Report: Browns hosting Hobart OL Ali Marpet
By Thomas Moore
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Ali Marpet of Hobart (50) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns hosted Hobart offensive lineman Ali Marpet on Wednesday, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
Marpet started 37 games in his career at Hobart, and this past season earned second-team Little A.P. All-American, first-team All-Liberty and the Liberty Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was also the first Division III player selected to play in the Senior Bowl.
Fowler wrote that:
"“The 6-foot-4, 307-pound Marpet is intriguing because he acquitted himself well at the Senior Bowl — he didn’t look out of place there — but his inexperience playing at a high level is something teams must consider. A possible parallel is Minnesota Vikings guard Brandon Fusco, a late-round pick out of Slippery Rock who has become a productive pro, signing a five-year, $25 million contract extension last year.”"
There is an interesting nugget in Marpet’s draft profile at NFL.com that could reveal why the Browns are taking a look at him. See if you can spot it:
"“Has the body type and movement of a zone-scheme center with guard potential. Technically sound and has athleticism to become an NFL starter, but must prove he can handle the substantial jump in power and speed he will see. Looked strong enough at the Senior Bowl, but he could be a year away from being ready. Ascending prospect with a chance to be one of the steals from this year’s group of interior blockers.”"
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A zone-scheme center who may not be ready for a year? Could the Browns be looking at Marpet as insurance in case center Alex Mack leaves after the upcoming season?
Marpet is projected as a second- or third-day selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, so we’ll have the answer in a little more than a week.
What do you think Ali Marpet as an option for the Browns in the draft?
Next: Report: Browns to visit LB Kyle Emanuel in North Dakota