Alabama’s Cyrus Kouandjio was the Tide’s 3rd player to be selected during day 2 of the 2014 NFL Draft. Kouandjio was selected 44th pick overall by the Buffalo Bills. He joins C.J. Mosley and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix from day 1 of the draft as the only Tide players selected thus far.
Video of the Bills making the pick for Kouandjio
Mike Mayock on Kouandjio: “Last night, the Bills traded up to get Sammy Watkins. The Bills circled back in Round 2 to fill their other major need at offensive tackle. Kouandjio slipped to the second round mostly because of a knee injury and the rumors surrounding it. He is a big, powerful tackle; think Phil Loadholt from Minnesota. He’s so long that not many can get by him in pass protection.”
Strengths and Weaknesses via NFL.com
STRENGTHS Excellent body mass with extremely long arms. Uses his length to push rushers wide — day trip to run the arc on. Has the ability to drop anchor and stymie the bull rush. Can latch onto, control and maul his man. Can hook and seal or widen the hole in the running game. Flashes the ability to bury defenders. Will be a 21-year-old rookie and has clear potential — is physically gifted with raw, moldable tools.
WEAKNESSES Has heavy legs and lacks ideal foot quickness for blind-side protection. Footwork and hand use have to be coached up — looks clumsy at times. Carries his hands low. Struggles to subdue counters and gets beat across his face — limited lateral quickness and needs to strengthen power step and inside punch. Average contact balance — too often bends at the waist and slides off blocks. Inconsistent clearing his feet through traffic and spends too much time on the ground. Labors to cut off fast-flowing linebackers and sustain on the second level. Could stand to develop more of a mean streak. Tied for the slowest 40 time (5.63 seconds) of any participant at the combine.
Kouandjio took time to address the rumors about his knee via conference call with the Buffalo Bills. “Well first of all, when all the articles came out about my knee, the doctors that did it were pretty well known and they really had a great track record and they cleared it up for me. Letting people know that no, in fact nothing is wrong with my knee. I didn’t really think too much about it. I didn’t know it was going to impact me that crazy, but I’m glad everything happens for a reason, so I’m here in Buffalo.” Kounadjio also added during the call that he takes pride in run blocking and taking a man in a direction he does not choose. When asked if he felt if he was ready to step in right away, Kouandjio said ” I never have that type of mindset. I’m always ready to compete and I do have respect for the guys that were already down there. I’m coming down there to compete.” He also credited the Alabama football program saying that it was a tough environment and a tough program but it helps the players that come out of it.