04/29/2012 - A closer look at the Giants picks: Round 6/201 - Matt McCants, OT, 6-5, 309, Alabama-Birmingham...Five-year player who projects to left tackle. Will likely need to add bulk to better hold his ground against speed rushers. - The Sports Xchange
McCants was actually playing the tuba in the Williamson High School band before joining the football team as a senior. Despite the lack of experience, he started seven games as a true freshman. After sitting out the 2008 season due to academics (he carried a 1.7 GPA), he regained his starting left tackle spot for every contest as a junior.
Because McCants has little experience, teams will overlook his inconsistent knee bend and kick-slide because they know his size, athleticism and footwork give him a chance to succeed in the pros whether at left tackle, right tackle (where he lines up on occasion) or even guard. Continued improvement will only make scouts covet his upside even more leading up to the draft.
Analysis
Positives: Strong, long and lean. Quick to pass twists and stunts inside, reset and keep the pocket tidy. Plays with some power in the run game, especially when he keeps his feet moving. Positional blocker who excels when he allows his athleticism to take over. Moves well and squares to finish on the move. Better anchor than his height suggests and capable of absorbing a punch and recovering quickly.
Negatives: Isn't an elite quick-twitch blocker and his height causes him to be out-quicked. Leaks inside pressure when his technique gets sloppy. Bends at the waist and loses leverage, also has a tendency to lunge and lean too far when flustered. Slow to find a target when he's uncovered at the snap.
