I don't think anybody knows who he is except the Jets and anyone associated with Nicholls State. Where the hell is that anyway?
Despite the team's struggles on offense in 2006, Bender emerged as one of the most dominant left offensive tackles in the small college ranks. Everyone was expecting the 2006 Nebraska game to be the litmus test for Bender, and he came through with flying colors. Despite the team's 56-7 loss, he came up with the Colonels' only touchdown-resulting block for the game and held All-American defensive end Adam Carriker to six tackles (two solos) and one stop behind the line of scrimmage for a 1-yard loss. Bender was a punishing left offensive tackle at renowned DeMatha Catholic High School. The team captain averaged more than 16 knockdown blocks per game as a senior. He was named All-State, All-Conference, All-State Academic and was a member of Maryland's Top 50 Offensive Line Hog Picks. After enrolling at Nicholls State in 2003, Bender saw action in all 11 games as a reserve offensive tackle. He took over starting left tackle duties as a sophomore, helping lead an offense that averaged 249.3 yards per game rushing, as he earned All-Southland Conference honors. In 2005, Bender was again named to the All-SLC first-team, adding All-Louisiana second-team accolades. He manned the left tackle position, collecting 76 knockdowns with eight touchdown-resulting blocks for one of the nation's most explosive ground attacks that averaged 364.8 yards per game. The offense struggled in 2006, yet Bender went on to earn All-American, All-Louisiana and All-SLC honors. He had 87 knockdowns as the running attack accounted for 233.9 of the team's average of 291.6 yards in total offense per game. Bender did not allow a sack all season and produced eight touchdown-resulting blocks. ANALYSIS Positives: Solidly built athlete who could use more bulk, but has the room to carry at least another 15 pounds without having the additional weight affect his quickness … Has a thick upper body with a firm midsection, good hip width, thick chest, thighs and calves … Physical in-line drive blocker who has the leg drive to generate movement off the snap … Uses his hands well to turn his man and shows good quickness and light feet to adjust and recover when moving off the ball … His weight room strength doesn't always translate to the football field, but he has the power to generate explosive pop behind his blocks … Has the quickness to gain initial advantage and the lateral movement to get out in front on pulls … Shows the quickness to seal the corner … Plays with good knee bend, anchoring firmly vs. the rush … Picks up stunts well and redirects fluidly … Has the body control to adjust on the move and hustles looking for defenders to attack down field … Works to finish and maintains balance vs. the power charge … Shows the ability to fire out low, generate movement and swing his hips around to seal … Battles with good leverage and is active away from the play, showing good angle awareness … Extends his arms and bends his knees properly when riding an inside move past the quarterback … Better blocking in-line than on the move, as he consistently gets movement on run blocks and keeps his head on a swivel looking for linebackers to hit … Has good pop and hip roll to explode behind his drive blocks … Keeps his shoulders squared properly on base blocks, blocking with a good flat back. Negatives: Lacks ideal bulk, but has the frame to add additional weight … Short arms at times, as he is inconsistent on his hand set and punch in pass protection … Will impact on the edge, but needs to use his upper body strength better in order to dominate when turning his man … Shows good kick and slide movements off the snap, but appears a little sluggish changing direction when working in space … Must do a better job of anchoring vs. the edge rush, but shows the quick feet to slide out (just needs technique refinement, as only a little more than 20 percent of the team's offense were based on pass plays) … Bit straight-legged at times trying to anchor … Has a strong hand punch, but needs to show better placement in attempts to lock on and control.
Strengths: Has excellent size and a large frame...Very athletic...Quick and agile...Mobile with nice range...A natural knee bender...A hard worker...He could potentially play left tackle...Experienced and dominated his level...Tough and durable...Major upside. Weaknesses: Did not always play against top competition...Is not overpowering and his weight room strength doesn't translate to the field...Not a great technician and will need to work on mastering the finer points of the game...More of a long-term project?? Notes: Was a three-year starter...Performed well in the Magnolia All-Star Classic...Has all the physical tools you look for and he just needs to be developed...An underrated prospect who is flying under the radar right now but could wind up being a steal.
Q & A WITH JACOB BENDER Jacob Bender is an offensive tackle from Nicholls State who brings intriguing upside. Josh Buchanan: How are you feeling with just two weeks left to this whole process? Jacob Bender: I am feeling anxious and excited. At the same time I just want it to hurry up and come. I have been working hard and going on all of these visits. I am not nervous yet but I probably will a couple days before the draft. Josh Buchanan: What teams have shown the most interest? Jacob Bender: Seattle, Cincinnati and Jacksonville. Josh Buchanan: What were the best workout numbers you produced? Jacob Bender: My best 40 was a 5.03, my vertical was 30 1/2 inches, my broad jump was 8'11 1/2, bench press were 27 reps, short shuttle was 3.50, and 3-cone was a 7.55. Josh Buchanan: How have teams said you will fit best in the NFL? Jacob Bender: They said I will have to develop a little bit but everybody says I will be a left tackle because of the way I move my feet. I have good bend and athleticism. One team did say I might move to right tackle and be the strong run blocker type guy. Josh Buchanan: What's your plan for watching the draft? Jacob Bender: I will be in Maryland at my house. Posted by NFL DRAFT BIBLE at 1:42 PM Labels: NFL Draft http://nfldraftbible.blogspot.com/2007/04/q-with-jacob-bender.html
From NFL.com "Everyone was expecting the 2006 Nebraska game to be the litmus test for Bender, and he came through with flying colors. Despite the team's 56-7 loss, he came up with the Colonels' only touchdown-resulting block for the game and held All-American defensive end Adam Carriker to six tackles (two solos) and one stop behind the line of scrimmage for a 1-yard loss." http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/bender_jacob Sounds like our new RT.
you guys dont know bender! hes a good kid, can play all the line positions, good size, sleeper from a small school. good pick by the front office. Now Walter Thomas would make this a perfect draft.
