Miami Hurricanes Football 2015 NFL Draft Profile: Shane McDermott

2014 ALL-ACC, FIRST TEAM (coaches)
2014 ALL-ACC, THIRD TEAM (ACSMA)
2013 ALL-ACC, THIRD TEAM (coaches)

36 career starts, all at C during UM career.

Also the older brother of former  5 star recruit, 'Canes sophomore OT KC McDermott,

Worked as a LS during Shrine Week, and did not have any faulty snaps.

Had a solid junior campaign in 2013, despite playing through a foot injury.

Listed at 6'4 305.   Came to the 'Canes at just 265, so has worked very hard at increasing his size and strength.

Pretty decent athlete as well, running the 40 in anywhere between 5.0 - 5.3.

Also an excellent student,  and was honored in Miami's Iron Arrow Society (Highest honor at the school) this past season (more on that below):

Solid technician has also earned comparisons to a former UM lineman who has had a lot of success in the NFL.

I've got a ton of respect for Art Kehoe. Top O-Line Coach. Miami's Shane McDermott reminds me of another prominent pupil Texans Chris Myers

— NFL_DRAFT_Bites (@NFLDraftBites) February 13, 2015

Will he live up to the praise?

Might he exceed expectations at the next level?

Let's break it down and look at where he might end up come draft time.

Strengths:

#1 Technique - Consistently turns his man. Works well with with guards on tandem blocks/double teams. Has good timing getting out on screens, and rarely overextends or misses blocks. Solid in pass protection as well, using a wide base to keep his man in front of him.

#2 Leadership -  3 year starter is very smart, and passionate as well. Plays with a lot of energy and leads by example. Would be a great locker room presence in the NFL if he can make a roster. Great intangibles overall.

#3 Consistent - Effort is always where it needs to be, and he never misses an assignment.  McDermott is a potential cornerstone for an O line because his performance will not vary much from week to week.

Weaknesses:

#1 Not a mauler - While he makes the most of his talent and uses sound fundamentals, he is by no means a powerhouse.  Against bigger, stronger players at the next level, this could be limiting.

#2 Athleticism -  Not the fastest or the best in terms of lateral movement.  Seems suited to only play C, as lack of raw power and speed does not translate well to G or T.

NFL Players he most resembles: Chris Myers, Nick Hardwick, Jason Kelce 

Draft Projection: 7th round or UDFA.  Teams like Houston, Tampa, or Oakland could stand to give McDermott a long look.  He's tough, intelligent, and sound enough to be an NFL center given the opportunity.

Stay tuned for many more updates as Miami's 2015 NFL Draft eligible players prepare to hear their names called at Radio City.