CMU's Eric Fisher impresses at Senior Bowl

Former Central Michigan second-team All-American left tackle Eric Fisher wowed NFL scouts last week at the Senior Bowl.

During practices, Fisher continually won in head-to-head matchups with defensive linemen from bigger schools, such as UCLA's Datone Jones and Texas' Alex Okafor.

One of his weaknesses heading in was that he didn't face NFL caliber linemen while with the Chippewas, but he answered that question by proving he can battle with the likes of Jones and Okafor.

"Seeing my name up there at the top is pretty cool," Fisher told the media last week. "But, if you don't back it up, then it goes away, so I'm here to back that hype up. I think a lot of people and a lot of teams wanted to see me go against really good competition."

Among his strengths that were noted were his athletic ability and conditioning with his 6-foot-7, 305-pound frame and his ability to be able to add on pounds and not lose speed.

"He's a very big man," said Oakland Raiders and North Squad head coach Dennis Allen. "To be that agile and to be that athletic at the offensive line position is pretty impressive."

Fisher entered Senior Bowl week being projected as the No. 11 overall pick to the San Diego Chargers, but, after the week, Fisher had many analysts believing the Chargers would be lucky to fall that far.

"We all knew (Fisher) was a mid-late first-round pick," said Mike Mayock of the NFL Network. "His performance this week ... he dominated. He's going to be a top-10 offensive linemen and the best player in the (Senior Bowl).

"He's a guy, on a paper, people thought might be available in the later in the first round, Central Michigan is not a big-name school," Mayock said. "But he's out here stoning everyone. I know we're out here talking about (Luke Joeckel) as a top-five pick, but (Fisher), I think, is the real deal."

Fisher is now being touted as one of, if not the best, offensive linemen in the draft. Some have even ranked him ahead of Texas A & M lineman Luke Joeckel, who has been seen as the No. 1 overall draft pick in many mock drafts.

"He's going to challenge for the No. 1 tackle spot," said Charles Davis of Fox Sports. "Joeckel is a kid I'm really high on, but Fisher is really grabbing my eye."

Fisher will have more opportunities to increase his draft stock before the April 25th NFL Draft with the NFL Combine on Feb. 23-26 and at CMU's pro day in March.