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Bill Feig/Associated Press

Pass Block 40/45

Terron Armstead has quietly performed at a high level for the New Orleans Saints since taking over as the starting left tackle in Week 16 of the 2013 season.

There was plenty of buzz about Armstead after he clocked a blazing 4.71-second 40-yard dash at the 2013 combine, the fastest offensive line time since at least 2006, but the Arkansas-Pine Bluff product has done nothing but continue to develop his game to complement his rare physical gifts.

In pass protection, the three-year pro shows the ability to keep edge-rushers off balance by switching up his sets, which normally takes offensive linemen some time to develop. He shows an explosive set that gains vertical ground and is able to get to his spot effortlessly to build his house.

He also shows he can aggressively set firm, strike explosively and anchor to stop the charge of rushers at the line of scrimmage.

Armstead displays good strike-zone recognition and punch timing, often stopping defenders dead in their tracks as he anchors on his spot. There were times where he did over set and was unable to transition his anchor versus speed-to-power in 2015, but what is impressive about Armstead is his ability to use his hands effectively.

Usually it takes a long time for offensive linemen to develop crafty hand usage, but Armstead consistently is able to use independent hands to throw off defenders' timing. He also shows he can snatch and trap defenders down toward the ground and can swat and pin defenders' hands to gain leverage or to knock opponents off balance.

Armstead's ability to recover is special. He is able to maintain the half-man leverage needed to use his length and efficient feet to trace the hoop and run edge-rushers over the top of the pocket. He also shows the body control, foot quickness and inside-hand usage to mirror defenders and take away the inside.

Run Block 43/45

The Saints don't ask Armstead to do a whole lot in the run game, which is a good thing, because he isn't a devastating run-blocker in the traditional sense. Armstead is more of a "fit" or position blocker and isn't going to consistently road grade and get a ton of movement at the point of attack.

He still shows the hip explosion, upper explosiveness and power at the point of attack needed to quickly engage and jolt defenders off the ball. And he plays with a good base, generating force through his in-steps, allowing him to sustain his power when engaged with defenders.

If there is one inconsistent area, it's in his footwork and targeting when needing to cut off the back side when a run goes away from him. Armstead is decent on zone-combo blocks, either overtaking heavy-leveraged defenders or allowing his combo mate to go to the second level or working through the near shoulder pad of outleveraged defenders.

Armstead shows he can run good tracks and takes good angles when climbing to the second level to fit on linebackers.

He might not be asked to do a ton of it, but Armstead still earns high marks as an efficient, effective run blocker on the left side of the Saints line.

Position Value 9/9