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OG Al Bond (Memphis) - Undrafted free agent
Before the 2015 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions had a single offensive guard on their roster (Larry Warford). Now, though, the Lions have five total guards after trading for Manny Ramirez, drafting Laken Tomlinson and signing a pair of undrafted free agents at the position. Today, we are going to examine Al Bond, who is one of those undrafted guards.
Measurables
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 303 pounds
Stats
2011: 7 starts (RT)
2012: 12 starts (RT)
2013: 10 starts (RG)
2014: 13 starts (RT)
(via Memphis)
Random fact
At Memphis, Bond earned a degree in Correctional Administration and "began work toward" a degree in Criminal Justice.
What the experts are saying
A mauler who will have to kick down from right tackle to guard due to his lack of functional athleticism in pass protection. His struggles with changing direction and handling active defenders and twists will still be a problem inside. Bond is unable to block in space, so he will likely be confined to competing for a spot on a power-run-only team.
Doesn't back down and protects teammates. Good overall effort and almost always blocks to the whistle once engaged but more of a finesse positional blocker than a mauler. Average at best physicality at the point and not an aggressive instigator. Lacks ideal killer instinct and nasty disposition for an interior offensive lineman. Doesn't always seek out contact when gets into space.
Played exclusively at right tackle. Allowed 21 pressures on 469 pass blocking snaps.
Outlook for 2015
Although the Lions have improved their depth at guard by adding Ramirez and Tomlinson, there should still be one interior spot up for grabs this summer. I could definitely see Bond ending up in that spot, although he would have to fend off fellow UDFA Torrian Wilson to make the team. If that doesn't happen, perhaps Bond could find a spot on the practice squad.
Previous scouting reports
Draft picks: OG Laken Tomlinson, RB Ameer Abdullah, CB Alex Carter, DT Gabe Wright, FB Michael Burton, CB Quandre Diggs, OT Corey Robinson
UDFAs: QB Anthony Boone, RB Zach Zenner, RB Desmond Martin, RB Rasheed Williams, WR Vernon Johnson, WR Jared Haggins, TE Casey Pierce