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- JUNIOR STANDOUT**
As a junior in 2014, Flowers started all but one game at left tackle and was a second-team All-ACC selection. In 2013, he started all 13 games at left tackle and anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a Hurricanes offense that averaged 425.8 yards of total offense and 33.8 points per game.
2. MEASURABLES
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 329 lbs.
Arm length: 34 ½"
Hands: 9 7/8"
Bench press: 37 reps at 225 lbs. (combine)
40-yard dash: 5.31 seconds (combine)
Vertical jump: 27" (pro day)
3. TRUE FRESHMAN PHENOM
As a true freshman in 2012, Flowers played in all 12 games at right tackle and was one of 10 freshmen to start for Canes in 2012. He blocked for the third-best passing offense (295.4) and fifth-best total offense (440.2) in ACC.
4. HIGH SCHOOL
A Miami native, Flowers was ranked as a four-star prospect at offensive tackle by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, leading Norland to an undefeated 2011 season (15-0) and State Class 5A championship. He played for coach Daryle Heidelburg.
5. NFL.COM SCOUTING REPORT
Strengths:Big, athletic frame carrying more than 320 pounds with ease. Ascending mauler in the run game. Bender who is low man off snap and pops hips into block to leverage defender at the point. Combines hips, arm extension and upper-body power to consistently turn his man when base blocking. Once he gets upper hand in run game, he usually sustains and finishes. Secures combo block with a vengeance. Has feet to become solid zone blocker. Mean and highly competitive. Wants to dominate and gets surly when beaten on a snap. Special foot quickness in pass protection. Able to mirror and counter two-way rushers or B-gap blitzers. Uses quick feet and loose hips to turn, scramble and recover when beaten.
NFL comparison: Jack Mewhort
Bottom line:Flowers has good size and short area foot quickness, but he also features some lower body tightness and struggles to get proper depth quickly to consistently meet edge rushers. Some of Flowers' pass protection issue may be difficult to overcome. On the hand, his strength as a run blocker and ability to uproot his man and get them turned is undeniable. Flowers may be drafted as a tackle, but his best position could end up being as a guard where I would put a draft grade on him of 6.12.
Photos of Miami OL Ereck Flowers
