Offensive Line
Terrence Metcalf
College: Mississippi
Year: Senior
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 292
Birthday: January 23, 1978
Strengths: Last year, despite graduations to two starters and numerous injuries, Metcalf anchored a Rebel line that allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC and paved the way for eventual first-round pick, Deuce McAllister.
Not bad, considering Metcalf was busy remaking himself into a left tackle. His move from guard was, by and large, a successful one, but he’s by no means a polished tackle. Not yet, anyway.
Already an accomplished and devastating run blocker, Metcalf struggled a bit last year in pass protection and began to lose confidence. The good news is that he worked hard during the offseason, adding both strength (nearly 60 pounds to his bench press) and size to his frame, hoping the improvements will allow him to be more physical in 2001.
Thus far, the results are encouraging. During spring drills, coaches noticed Metcalf had regained some of his swagger and was much more active. They’re expecting a breakout year, and named him permanent team captain because of the dedication he showed during the offseason.
Areas of concern: After an impressive freshman year, Metcalf ruined his ankle in 1998, and took nearly two years to fully recover. Then, coach David Cutcliffe moved him to left tackle. It was a physically and mentally demanding stretch for Metcalf, and he struggled with his confidence.
And the jury’s still out on him as a tackle. Few doubt he can make the transition, but, ultimately, should he even bother? He’s not as big as recent tackles picked high in the draft (Chris Samuels and Leonard Davis, for instance), and his skills, to this point, are still better suited for playing guard.
And because his pass protection is lacking… that has to rank as a major concern. But coaches have been impressed with the work he’s put into learning the position, and have little doubt he’ll become a great tackle in the very near future.
Is he sponge-worthy?: Yes. This may be a stretch, but think back to how valuable Bruce Matthew’s’ versatility was to the Oilers during their heyday. If Metcalf can master left tackle, he can basically play anywhere the team needs him to on the offensive line. A nice guy to have on a young, inexperienced team with lots of holes to fill.
Metcalf is a technically sound player. His fundamentals, both in practice and during games, are as sound as any lineman in the country. He’s also very smart and cunning. Thus, during games, he has the capacity to dominate his man both mentally and physically. The Texans will definitely be interested, though they’d likely want to trade down to get him. He’s not a top five pick right now.
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Metcalf back in fine form The Clarion-Ledger reports Terrence Metcalf is finally healed from his 1998 ankle injury.
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