Jeff Baca, OG

03/17/2013 - 2013 UCLA Pro Day: Jeff Baca, G (299) - Baca did 28 lifts of 225 pounds on the bench press, and then stood by the rest of his numbers from the combine. He also participated in the position drills. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

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Baca grew up in Laguna Hills, Calif. attending many UCLA games with his father, so it wasn't a surprise when he committed to the Bruins the day he was offered a scholarship at the UCLA football camp.

Baca was thrown right into the mix, appearing in nine games and making eight starts at left tackle in 2008. He started all 13 games the following season at left guard, while also seeing some snaps at right guard against Cal.

He ran into academic issues and didn't play in 2010. Baca returns to the team in 2011, only to injure his ankle on the second day of spring drills and underwent surgery. He finally returned to the lineup in the second game of the 2011 season, starting at tackle against San Jose State. He went on to start 11 games at tackle before sliding inside to guard for the team's bowl game due to injuries.

Baca started all 12 games in which he played last season, with 11 starts at guard and one at tackle. He event took some snaps at center during the Holiday Bowl.

He earned second-team all-Pac-12 honors from the league coaches, and was voted the Kenneth S. Washington Award winner for the Bruins' most outstanding senior on offense. Baca also was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game.

POSITIVES: Displays light, nimble feet when asked to absorb the bull-rush, and does a good job of bending his lower half to anchor. Exhibits impressive upper-half flexibility and core strength to twist his torso and hold off angular penetrators.

Extremely physical at the point of attack, displaying strong pop on contact, and routinely punches to the whistle. Consistently establishes a wide base in pass protection, and maintains it throughout the play. Keeps his feet moving on contact, and exhibits a strong effort play in and play out.

Shows good burst off the line and through traffic when asked to get to the second level, and displays awareness to anticipate defenders and square up in space.

Versatile lineman who earned significant starts at tackle and guard in college, and even took a few snaps at center.

NEGATIVES: Isn't a great athlete. Displays heavy feet laterally, and has a tendency to get too upright when dropping into pass protection. Lacks suddenness to change direction rapidly and must rely on contact to slow his opponent and compensate for average foot quickness. Despite possessing a strong punch, is unable to consistently move opponents with it. More aggressive and physical than he is powerful. Retracts his arms on contact and allows the defender into his frame too often.

COMPARES TO: John Moffitt, OG, Seattle Seahawks - Baca's physical style of play and natural flexibility remind me of the former Wisconsin Badger, and the two also share similar limitations in pass protection. Like Moffitt, Baca could compete for a starting role, based on his toughness, awareness and relentless motor.

--Derek Stephens