Draft 2017 – Pick #7: Sam Rogers, FB, Virginia Tech

OVERVIEW
All you need to know about Rogers is that in his junior year of high school, he dislocated his elbow. Instead of sitting on the sideline for the rest of the season, he moved to linebacker and tight end for the rest of the year. He was a walk-on for Tech in 2013, but he ended up playing in every game and starting two (5-9 rush, 12-78 receiving). Rogers again played in every game, starting six and contributing on offense (32-140 rushing; 20-230, one TD receiving) and special teams (11 tackles). His offensive contributions increased in 2015 

(61-260, two TDs rushing; 16-193, two TDs receiving), and rose again in his senior year (67-284, two TDs rushing; 24-301, four TDs receiving) as the Hokies grew to rely on his playmaking skills.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS A little ball of aggression. Able to play on all three downs. Has experience as ball carrier, pass catcher, pass protector and lead blocker. Can block from multiple sets and formations. Consistently productive for three consecutive years. Low center of gravity provides additional power as a runner. Carries good acceleration and knee bend to his target. Viable play-action pass catching fullback. Gives good effort as a blocker. Able to stuff and seal on down blocks from wingback spot.
WEAKNESSES Gets over-amped in space as a blocker. Needs to play with less wasted motion and more body control. Second level blocking approach lacks patience at times. Squatty with short arms and struggles to sustain blocks against players with length.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7-PFA
SOURCES TELL US "He's not going to measure out very well but he's just a good football player. He'll probably be a demon on special teams and I like how versatile he is." — AFC East regional scout
BOTTOM LINE NFL size and length is absent from the package, but good luck finding teams who won't admire his versatility and competitiveness. Rogers is a move-blocking fullback with pass-catching ability who can also give you carries in a pinch. His roster flexibility greatly increases his opportunities to have a sustained career.
-Lance Zierlein (NFL.COM)

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