 games in which he played in ’10, grading out at 87 percent with one sack allowed. Injured his left shoulder against Oklahoma and missed two games (had offseason surgery). In ’11, started the first four games at left tackle before injuring his left shoulder again and missing the rest of the season (surgery in November). Medically excluded from lifting at the Combine with shoulder injury.
Positives:
Quick out of his stance. Has good feet to shuffle, slide and push rushers wide. Technically sound. Keeps his hands inside and can pop and recoil. Understands angles and positioning. Flexible hips to scoop, latch on and seal. Shows outstanding scheme recognition and is intelligent and aware to pick up stunts and blitzes. Is tough and plays through pain. Started as an undersized freshman. Terrific character — motivated, hardworking and coachable.
Negatives:
Lacks ideal bulk and functional strength — is a narrow-framed, converted tight end and still looks it. Average arm length. Limited power in his body. Gets outmuscled at the point of attack. Is not stout in his lower body to anchor vs. the bull rush (too easily walked back). Plays with a crouched posture and bends at the waist. Lunges and slips off some blocks. Inconsistent second-level fits. Durability is a major concern — has a history of shoulder issues dating back to high school, including a surgery that ended his senior season prematurely. Has not cleared medical evaluations for some NFL teams.
Summary:
Smart, tough, competitive and battle-tested, Datko is an underpowered, hunchbacked zone blocker and (Florida State OL coach) Rick Trickett disciple with functional starting ability on the right side when healthy. However, his inability to hold up physically will push him down draft boards and could potentially leave him undrafted.
Hope they guy can finally be healed. Good pick in the 7th, though.
