Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers have signed a total of 27 rookies to contracts this offseason. Eight of those were his 2012 NFL Draft picks, while the other 19 were undrafted free agents picked up immediately after the draft or brought in as tryout players during Rookie Orientation Camp. With the roster now at a full 90 players, it’s time to get to know some of these new faces.
Next up is center Tommie Draheim.
Born on December 23, 1988, in Kennewick, WA, Tommie Draheim (Dray-hime) grew up in Lakeside, CA, where he played at center and defensive tackle as a senior at El Capitan High. He is the son of Tamura and Damon Draheim.
Draheim was a redshirt freshman in 2007 with the San Diego State Aztecs, and he was projected to be the starting center in 2008 until a shoulder injury suffered during summer workouts sidelined him for the season. Due to “team needs,” he was moved to left tackle upon his return, where he ended up starting in 30 consecutive games across his last three years with the team.
As a senior, Draheim became the first Aztecs offensive lineman to be named first-team all-conference since Brendan Darby in 2003. He was part of an SDSU offensive line that ranked 10th in the country in fewest sacks allowed (0.83 per game) and tied for 15th in fewest tackles for a loss allowed (4.42). They also helped quarterback Ryan Lindley become the school’s all-time leading passer and running back Ronnie Hillman finish third nationally in rushing.
Measuring 6-4, 309 lbs., Draheim bench pressed 22 reps at his Pro Day and had a 28” vertical jump. Though he primarily played left tackle at SDSU, Draheim was signed by the Packers as a center.
Both the National Football Post and Sports Illustrated scouting reports describe Draheim as “stiff,” “straight-legged,” and “not a natural knee bender.” He consistently gets doubled-over at the waist and displays poor footwork. His balance and use of leverage also need a lot of work, or he will struggle to hold up against the power of NFL linemen.
Draheim is considered to be a solid athlete with good awareness and a hard-working attitude. It’s understandable from scouting reports why he has been signed as a center rather than a guard or tackle prospct. Still, Draheim has a long way to go and a lot of technique to learn before he will be able to compete as a starter.
If he stays with the Packers through this season, it will most likely be as a Practice Squad player.
——————Chad Toporski, a Wisconsin native and current Pittsburgh resident, is a writer for AllGreenBayPackers.com. You can follow Chad on twitter at @ChadToporski
Follow @ChadToporski——————
No comments? I guess UDFA centers just don’t float anyone’s boat…
Chad, another Olineman auditioning for the part. Can never hyave enough guys trying to move up the ladder into a roster spot or even the PS. Good Luck!
scouting reports describe Draheim as “stiff,” “straight-legged,” and “not a natural knee bender.” He consistently gets doubled-over at the waist and displays poor footwork.
Not much else to say.