04/30/2012 - Offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, taken in the second round with the 37th overall pick, was a teammate of Browns center Ales Mack at Cal for two years. - The Sports Xchange
Mitchell has NFL bloodlines. His brother, Geoff, was the Panthers' seventh-round pick out of Oregon in 2008, started in 2010 but was injured last year and recently signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Mitchell Schwartz was a model of consistency at Cal, starting 51 games, 35 at left tackle and 16 at right tackle. He credits diverse blocking schemes at Cal for upgrading his overall play.
And that play was impressive at the Senior Bowl workouts, where scouts raved about his the way he handled some of the best pass rushers in the country. That was particularly surprising because most scouts believed he projected as a right tackle for the NFL.
Analysis
Positives: Started 51 career games (35 at left tackle, 16 at right tackle) with a sturdy frame, 33-inch arms and continues adding bulk. Plays with appropriate wide base and intelligent, instincts and agility to seal the edge. Aggressive extending with power to punch and looks comfortable in space. High-effort, high-intangibles versatile backup prospect.
Negatives: Not physically imposing and has average overall strength. Upper body gets over his feet too often and he easily loses his balance. Whiffs on blocks after beaten initially and lacks range and lateral quickness. Plays too high and without proper leverage, pad level and can be passive. Back injury in 2011 spring must be investigated.
