Derek Sherrod Scouting Report

Sherrod is one of the more experienced tackles in the SEC, if not in the entire nation. He played in 10 games as a freshman in 2007, started 10 games as a sophomore, and started 12 game as a junior. He paved the way for a Mississippi State rushing attack that averaged 227.58 yards per game in 2009, ninth best in the nation. For his efforts, Sherrod was named to the All-SEC Second Team by the conference's coaches. More of the same continued as a senior in 2010; the Bulldogs rushed for 214.8 yards per contest and compiled a 9-4 record that included a bowl blowout of Michigan.

Sherrod stands at 6'5'' and 305 pounds. He has a great agility for a man of his size and has been clocked as fast as 5.08 in the 40-yard dash. He is fundamentally sound, but struggled slightly against elite pass-rushers--whom he will see plenty of in the NFL. Sherrod has been a staple at left tackle for Mississippi State and he may be asked to protect his quarterbacks' blind side for years to come at the next level. He will surely start out on the right side, but a move to the left is likely at some point. Anything lower than a late first-round selection in the 2011 draft would be a major surprise.