Ducaase is a powerful left tackle/guard prospect with size and long arms. Ducaase gets off the line of scrimmage with quickness and pop. He has a thick and strong lower body. The three-year starter at left tackle can maul defenders with his upper body strength and sheer mass. The former UMass standout has a jolting punch and heavy hands. The All-American is athletic enough to reach the 2nd level and pull. Ducaase was a durable player in college. He is fairly quick in his kick-slide.
Weaknesses:
Ducaase was able to use sloppy technique at UMass and not pay a price. He was simply too big, strong and athletic for the competition he faced. His technique was exposed to a certain extent at the Senior Bowl. Ducaase's stance was too upright and he lacked leverage. He was vulnerable to inside pass rush moves.
Football Character & Mental Make-Up:
The former team captain takes the game seriously. Ducaase did not start playing football until he was a junior in high school. He has made some impressive leaps in competition and hung in there. That is a credit to his focus and determination. Ducaase studies film, trains and will soak up what a coach teaches him.
Vladimir Ducasse Draft Value
Rating:
2nd Round
NOTE: Our ratings are NOT where we predict a player will be drafted, but rather, where we believe a player SHOULD be drafted based upon future production.
Forecast:
PFDN thought that Ducaase had a solid Senior Bowl game and improved as the week progressed. He has a lot of upside potential and looks to be a focused and competitive young man. Ducaase may start out inside at guard because of his run blocking, but he has the size and long arms to play left tackle. Ducaase should be able to anchor well once he is trained to bend his knees more and sink his hips. He needs technique work and simply practicing against the best players in the world will do wonders for his game.
Note: We put as much effort into researching a player’s football character (passion or interest in the game) and mental make-up as we do grading game film. Why? Because it is just as important (perhaps more so) as a player’s physical tools. Our scouting reports reflect this emphasis on capturing the total picture.
