Ted Karras

A three-star offensive guard recruit out of high school, Ted "Teddy" Karras received interest from UCLA and other programs, but his family ties led him to the Big Ten, choosing Illinois (his mother's alma mater) over Northwestern and Iowa. After redshirting in 2011, he became a redshirt freshman starter in 2012, starting all 12 games at right guard. Karras started 10 games as a sophomore right guard in 2013 and nine at right guard in 2014 before an injury prematurely ended his season. He returned healthy as a senior in 2015 and started all 12 games at right guard, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors for the second straight year. Karras accepted his invitation to the 2016 East-West Shrine Game.

karras, who has the look of a future member of the green bay packers or chicago bears, might be able to stick as a back-up, but his pro ceiling is limited.

--Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) (4/27/16)

vocal leader and keeps teammates accountable - voted a senior captain...son of a coach and grew up with football as his religion...graduated with a degree in communications (dec. 2014)...four-year starter with 43 career starts at right guard...nfl bloodlines - father (ted jr.) is a longtime high school and college head coach and played on season at defensive tackle in the nfl (1987); grandfather (ted sr.) played nine seasons in the nfl at defensive tackle; great-uncle (alex) won the outland trophy as a defensive tackle at iowa and first round pick in the 1958 nfl draft, playing 12 seasons in the nfl and earning four pro bowl nods.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Broad-shouldered frame with NFL size...uses his upper body power and adequate length to lock out and keep rushers at bay...physically beats up on defenders with heavy hands to block them off the screen...able to control the line of scrimmage when square...strikes quickly to punch and steer...adequate initial quicks and maintains proper pocket depth in pass pro...intense competitor and violent finisher, looking to eliminate his target.

summary

A four-year starter, Karras was the seventh member of his family to play football in the Big Ten and he carried that torch with honor as the lynchpin of the Illinois offensive line at right guard. A football lifer, he brings unmatched energy to the field and possesses the framework for the NFL with his size, strength and pedigree that will appeal to teams. However, he is stiff and square cut with limited athleticism to operate in space or mirror the speed of interior NFL rushers.

pigeon-toed with his feet pointing outwards in his stance...slow feet and ends up lunging to try and recover...struggles with gap blitzes, late recognizing the pressure and moving his feet...poor lower body flexibility to sink and anchor at the point of attack...needs to better generate thrust from his hips and lower body...late hands when dealing with quick rushers and his punches often land outside his target...stiff midsection and labors when changing directions.

Inconsistent in space and at the second level - much more comfortable in tight spaces...still learning how to properly manage his emotions on the field...medicals need checked after tearing the MCL and ACL in his left knee (Nov. 2014), missing the final four games of his junior season...all of his college starts have come at right guard.