
a tough, under-the-radar Cal line anchor turned NFL success story
Brian de la Puente was a stalwart for Cal’s offensive line, earning honorable mention All-Pac-10 honors in the 2007 season while starting all 13 games at left guard and helping a unit that allowed a league-low 11 sacks. He also flashed real power in the 2006 season with 14.5 knockdown blocks and 8.5 pancakes, which hints at a physical, dependable interior blocker with a grinder’s temperament. If you want an OL with toughness, versatility, and a proven development arc, he’s exactly the kind of prospect/coach-trait profile that travels well.