Markus Zusevics Notes

Zusevics is a big athletic OT prospect who started all 13 games at RT for Iowa in 2010. He hadn't played any significant time previous to that and has largely gone unnoticed by national media(with the exception of this article: Link). He's a former high-school volleyball player and is very mobile for a big guy.  He was a little rough around the edges his first couple of starts(Arizona particularly), but quickly raised his level of play. He showed solid development as year went on and put in a solid performance against Missouri in the Insight.com bowl, where he faced  Aldon Smith, the 7th overall pick in the 2011 draft.

Height: 6'5
Weight: 300
Estimated 40 Time: 5.0

Run Blocking:
Solid in-line run blocker in Iowa's zone scheme, but will occasionally miss a reach block and allow penetration. Shows good flexibility and does a nice job working his hips around to control defenders most of the time. Is excellent at getting to second level targets and does a good job maintaining contact after he gets his mitts on'm. Will get a little high at times, but has the ability to consistently play with sound leverage. Natural athleticism and explosiveness help him generate a good initial pop as a run blocker as well.

Pass Blocking:
He's got the feet and athletic ability to take on speed rushers. Really like his ability to control rushers when he stones their initial move. He does an excellent job shuffling and mirroring once he gets into his man. At times lacked the ability to anchor against high level bull rushes. Appeared to be a bit undersized in 2010, and could use a few more pounds to help anchor on the outside. Fairly good knee-bender and improved greatly in this area as the season went on. Does a solid job keeping his hands inside and avoiding holding calls.

Draft Value:
Zusevics is one of those guys who you underrate until you fully evaluate him. He's a guy that has only gotten better and if he continues that development his natural abilities make his ceiling is pretty high. Worst case scenario he couldn't play tackle at the next level and he could kick inside and play guard. He's looks to be a better prospect than the previous Iowa RT, Kyle Calloway, who went in the 7th round in the 2010 draft. I'd put a 4th round value on him right now, but if he stays healthy and continues to develop during his senior year he could easily rise.