DARNELL ALFORD
OL | (6-4, 335, 5.5) | Boston College
by Pro Football Weekly
Drafted by: Kansas City, Pick 22, Round 6 , Overall 188

Notes: Played football and basketball and was a shot putter on the track team in high school. Redshirted in 1995 and then moved into the starting lineup in '96. Sat out the '97 season due to personal reasons. Came back to start the first nine games of the '98 season. Team's best offensive lineman, and perhaps the best offensive lineman in the Big East Conference, in '99.

Positives: A huge man who is light on his feet and can bend his knees. Has good balance and body control. Is quite athletic for a man his size. Generally keeps his man from getting to the player who has the ball.

Negatives: Is too heavy and not in the best of shape. Wears down in games. Once he tires, he gets lazy about bending his knees. At times is late coming off the ball. Is not a real finisher or mean, tough-guy type. You will rarely see this player go for the throat. Plays on the right side in college and may not be quick enough for left tackle. Tends to leave too much air between himself and the defender. Has had some recovery problems and concentration lapses.

Summary: Was a very good tackle in college but was still something of an underachiever. Needs to get into better shape and really toughen up if he is to realize his potential. Could have been a first-round pick if he did all he could to be the best he could be in college. Now scouts must wonder if he will pay the price to be the best he can be, or will he be content if he just makes an NFL team?