NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Max Unger, C / OG, Oregon by Jody Jamieson
24/2/2009
I noted in Alex Mack's profile that he won the battle of the centres at the Senior Bowl in January over Max Unger. Don't let that make you believe that it was anything against Unger's ability. This is an impressive prospect who is one of the more versatile offensive linemen in the Draft and that versatility alone will tempt someone to take a chance on him early. He may not become a better player than Mack wherever he ends up playing, but there's a lot of upside in a guy who can play all three interior line positions. Some will tell you he could also slide out to play tackle, but I think that's definitely a bit of a stretch. Maybe he could get away with playing right tackle, but you don't draft centers to play right tackle. You draft right tackles to play right tackle. Of course, Unger played his first two years at Oregon as a left tackle, but anyone who saw him play outside will tell you he wasn't particularly impressive.
I don't think that Unger goes ahead of Mack on April 25th, but there's a chance that he sneaks into the first round. The problem is only Pittsburgh is a true potential landing spot in the first round and while they definitely need interior line help, there are other ways they could go.
What we like about Unger
Great interior run blocker who regularly gets to the second level. Drives people back and creates holes. Good pass protector too, who rarely gets driven into the backfield. Most of the time he barely moves from the line of scrimmage in pass protection. Versatile guy who could play in a power running system, or fit well into a zone blocking scheme.
Question marks about Unger
Stays too high occasionally and becomes beatable. Hand position is sketchy and stays straight on too often, allowing defensive linemen through the gaps. When he's pulling he gets out a little too quickly and sometimes over runs the player he should be blocking. Is quick, but isn't particularly athletic.
Highlight of his college career
The Ducks won their third Holiday Bowl of the decade in December at Qualcomm Stadium, defeating the Oklahoma State Cowboys 42-31. Running back Jeremiah Johnson rushed for 119 yards and a TD.
Other snippets
6' 4" tall and weighed in at 299 lbs at the Senior Bowl.
Born in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Unger played high school ball at Hawaii Preparatory Academy.
Two time first team All-Pac 10.
Detroit, Buffalo and Cincinnati are potential landing spots in the second round if Pittsburgh don't take him.
NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
I don't think that Unger goes ahead of Mack on April 25th, but there's a chance that he sneaks into the first round. The problem is only Pittsburgh is a true potential landing spot in the first round and while they definitely need interior line help, there are other ways they could go.