NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane
by Jared Donnelly
NFL Draft Analyst
3/2/09


This is Busy Time.  This is Workout Time.  Simply put, right now, this is “Money Time.”

For whom you ask?  Hundreds of NFL Draft hopefuls. Specifically?  Tulane offensive tackle Troy Kropog.

I recently had an opportunity to speak with Troy one-on-one to talk about the process, and where he thinks he fits in.  I want to make special note of one thing: Not only is this an important time for Troy in regards to his career, but he was also taking time from a busy day that included prepping for a family vacation.  His time was precious, so we got straight to the point.

I currently have Troy rated as a middle second round pick.  I especially like his agility and his ability to play both tackle spots, although I do have him rated out as a pure left tackle.  However, I have no doubt that he could be a productive NFL right tackle.

I started with the standard questions: height, weight, 40 time.  “I don’t have an official 40. I’m in the 5.1’s to low 5.2’s.  I also came in at 309 at the Combine and 316 at the Senior Bowl.”

Scouts/experts have Troy projected all over the board in regards of his position.  When I asked him about where NFL teams had him pegged, he told me that they “don’t really have me pegged anywhere yet.  Teams are constantly asking me how I feel about both sides and I always tell them, ‘I’ll do whatever they want.’  I started at left tackle in college, I’m most comfortable there.  But I can learn anything.”

I also asked him about some experts having him projected as a guard.  Kropog laughed and said with a hint of a chip on his shoulder, “There is no film of me even playing guard.  I’m a tackle.  I could learn to play guard, but from what I understand, I am a tackle.”

I knew at this point that I was talking to someone that was driven to succeed at his position.  Driven to be the best possible tackle.  However, if someone asked him to play guard would he do it?  “Absolutely, man.  Whatever it takes.  I’ve talked to at least one guy from almost every organization in the NFL right now.  As far as I know, I’m going to be a tackle.”

We all know that there is no such thing as a perfect prospect at any position and that is no secret to the prospects themselves either.  Kropog offered up an assessment of what he felt he needed to improve on to maximize not only his draft position, but his potential for a long illustrious NFL career.  “Well, if I’m going to be playing right tackle, which is a possibility, then I need to work on my sets there.  I played it a little bit at the Senior Bowl and it’s just a matter of getting used to it.  Once I get used to it, I’ll be fine.”  Along with things to improve, each prospect is extremely aware of what it is that they excel at, Kropog assesses himself as being very athletic.  “My athleticism is a strength for sure.  There are going to be times that you get beat.  At that point, less athletic people are in trouble.  I feel like I’m athletic enough to make up the ground and still get the job done.”

Sometimes in “Money Time” a guy can get caught up in what people are saying about him.  Hearing too many voices and getting too much advice is easy.   Does Kropog fall victim to the rumor mill, mock drafts, and innumerable big boards that guys like me spend hours doing?  “I don’t really pay much attention to that.  I’ve seen and heard my name in the second round; I’ve seen myself in the fourth or fifth round.  One guy even said I wasn’t going to get drafted.  I try not to pay attention to that stuff too much.”

Was he honest?  Absolutely.  Was he arrogant?  Not at all.  It was simply a man understanding that this is “Money Time.”  Being able to separate real life from the rest of the world is crucial. 


• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 2 rounds
• Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft 
• Mock Draft Database