Olsen, Brodell look for an NFL shot

IOWA CITY - Dan Shonka describes former Iowa guard Seth Olsen as a finished product.

That doesn't mean Olsen, 23, is ready to pound the likes of NFL defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth anytime soon. But Olsen can step into just about any offensive scheme and understand what the offensive line coach is talking about.

"Olsen can put his hat on you," said Shonka, general manager and national scout for Ourlads Scouting Services, LLC. "He can block in the zone-blocking scheme, he can run his feet into you, he's smart, he's aggressive, he does a lot of good things."

"We like him, he's liked by a lot of offensive line coaches. He's definitely a guy with ability to block in zone schemes, he's valued for that and his understanding of zone blocking schemes."

Shonka ranks Olsen (6 feet, 4 1/2 inches, 306 pounds) as the 11th-best guard in this draft. Shonka said has got "pretty good first-step quickness" but "he could use a little more body strength." Shonka projects Olsen as a fifth-round pick going to Indianapolis.

Olsen was voted a first-team all-Big Ten offensive lineman by both the league's coaches and media outlets. He was named to four different All-American squads, including first-team by Rivals.com.

Former Iowa wide receiver Andy Brodell (6-3, 200) also is vying to make an NFL club. Shonka said Brodell reminds him of former Iowa receiver Kevin Kasper, who covered and returned kicks for several different NFL teams.

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"If (Brodell) could go down and make tackles on special teams, coverage teams and be your fourth or fifth receiver, he'll have a shot at making a ballclub," Shonka said. "A lot of times you can't find that third, fourth or fifth receiver that can make a tackle on a special team."

Brodell's top performance came in the 2006 Alamo Bowl, where he caught six passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. But in 2007, he suffered a torn hamstring against Wisconsin and missed the final eight games.

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