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04/27/2009 - COULD SURPRISE: OT T.J. Lang of Eastern Michigan is a player to watch as the Packers approach a transition at the position. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher have been the starting bookends at left and right tackle, respectively, since they were rookies in 2000. While Clifton will be back for another season but has chronic knee problems, Tauscher apparently won't be re-signed as a free agent after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in January. That leaves a huge void, which could be filled by the promising Lang, a fourth-round choice. He made his mark the last two years of college at left tackle, but Lang also has starting experience at right tackle. Wherever he lined up, Lang shut down explosive Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English (No. 16 overall pick of the San Diego Chargers) in their Mid-American Conference matchups. The Packers like the 6-foot-4, 316-pound Lang's athleticism and feistiness.
04/27/2009 - A closer look at the Packers' picks: Round 4/109 -- T.J. Lang, OT, 6-4, 316, Eastern Michigan...With uncertainty at both bookend spots -- right tackle Mark Tauscher is unsigned as he recovers from major knee surgery in January, and left tackle Chad Clifton has endured knee problems the last few years and is entering the last year of his contract -- Lang was drafted as an insurance policy. He started 36 straight games, 10 at right tackle and the last 26 at left tackle, in a zone-blocking scheme that jibes with the Packers'. The converted defensive tackle, regarded for his physicality and drive blocking, also has center-guard material.
Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, Lang made a remarkable transformation over the last three years. Despite coming into his own as a tackle in 2008, many professional scouts feel that his drive-blocking ability, reach and quick hand placement could see him shift inside to guard or center.
Lang started 36 consecutive games, including his last 26, at left tackle. He registered 169 knock-downs and 21 touchdown-resulting blocks during his junior and senior campaigns. He had 16 tackles (eight solo) and blocked two kicks during his 43-game career at EMU.
Lang began his prep career at Lakeland High School, lettering in both football and baseball as a sophomore. He transferred to Brother Rice High as a junior, where he helped the team to the state finals and was named the squad's Most Improved Lineman.
As a senior, Lang started on both lines. He earned All-State Division II first-team honors and was ranked 33rd on the Fab 50 list of the Detroit Free Press, adding All-North accolades from that news service. He was named his team's Lombardi Award winner as the Most Outstanding Lineman and was nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year award in the state of Michigan.
Lang recorded 93 tackles (59 solo) with 8.5 quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery, making the Associated Press All-State Division II squad as a high school senior. He also won the Defensive Line award at the University of Michigan 2004 summer camp.
In 2005, Lang was one of seven true freshmen to letter at Eastern Michigan. He appeared in all 11 games, seeing action in seven contests on defense while starting the season opener vs. Cincinnati at left defensive tackle. He finished the season with 11 tackles (four solo), as he assisted on a stop behind the line of scrimmage and blocked a kick vs. Western Michigan.
As a sophomore, Lang switched to the offensive line, starting 10 contests at right tackle and two more on the left side. He also switched from jersey #93 that he wore in 2005 to #50, which he'd wear for the rest of his career. He posted 74 knockdowns with seven touchdown-resulting blocks and was named Player of the Game vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. He also collected three tackles (two solos).
Lang started all 12 games at left tackle in 2007, delivering 83 knockdowns and 10 touchdown-resulting blocks. He also blocked a kick and recorded a solo tackle. The team averaged 337.5 yards in total offense as the front wall ranked second in the Mid-American Conference, allowing just 1.42 quarterback sacks per game, the 24th-best figure in the nation.
As a senior, Lang again manned the left tackle slot in all 12 games, garnering All-Mid American Conference recognition. He registered 11 touchdown-resulting blocks to go with 86 knockdowns, as he also came up with a solo tackle, but turned the ball over after handling a reception for a 4-yard loss. The Eagles relied on him protecting the blind side, as EMU ranked 20th nationally in passing, averaging 269.33 yards per game.
Scouting Report
GENERAL REPORT
GRADE: 6.46
Body Structure: Lang has a developing frame with good overall muscle tone, long arms and large hands. He is a bit on the lean side, but can add more bulk without it affecting his overall quickness. He shows good thickness in his shoulders, chest and arms, big hips and thighs and good lower-body muscle tone.
Athletic Ability: Lang moves well going down the line, showing good balance and adequate change-of-direction agility that could be even better, but he does revert to waist-bending, especially on drive blocks. He has the quickness to get into the second level and shows good stamina and endurance throughout the game. GRADE: 6.4
Football Sense: Lang has no problem locating twists and games and shows good urgency getting into the second level, but needs to keep his head on a swivel better (tends to duck on the move). He is a low-rep player who can make adjustments and thinks on his feet. GRADE: 6.5
Character: Lang is outgoing off the field, but plays with some nastiness in game situations. He has no stability issues or known off-field problems and has all the pluses you look for in a person. GRADE: 6.5
Competitiveness: Lang shows good toughness and aggression, working hard to stay on his man. He competes well in the trenches and is never going to back down from a confrontation. He enjoys the game and while he needs to improve his strength, he does shoot his hands well, looking to toss, pin and level when he can torque a defender. GRADE: 6.6
Work Habits: Lang is a good self-starter who demands a lot from himself. He takes well to hard coaching and is a physical player with athletic ability. His one weakness is his overall strength and he needs to not only add at least another 20-25 pounds of bulk, but also improve his hand punch to shock and jolt. GRADE: 6.3
ATHLETIC REPORT
GRADE: 6.30
Initial Quickness: While not sudden, Lang has the initial quickness and balance to accelerate and gain an advantage, using his arms to make reach blocks. He will revert to bending at the waist at times, but generally plays on his feet, generating good body control working into the second level. He sets low in his stance and has good stamina. It is rare to see him get lazy late in games or get beat around the corner because of his ability to maintain position and mirror. GRADE: 6.6
Lateral Movement: Lang shows good change-of-direction quickness, but could be even better if he did not bend at the waist moving in space. He gets off balance when he leads with his head, but might be a good fit as an interior lineman due to his ability to get out with good balance on short traps and pulls. GRADE: 5.7
Balance/Stays On Feet: Lang plays with good balance, but has just an adequate lower-body base and struggles vs. bull rushers. He has the athletic ability and foot quickness to occupy the defender and will finish, if he gets the chance, but if he improves his strength, he would be even more effective. He is more of a position blocker, moving out to sustain on the edge and keep relationship with the smaller, speedy pass rushers. GRADE: 6.0
Explosion/Pop: Lang is active with his hands and plays with good aggression, but he is not going to hurt anyone with his adequate hand punch power. He is effective as a push-and-shove type, but until he develops better overall strength, he will not create immediate movement (does show adequate pop on contact). He is becoming a savvy player, as he compensates for adequate power with the hip movement to jostle a lethargic defender. GRADE: 5.6
Run Blocking: Lang has some mechanical flaws, as he will duck his head drive-blocking into the second level and bends at the waist when trying to redirect on the move. When he bends his knees and keeps his pads down, he gets good leverage. When he rolls his hips, he generates better force hitting on the rise. He has good foot acceleration and works hard to finish, thanks to his intensity and effort. He needs to develop strong hands to control, but is efficient holding and grabbing for short periods. GRADE: 6.5
Pass Blocking: This is one of Lang's best assets. He has the balance and body control to handle double moves and shows good fluidity in his kick-slide. He maintains balance in his retreat. Has an adequate anchor due to strength issues and is not heavy handed, but keeps his hands inside his frame to defeat counter moves. He showed marked improvement in his sets as a senior and will be a nice fit for a zone-blocking scheme due to his ability to get out on the edge and mirror. GRADE: 7.1
Pulling/Trapping: Lang's penchant for bending at the waist is an easily correctable flaw. He has good feet and balance on the move, but needs to keep his head up to maintain sight of the opponent on the move. He can generate some pop in space and in 2008, did a better job of folding inside and turning up on the linebackers.
Adjust on Linebacker Downfield: Lang has the tools to adjust to the linebacker's moves. He stays on his feet moving into the second level and can wheel with some nice change-of-direction moves. He won't shock a second-level defender with his hand strike, but moves around well enough to occupy them until the whistle. GRADE: 6.3
Use of Hands/Punch: Lang is active with his hands, but lacks force behind his punch to shock and jolt (will grab and latch on). He is at his best when trying to control, but if he tries to outmuscle, he will not lock on for long. He can stun a bull rusher with his hand quickness rising off the snap, but has to keep his hands inside his frame to be effective. GRADE: 5.9
Reactions/Awareness: Lang is alert to his surroundings. He has good slide agility to combat the edge rusher's second move and gets good body position in attempts to sustain. He is not beaten around the corner much, as he has the ability to slide to his left or right. He also remains in control moving his hands to extend on reach blocks. GRADE: 7.0
Compares To: KRIS DIELMAN, San Diego -- Lang is a former defensive lineman and a relative neophyte as an offensive lineman coming out of college. He's made steady progress thanks to weight-room dedication. With his pass protection skills, he could bring better value as an interior lineman while his body fills out. In a zone blocking scheme, he could find a home at guard. With his hand quickness, he could also be used as a center late in his career.
OVERALL GRADE: 6.32
--Report by Dave-Te Thomas
Career Notes
As an offensive lineman, Lang started 26 games at left tackle and 10 on the right side, producing 243 knockdowns and 28 touchdown-resulting blocks … Over his final two seasons, he recorded 21 touchdown-resulting blocks, 169 knockdowns and 17 downfield blocks, grading 81.67% for blocking consistency … Allowed seven quarterback sacks and nine pressures on 860 pass plays … For his career, he collected 16 tackles (eight solos) with an assisted stop for a 3-yard loss and blocked a pair of kicks.
2008 Season
All-Mid American Conference first-team and Super Sleeper Team selection by The NFL Draft Report, adding second-team All-MAC honors from the league's coaches … Earned the Harold E. Sponberg Award, given annually to the top down lineman scholar-athlete … Lined up at left offensive tackle, coming up with 86 knockdowns, 11 touchdown-resulting blocks and nine downfield blocks, grading 83.08% for blocking consistency … Penalized three times and handled a reception for a four-yard loss (turned the ball over on a fumble) while also making a solo tackle … Allowed 4.5 quarterback sacks and three pressures on 499 pass plays … Helped the team rank 20th in the nation and third in the MAC in passing (269.33 yards per game) and 25th in the major college ranks in total offense (417.5 yards per game).
2008 Game Analysis
Indiana State … Lang dominated the action from the opening gun, delivering eight knock-downs that included two touchdown-resulting blocks, as the Eagles amassed 637 yards … Flipped defensive end Brandon Pence to the ground to spring tailback Terrence Blevins for a 61-yard scoring burst in the first quarter … Dwayne Priest used a hole created by the left tackle for a 2-yard touchdown run that capped an 86-yard, 10-play series with 7:07 left in the first half … Head to Head Competition-DE#45-Dan Millington (6:02-250)-No tackles … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded eight knockdowns, two down field blocks and two touch-down-resulting blocks, grading 99% … Helped the team gain 413 yards with six touchdowns on 53 carries (7.79 ypc) and generate 637 total yards on 82 snaps (7.77 yards per play).
Bowling Green … Lang posted an 86% blocking consistency grade behind eight knock-downs, as the team generated 410 yards … Terrence Blevins used Lang's chop block on defensive tackle Nick Davis to break into the end zone on a 1-yard plunge that ended a 6-play, 65-yard late second quarter possession … Head to Head Competition-DE#40-Joe Schaefer (6:04-259)-Four tackles (1 solo) … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded eight knock-downs, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 86% … Helped the team gain 147 yards with two touchdowns on 38 carries (3.87 ypc) and generate 410 total yards on 68 snaps (6.03 yards per play).
Army … The left tackle added eight knockdowns, including one that led to a second quarter 5-yard scoring run by tailback Terrence Blevins … Head to Head Competition-DE#92-Victor Ugenyi (6:03-253)-No tackles … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded eight knockdowns and one down field block, grading 87% … Helped the team gain 117 yards with one touchdown on 29 carries (4.03 ypc) and generate 255 total yards on 59 snaps (4.32 yards per play).
Akron … Lang registered seven knockdowns and was involved in a strange play that ended the game in a 42-35 loss … He blasted defensive end Shawn Lemon out of the way to spring tailback Terrence Blevins for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter … EMU mounted a last-ditch scoring drive with six seconds left on the clock, as QB Andy Schmitt hit Jacory Stone with a 12-yard pass. The receiver tried to flip the ball to Lang, but he was tackled for a 4-yard loss, coughing the pigskin up at mid field … Head to Head Competition-DE#94-Shawn Lemon (6:01-223)-Three tackles (1 solo), one stop for a 2-yard loss, on QB pressure … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded seven knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 83% … Helped the team gain 182 yards with two touchdowns on 41 carries (4.44 ypc) and generate 440 total yards on 75 snaps (5.87 yards per play).
Western Michigan … Lang saw defensive end Zach Davidson sack QB Andy Schmitt for a 5-yard loss, ending the team's first possession, but then settled down to make nine knock-downs … He made up for that miscue by flattening Davidson on a 19-yard touchdown jaunt by Terrence Blevins to start the second stanza … Head to Head Competition-DE#90-Zach Davidson (6:02-239)-Six tackles (2 solos), a 5-yard sack, two stops for minus 7 yards …
Offensive Impact-Lang recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block and one touch-down-resulting block, grading 83% … Helped the team gain 133 yards with one touchdown on 37 carries (3.59 ypc) and generate 405 total yards on 74 snaps (5.47 yards per play).
Temple … The left tackle graded over 90% for the second time in 2008, posting seven knockdowns … On a second-&-goal snap, QB Andy Schmitt followed Lang into the end zone for a 1-yard scoring run … Later in the fourth quarter, he drove defensive end Adrian Robinson out of the way to clear a path used by Dwayne Priest for a 2-yard score that capped a 75-yard, 8-play drive … Head to Head Competition-DE#43-Adrian Robinson (6:02-229)-Two assisted tackles … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded seven knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 94% … Helped the team gain 68 yards with four touchdowns on 19 carries (3.58 ypc) and generate 552 total yards on 95 snaps (5.81 yards per play).
2007 Season
All-MAC second-team pick by The Gridiron Report … Started all twelve games at left offensive tackle … Earned Player of the Game honors vs. Northwestern, Bowling Green and Central Michigan … Recorded 83 knockdowns, eight down field blocks and 1- touchdown-resulting blocks, finishing with a blocking consistency grade of 80.25% … Blocked a field goal vs. Northern Illinois that saved the game in the final seconds and posted a solo tackle vs. Vanderbilt … Part of a front wall that ranked second in the conference and 24th in the nation, allowing just 1.42 quarterback sacks per game … Gave up 2.5 of those sacks, along with six pressures on 399 pass plays … Helped the Eagles average 337.5 yards in total offense and 156.0 yards rushing per game.
2007 Game Analysis
Northern Illinois … Lang collected a pair of touchdown-resulting blocks to guide the Eagles to 378 yards in total offense … He cleared a rush lane used for Pierre Walker's 1-yard touch-down run with 0:22 left in the first half … In the third stanza, he leveled nose guard D.J. Pirkle to pave the way for a 68-yard scoring scamper by receiver DeAnthony White on a reverse … With time expiring, NIU attempted a 50-yard field goal, but Lang blocked the kick to preserve a 21-19 decision … Head to Head Competition-DE#51-Larry English (6:03-254)-Eight tackles (1 solo), 0.5 stop for a 1-yard loss … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded eight knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 91% … Helped the team gain 189 yards with three touchdowns on 41 carries (4.61 ypc) and generate 378 total yards on 65 snaps (5.82 yards per play).
Michigan … The left tackle's only mistake was allowing defensive end Brandon Graham to sack QB Andy Schmitt for a 4-yard loss in the third quarter, but in that same frame, he crushed Graham while leading the sweep on Schmitt's 10-yard touchdown run … Head to Head Competition-DE#55-Brandon Graham (6:02-270)-Two solo tackles, a 4-yard sack …
Offensive Impact-Lang recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block and one touch-down-resulting block, grading 85% … Helped the team gain 135 yards with one touchdown on 36 carries (3.75 ypc) and generate 304 total yards on 72 snaps (4.22 yards per play).
Northwestern … Lang followed with seven more knockdowns as the Eagles totaled 381 yards … He flipped defensive end Kevin Mims out of the way on a late first quarter 5-yard scoring run by Kyle McMahon … Head to Head Competition-DE#99-Corey Wootton (6:07-280)-One solo tackle for a 3-yard loss, one pressure, two pass deflections … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded seven knockdowns, one down field block and one touchdown-resulting block, grading 85% … Helped the team gain 99 yards with two touchdowns on 29 carries (3.41 ypc) and generate 381 total yards on 77 snaps (4.94 yards per play).
Central Michigan … Lang closed out the season with an 88% grade and a pair of touch-down-resulting blocks … QB Andy Schmitt went through a rush lane that his left tackle widened for a first quarter 1-yard score that capped a 73-yard, 11-play drive … Later in the third stanza, Lang crashed into defensive tackle Steven Friend to spring Schmitt for another 1-yard touchdown run … Head to Head Competition-DE#98-Frank Zombo (6:04-259)-Seven tackles (2 solos), one stop for a 2-yard loss … Offensive Impact-Lang recorded nine knockdowns, one down field block and two touchdown-resulting blocks, grading 88% … Helped the team gain 214 yards with six touchdowns on 49 carries (4.37 ypc) and generate 441 total yards on 85 snaps (5.19 yards per play).
2006 Season
Moved to the offensive line, starting the first 10 contests at right tackle before shifting to the left side vs. Kent State and Northern Illinois … Named the team's Offensive Player of the Game at Louisiana Lafayette (Sept. 30) … Earned a Championship Performance Award vs. Toledo, Championship Special Teams awards for the Central Michigan and Bowling Green games and a Winning Performance award vs. Central Michigan … Changed from jersey #93 to #50 prior to the season opener, coming up with 74 knockdowns and seven touchdown-resulting blocks for a unit that averaged 276.15 yards in total offense per game … Also made three tackles (two solo), including one each vs. Ohio University, Navy and Kent State.
2005 Season
One of seven true freshmen to letter, Lang appeared in eleven games, starting the season opener vs. Cincinnati as a 250-pound left defensive tackle … Registered 11 tackles (four solos) with an assisted stop for a 3-yard loss and a blocked field goal.
2005 Game Analysis
Made his college debut with three assisted tackles vs. Cincinnati … Had two solo stops, including one for a 3-yard loss vs. Louisiana-Lafayette … Added a season-high four hits (2 solos) vs. Central Michigan and named Special Teams Player of the Game after blocking a kick in the Western Michigan clash.
Graduated from Brother Rice (Birmingham, Mich.) High School, playing football as a junior and senior for head coach Al Fracassa … As a senior, Lang started on both lines, earning All-State Division II first-team honors and was ranked 33rd on the Fab 50 list of the Detroit Free Press, adding All-North accolades from that news service … Named his team's Lombardi Award winner as the Most Outstanding Lineman and was nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year award in the state of Michigan … In his final prep campaign, Lang recorded 93 tackles (59 solo) with 8.5 quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery, making the Associated Press All-State Division II squad, helping the team to the state finals and was named the squad's Most Improved Lineman … Also won the Defensive Line award at the University of Michigan 2004 summer camp … Began his prep career at Lake-land High School, lettering in both football and baseball as a sophomore.
Personal
Criminal Justice major … One of five children of Lynn Confer and Thomas Lang … Born Thomas John Lang, Jr. on 9/20/87 … Resides in Ferndale, Michigan.
