2021 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS - INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE
Click on the names of the prospects below to see their draft profiles:
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 300lbs
Report by UK Draft Scout:
Positives: Very athletic lineman who has the versatility to play both Guard and Tackle; he also has good film at both Guard and Tackle. Explodes out of his stance and gets to his landmarks quickly. When stretched vertically by quicker rushers, he is able to open his hips up and carry the lineman around the pocket. Tenacious and sturdy run blocker. Does a very good job of sustaining his blocks with active footwork and impressive grip strength. Many have prognosticated a move inside to Guard, but I think his movement skills are better utilised on the perimeter. His athleticism is also an upside in the run game where he is able to climb to the second level and execute pulls. Even when he does get out-reached, Vera-Tucker is very proficient with his hands which mitigates the reach disadvantage he may have because he is often able to neutralise the hands of the pass rusher. Demonstrates good awareness to identify twists on the defensive front. Does a very good job of distributing his weight evenly and not lunging into his blocks. Shows tremendous balance in recovering from the instances where the pass rusher lands the initial punch.
Negatives: The reason many wish to move him to Guard is due to his length which is a valid concern. His arms are going to be on the shorter side for a Tackle which is often a noticeable detriment to his game in inhibiting his ability to keep his chest clean as a consequence of being out-reached. You’d like to see him establish his hands, extend his arms, and control the chest of the d-lineman more often, yet this is a product of his lack of length. Too often pops up on contact in the run game, instead he could do a better job of dropping his anchor and getting below the pads of the d-lineman.
Round grade: Top 15
Ideal Scheme fit: Zone run blocking
NFL comp: Jake Matthews
To see Simon Carroll's scouting report on Alijah Vera-Tucker please go to the Offensive Tackle prospect reports.
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 312lbs
PRO’S: Physically dominant center who has anchored the offensive line for Oklahoma for three years. Impressive anchor - plenty of lower body strength and has proven an immovable object to the biggest of Big 12 nose tackles. Power rises through his torso and he is just as strong up top; hand strength at the point of contact rocks opponents onto their heels - he was a wrestler at high school and it shows in his handfighting. If he manages to latch on to pads then the rep is over, nobody can shed him. Extremely smart and understands the different techniques involved to execute various blocks. Plays with excellent patience, allowing the rusher to tip their hand before counteracting. A team captain in Norman and beloved by his teammates. Toughness and dedication to winning has never been questioned.
CON’S: Short arms. Unparalleled hand strength diminished by lack of reach. Has to be very smart not show his numbers to long armed defenders or he can be manipulated out of the way. Lack of reach and height-weight ratio make him play quite tall, and poor pad level affects his leverage when drive blocking. Balance is ultimately affected as he looks to get the upper hand with early contact. Limited athleticism across the board; smarts have masked his stiffness in lateral movement, and patience turns to reticence as he gets downfield and looks to block the second wave. Sometimes overcautious, making sure his inside hip is covered against counters and might not reach where he otherwise could get to as a result.
SIMON CARROLL: “If one interior lineman (other than AVT if you have him as a guard) is going to crack the first round, then Creed Humphrey might be that guy. He’s not a sexy pick, and doesn’t lure you in with an alpha-dog attitude, but he’s relentless in the pursuit of excellence and has polished every aspect of his game. He has done well to mitigate his lack of length and will need to continue to maximise his skillset around that as he enters the NFL, because it is a weakness that will be exposed at the next level. Teams will also take note that he is left handed, bringing a snap adjustment for their QB. But his intelligence, leadership and brute strength - particularly in his hands - cannot be denied. He’ll quietly become a high-performing starting center or guard for a team and spend a decade plus in the league.”
NFL COMPARISON: GRAHAM GLASGOW
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 310lbs
PRO’S: A bully. Fires out of his stance and sears into contact with the highest levels of aggression and bad intent. Destroys the will of his opponent with a devastating first hit, resetting the point of contact immediately. Impressively strong both through his core and in his hands, which combined with his urgency allows him to consistently relocate defensive linemen. Active frantic hands, and is quite happy to turn contact into a melee if it means he keeps his quarterback’s pocket clean. Shows a determination to reach his landmarks and get into his set before the contact comes. Eyes always working, and will find work when none comes his way. Demonstrates good understanding and communication with his fellow linemen, and his responsibilities on any given play.
CON’S: Slightly undersized for an NFL lineman. Showcases good strength but frame could add weight for more power. Aggression and frantic style of play causes him problems at times; too many instances of him playing with his nose over his toes looking for the contact before it comes. Hands are strong but accuracy needs dedicated work - more consistency on second and third strikes to kill off opponents rather than just blow them away with the first. Adequate length but loses maximum extension at times, frustrating his recovery on plays. You want to see more speed for a smaller linemen, and unless he’s hunting downfield or flowing on zone blocks Davis comes up short. Ability to match change of direction movement is limited, suggesting stiff hips and a lack of lateral agility. Unrefined technique catches him relying on his brute strength to win reps.
SIMON CARROLL: “A true mauler, Wyatt Davis is ready for the fight. His non-stop motor and desire to hit something in front of him is backed up by insane levels of core strength and an anchor that is only betrayed by a poor stance from time to time. If it’s a power on power fight, Davis is coming out on top, even with his slightly smaller stature. Asking someone like Davis to show a little more patience in letting blocks develop before looking for pads to hit might be difficult, but keeping his own pads low, his stance nice and wide and his hands accurate are all things he can do to improve his game and be a starting guard in the NFL. Despite some agility concerns Davis has thrived in a zone blocking scheme, but I don’t think he’s limited to an offense that runs it. He’ll be on a lot of team’s radars if he’s still on the board on day two.”
NFL COMPARISON: DAVIN JOSEPH
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 326lbs
PRO’S: Huge frame. Almost as wide as he is tall, with excellent weight distribution throughout his body. Extremely powerful, stemming from his impressive anchor that can withstand the strongest of bullrushes. When downblocking his strength all him to launch into the body of his opponent and drive upwards, giving him the leverage to relocate. Strong arms that can control pressure outside of his frame, and quick powerful hands that, when they land, will displace anyone. Aggression off the snap keeps him competitive in setting the point of contact on his own terms. Has good fundamentals; plays with excellent pad height and keeps his feet driving through contact. As tough as they come and has shown impressive resilience overcoming adversity. Intelligent leader of the Alabama o-line who diagnoses pass-rushing plans and constantly communicates with his teammates.
CON’S: Injury prone. Spent five years at the college level between Florida State and Alabama, and found injury disruption at both schools. Tore his ACL in 2016, and injuries to both ankles meant he only played five games from 2017-2018. Headed to Tuscaloosa where his luck fared better until he sustained another torn ACL in the SEC Championship game last year. On the field, Dickerson has slightly shorter length than most NFL scouts hope to see. His athleticism is predictably underwhelming considering his size, and whilst he remains competitive with good burst from the snap, change of direction agility and the ability to mirror interior pass rushers are weaknesses.
SIMON CARROLL: “Smart, tough, cerebral centers like Landon Dickerson are at a premium, and in recent years we have seen elite prospects at this position start sneaking into the first round. I have no doubt that, if it wasn’t for the litany of injuries to his lower half he has sustained throughout his college career, Dickerson would be one of those prospects. Both knees and ankles will need to be checked out by NFL medical teams, and it’s difficult to anticipate how those examinations will go. Predicting where he comes off the board is of course linked to those medicals, but even if he passes them there will still be a lingering doubt as to his durability at the next level. I think some team gets a first round talent somewhere on day two.”
NFL COMPARISON: NICK MARTIN
PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 338lbs
PRO’S: Behemoth of a man with a lot of weight in his lower half; unrivalled anchor and simply cannot be moved when he digs his cleats into the turf. Strong as an ox up top; generates plenty of power through his arms and delivers some devastating strikes when he finds pads. A pure body mover, forever widening running lanes with his ability to forklift and also appreciation of angles when attacking defensive linemen. Relentless hand combos don’t give opponents a minutes rest, constantly re-working to the chest and staying on top of the block. Once he latches on he maintains narrow arms to avoid holding outside of his own frame and is a nightmare to disengage from.
CON’S: Limited athleticism. Lateral movement is sluggish and it makes his pass protection the weakest aspect of his game. Simply struggles to mirror the movements of a pass rusher, and if they pull an outside-inside move it’s a gargantuan effort to halt the train and move the other way. Lack of anticipation doesn’t help here, and there isn’t the feeling he knows his opponents’ repertoire prior to battle. He’s somewhat better on vertical sets where linear speed isn’t too much of an issue, but a lack of burst is notable out of his stance, and when he gets to his landmark you want to see better foot placement for improved balance. The hurry to reach his spot comes at him foregoing technique, making his game sometimes scruffy, albeit usually effective.
SIMON CARROLL: “Is Aaron Banks a carbon copy of Trey Smith? Both prospects are absolute monsters who lined up at left guard in their final season in college, and bring a similar physical skillset. I’d argue Smith shows a bigger level of nasty and perhaps some more athleticism and composure in pass protection, but Banks doesn’t come with any medical concerns. Regardless, they both have a similar draft range. And Banks will very much appeal to teams who like to run the football down the throats of their opponents, where he can line up opposite his man and not worry about zone stretch blocks or sealing lanes at angles. He’s an old school fighter who can get to the second level and hit the next guy, and with continued work should become an NFL starter.”
NFL COMPARISON: BRANDON BROOKS
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 354lbs
PRO’S: Big. And I mean BIG; Cleveland has an enormously wide frame that makes him very difficult to circumnavigate. Healthy weight too; well proportioned and penty of muscle. A true bruiser that envelops blocks at the point of contact. Utterly fearless and plays with a controlled anger that he unleashes to intimidate his opponent. Immovable object, even when attacked at angles; Cleveland has a phenomenal anchor and can match up with any nose or tackle who tries to come at him with power. Devastating blows with his heavy hands and has good length to get his hands on breastplate and redirect. Shows some smoothness out of his stance and into his set, and remarkably dainty feet in his kick-slide.
CON’S: Lack of anticipation shown against pass rush moves, and doesn’t necessarily possess the natural ‘feel’ for when a defensive lineman is lining him up for a big move. Loses all fluidity when reacting to counters and shows heavy legs when trying to change direction. Finds speed hard to deal with; quicker edge rushers or linebackers at the second level find it too easy to stay away from his hands and work the edge. Hands, whilst heavy, are erratic and inconsistent - he often plants them too wide and will get flagged for holding more at the next level, and the power in his punches dwindle on the second and third strike rather than finishing off his opponent. Conditioning is questionable and he’s had numerous small injury frustrations during his time at Georgia.
SIMON CARROLL: “These guys just keep getting bigger! Ben Cleveland has the toolbox to become a starter in the NFL, but he’s got some way to go to get there. For a big guy who plays with an attitude, it is surprising how often his opponent can stay relevant on a play. A lot of that is to do with his upper body technique and a complete revamp of his hand usage could be on the cards to get the most out of the unreal level of power he possesses. Guys the size of Cleveland with the play strength and surprising gracefulness across the turf don’t grow on trees - one of the few big guys who looks to be just as good in pass pro as he is run blocking, I think he sneaks into day two and with some good training will be a valuable piece on an offensive line.”
NFL COMPARISON: LAKEN TOMLINSON
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 312lbs
PRO’S: Thick, solid frame that is well proportioned with good muscle distribution throughout. Impressive anchor when taking on nose tackles; will dominate against any bullrusher who lines up straight in front of him and tries to go through him with power. Plays with good leverage to help this - low pad level and lower half flexibility to be able to drive up into contact. A true competitor who is rarely beaten once hands are on pads, Myers will fight tooth and nail to stay in a rep. Shows good communication at the line of scrimmage and is adept at reading defensive fronts. Smart, controlled lateral movement disguises some hip stiffness and he’s efficient to his landmarks, particularly when seal blocking in outside zone concepts. Has some good speed when attacking the second level, and absolutely engulfs linebackers looking to meet the ball carrier in gaps.
CON’S: As mentioned, short area quickness isn’t such a problem, but mirroring the movements of interior pass rushers is difficult for him. Double moves in particular show a lethargy in change of direction. Inclined to deliver a ‘kill shot’ on first contact, and can put himself in trouble in this regard; hand accuracy needs to be spot on not to end up in the dirt, and occasionally it isn’t. Prefers to battle in close quarters making center his best position, but less confident in space; when the danger is present yet contact is delayed you can see him getting antsy and reaching. This lack of balance betrays his good pad level and he ends up playing over his toes.
SIMON CARROLL: “Josh Myers was an accomplished center in his Ohio State career, and has some traits that will help his transition to the NFL. He brings an ideal amount of power and aggression, some quicks to operate in confined areas, and has shown proficiency in the various blocking schemes utilised in Columbus. The issues come when he needs to move laterally at speed, and pass rushing tackles will enjoy going up against him much more than a run-stuffing nose will. Myers would do well to learn a little patience and nuance to his game; at the moment it’s all fire and brimstone up front, and savvy NFL linemen will teach him some harsh lessons. But there’s no doubt he’s talented enough to start at the next level.”
NFL COMPARISON: TYLER BIADASZ
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 331lbs
PRO’S: A huge dude. Perfect size and shape for an NFL guard; tree trunk like low-cut body with powerful arms and all the length you need. Physically intimidating - has plenty of sand in his pants and cannot be moved when he gets his feet set. Upper body is even stronger than his lower half, and he just manhandles defensive linemen like they weigh 100lbs. Plays with a nasty streak and enjoys delivering wind-sapping blows to pads - and there is no respite on second or third strike either. Will ‘overblock’ to make his point, infuriating opponents who cannot disengage. Able to help with threats that aren’t his responsibility but have come into his postcode, chipping them whilst maintaining his own block. Handled the best the SEC had to offer with distinction.
CON’S: Got some health issues; Doctors found blood clots in his lungs following his freshman year, and he missed game time the next season after they misdiagnosed him, saying they had returned when they hadn’t. It’s something he’s had to monitor and NFL medical teams will want to investigate. His weight has fluctuated quite a bit and controlling that seemed like it could be an issue until he refocused following the health scare and lost 40 pounds. Lack of movement skills is the big on-field concern, unsurprising for a man his size, and getting to landmarks in pass protection or moving on to second level blocks in the run game is where it shows up most on tape. Arm power outside of his frame disguises a lack of change of direction speed where he can’t get his body in between enemy and football. Plenty of technique to clean up, including footwork, angles and hand accuracy/timing.
SIMON CARROLL: “A bit of a disjointed college career on a team that has struggled since he was in Knoxville, Trey Smith never quite reached the heights his skillset suggests he can achieve. Without doubt the main cause of this was the blood clots, and as far as make or break factors go there aren't many bigger - if doctors feel they can resurface he’s likely a medical scratch off team’s draft boards completely. Outside of the health concerns I think he’s a very exciting prospect; not many people on this earth possess the size and strength as Smith does, and he shows the kind of disdain for opponents that will endear him to fans at the next level. There is a noted shortfall in desired athleticism but cleaning up footwork and timing will accommodate this, and if he can get those hands more consistently accurate he’ll far outplay his draft stock. I think he’s huge value as a late day two pick.”
NFL COMPARISON: DENZELLE GOOD
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 320 lbs.
PRO’S: One of the biggest winners during Senior Bowl week, Meinerz was a late addition to the roster. He proceeded to impress with his measurements, on-field performances, and by all accounts with his attitude and interactions throughout. Concerns on film with his build and length were eased by appearing with a better distribution of bulk on his frame and solid 33” arm length. Practices saw the D3 prospect dominate 1-on-1 reps and during scrimmages. Finally, his work while not playing this year to teach himself how to play center will pay off significantly. His competence at that spot gives added versatility and value across the interior O-Line.
Meinerz proved a better athlete than expected from 2019 film, including running sub-5 seconds at his pro day. He shows good straight-line quickness working upfield to the second level. A factor in his run blocking success, the Warhawks lineman frequently blows open holes in the run game. Much of the blocking concepts apparent on film appear somewhat simplistically head-on and blinkered. However, there’s flashes of more nuance to torque and seal off defenders that can be further developed. He has noted in media interviews that he feels he is taking well to coaching relating to more complex designs.
Noteworthy from the Wisconsin-Whitewater film is reliable footwork, leverage and overall form. Regularly owning the point of attack, Meinerz gains the upper hand early, controls the action and creates backward movement. Once he has established an advantage, he rarely allows an opponent to recover and reverse the momentum. A high school wrestler, that background shows up in his hand usage and ability to sustain blocks post-contact. The 2019 Wisconsin-Whitewater team captain was a D3 1st team All-American as a junior.
CON’S: Meinerz is next in line of a talented group of Division 2 and 3 offensive line prospects in recent draft classes. Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa and Ben Bartch lead the names of coveted prospects from those levels. Unlike those prior prospects however, Meinerz’s college film shows hints of the potential but did not feel it was as consistently dominant as the others displayed. Prior to his Senior Bowl exploits, the film alone would have Meinerz grade up to several rounds lower on its own.
His body composition and conditioning looked poorer on film during that 2019 season. Given his revamped look and the results shown since, this eases some consistency questions raised from his junior film. The 2019 game film suggested some athletic limitations, particularly when moving laterally and changing directions. Again however, that looked improved upon reaching the Senior Bowl, further emphasizing the extent to which Meinerz has boosted his projection through this pre-draft process.
REBECCA RENNIE: “Meinerz epitomizes a genuinely deserving riser through the pre-draft process. His junior film is solid, at times dominant, but was far from flawless. The positive weigh-in, the added versatility at Center, and proving he belonged by owning the competition in Mobile was hugely important. The power, physicality and stout base are starting caliber traits.”
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 300lbs
PRO’S: Ultra-athletic lineman who started out life in Illinois as a defensive tackle before switching to the other side of the ball in 2018. Added 30lbs and moves really well for his size; startling burst off the line of scrimmage and gets plenty deep and into his set. Lateral mobility showcases his athleticism best - very smooth and efficient mirroring his opponent, and has plenty of quicks to react to stunts, counters or combos thrown his way. Ideal man to lead pull blocks and gallops into open space looking for a shirt to block. Uses speed to accelerate into contact - acts as if the blocker is 3 foot further away and there is zero gear down as hands and pads collide. No off-button; this guy is bringing the speed every snap and gives defensive linemen little respite. Has positional versatility, stepping in at center on a handful of occasions during his time in Champaign.
CON’S: Very raw and has a lot to learn - he’s crammed in just 33 games as an o-lineman in the last three years, 29 of which were at guard, but that is his sum total of experience at the position - in his lifetime. Understandably, he demonstrates plenty of inexperience; footwork is the root of all his other technique issues. Whilst he moves with speed he doesn’t keep his feet in sync and they end up crossing, and he has tripped himself up on occasion. Further balance issues arise when he lunges for contact and his weight distribution is loaded to the frontside of his body. Yet to maximise his power in his newly acquired mass, and his anchor can still be exposed. Anticipatory skills need further development; the most basic of pass rush combos can catch him out, and he’s a bit obvious with his arms - quicker rushers have been able to negotiate their way past his limbs too easily.
SIMON CARROLL: “Boy oh boy. I was warned about Green’s tape prior to watching and it did not disappoint; he has all the traits required to be a starter at guard in the NFL. Not tomorrow of course - he’s a long term project whose little exposure to the position is evident on tape. But to be this good after just 29 starts at the position is quite frankly ludicrous. He is so fast around the field, plays with an infectious tenacity, never quits and is always looking for work. The dedication Green showed to his craft in changing position at such a late stage and changing his body so drastically speaks volumes about his desire to succeed. When he gets the little things right he flashes big time potential, and NFL coaches will be banging the table for the opportunity to coach this guy up. I know he’s not going to make you better immediately, but a front office with cachet to think more long-term will have him on their radar. And I’m not sure why they’d wait around to pull the trigger. I think he sneaks into day 2.”
NFL COMPARISON: ANDRUS PEAT
PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 364lbs
PRO’S: Monstrous frame. Densely built with a broad frame, Brown is a difficult obstacle to get around. Even harder is going through him; Power oozes from him. Unbelievable lower body torque to halt then frogmarch interior linemen backwards. Excellent upper body strength and is quite happy to maul and scrap at the point of attack with an opponent bringing power on power. Embraces a one on one battle and doesn’t stop until he’s imposed his will on the victim. Good arm strength away from his own body and has been seen to help his tackle with wide rushers countering inside. Good technique - hands and feet in sync and usually lands his hands accurately on first strike. Not happy doing nothing and will find something else to block and neutralise. Naturally low center of gravity helps him keep his pads low and aid leverage when embracing contact.
CON’S: No man that size can move quickly, and Brown has had to work hard to utilise his strength and size to negate his lack of movement. Lack of length makes extension problematic, and small hands difficult to latch on and sustain blocks. These deficiencies are accentuated when blocking laterally on the move where he tries to get to contact too quickly. Pulls, screens, getting to the second level, even zone blocking schemes see a drop in power and poor balance as he lunges for a block. Shifty pass rushers with counter moves can take advantage of his sluggishness and short arms to find the gap.
SIMON CARROLL: “I learned a harsh lesson last year evaluating Solomon Kindley that a skillset such as his, and by extension Deonte Brown’s, can be successful in the NFL. Do they fit the mould of a pro lineman, or even come close to the baseline athletic or length requirements to succeed at the next level? Probably not. But they work hard to disguise their deficiencies by elevating the effectiveness of the cards they do hold. Brown struggles to keep up with plays, so to negate that he hits hard and early and latches on quickly to let his power do the rest. He might not be able to keep the quicker pass rushers inside his arms, but his sheer mass makes getting round him problematic. Whichever team takes him will be getting a ‘phone booth’ blocker who needs to operate in as little space as possible. But much like Kindley (who I regrettably had down as a UDFA), if he finds a suitable home he will be mightily effective.”
NFL COMPARISON: SOLOMON KINDLEY
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’1”. Weight: 350 lbs.
PRO’S: There is a deep group of small school OL prospects in the upcoming 2021 class. While the likes of Radunz and Brown were discussed frequently over the summer, it was Grambling’s David Moore who was among the earliest accepted Senior Bowl invites back in October 2020. Though he was unable to play out his 2020 Senior season, his 2019 film is dominant. As with his small school OL peers, he also excelled during Senior Bowl week. Moore was voted top OL on the American team by the opposing defensive line group.
Moore features a short but broad, powerful frame. Previously listed at 320 lbs, he weighed in at Mobile at a substantially bulkier 350 lbs. His subsequent pro day weigh-in included a drop to 336 lbs. Regardless of his ultimate playing weight, there’s no question that he has outstanding power within his muscular frame. Power is a big factor in how he wins but should not be undersold as an athlete either. The Grambling standout has good explosion out of his stance. He shows impressive overall quickness, agility and flexibility to go with the core strength.
During reps when his base and technique are solid, Moore is balanced and difficult to move backward off his spot. Built lower to the ground with natural leverage, his anchor is generally excellent. The Tigers lineman can land some heavy-handed punches to jolt back defenders. Though his form can let him down, Moore regularly shows ability to maintain his blocks and recover through his battling qualities and physical advantages over most FCS opposition.
There is so much to like about the play style overall. He brings a motor and mauling, overpowering effort. Up for a fight with anyone, Moore thrives in the physicality of the trenches and finishes emphatically. He could excel as a pulling lead blocker, with lateral agility and quickness onto the second level. In the run game, he is constantly looking for someone else to take out if unengaged.
CON’S: Moore measures in at a shorter height than most NFL lineman at 6’1” flat. This is a minor note though due to better arm length, while exploiting his leverage advantage and power well. The fluctuating weight that is suggested from various measurements is not ideal, hopefully finding a more consistent playing weight. Currently, Moore’s physical tools generally lead to more wins than through his technical execution. The consistency of his hand placement and arm extension can improve. The punch at the point of attack is impressive when it hits the mark. Other times however, he can miss his target.
Moore does not consistently lock down rushers after initial contact. Some speed rushes and quick second-phase counters can see him allow disengagement and pressure. Natural balance is good, but his coordination and form can deteriorate as the play progresses and under increasing duress. On film he can lunge, overextend and bend at the waist while attempting to stay engaged. He has worked on those since that 2019 season, however.
REBECCA RENNIE: “It is noteworthy that Moore was a relatively late starter to football. There is rawness in his game and technique but is an ascending prospect. While sitting out the 2020 season, he has worked with NFL legend Bruce Matthews. Particularly, he has reportedly focused on flexibility, lower body technique and maximizing his core power. He projects well as a potential future NFL starter.”
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight:309lbs
PRO’S: A fighter. Ultra competitive guard who lives for contact with defensive linemen, and whilst he shows admirable technique is not afraid to forego it and do whatever it takes to stay in, and ultimately win the rep. Ideal height and weight for the position. Excellent stout lower half of his body with stocky legs that gives him plenty of anchor against bull rushers. Brutal power running through his arms; delivers a breathtaking punch to the pads, and hands have a vice-like grip when latched on. Anderson shows good discipline to keep his elbows tucked tight and maintain his arms within the frame of his opponent, and manhandles them away from the football. Excellent motor; comfortable operating in the high tempo Texas Tech offense and didn’t look gassed at any point. Works every play until the whistle and has zero quit in him.
CON’S: Sometimes gets carried away with the personal battle and forgets about the ultimate objective of a play; so desperate to impose himself on defensive linemen that they can manipulate it to their advantage, avoid his hands and slide on by. Similar issues in pass protection; Anderson likes to be engaged and it’s difficult for him to remain patient and not lunge or play over his toes - these balance issues betray his otherwise healthy pad level and have found him on the floor too often. Movement isn’t prohibitive but neither is it an asset, and the lack of control and balance whilst getting to his landmarks is the bigger concern. The later the contact, the easier it becomes to use his own momentum against him - linebackers at the second level are rarely sealed when Anderson gets downhill.
SIMON CARROLL: “Prospects such as Jack Anderson intrigue me, and probably NFL scouts, because a lot of the negatives of their game are correctable, which often means upside. Anderson ticks all the boxes as you look at him; he’s big and thick with power running right through him, and has sufficient athleticism and quick feet so as not to be a liability in space. Coaches will need to better channel the exuberance and intensity he brings to the position to further make it an attribute rather than a liability to his game; featuring in a pass heavy offense his eagerness to engage has got him in trouble on more than one occasion. He’s also got zero experience playing outside of right guard which will likely confine him to a day three pick. But finding a home in a quick drop passing attack where the ball comes out before his quicks are able to give out on him will give him the opportunity to battle for a starting job in the NFL. A run heavy or traditional drop back offense will still find value from him as a solid backup.”
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 330lbs
PRO’S: Dominant run defender. Low-cut frame with plenty of weight on it; Hill throws everything behind his pads. Excellent stoutness and rarely moved off his spot by a bullrush. Comes off the snap quick and is heavy at the point of contact, almost engulfing his opponent with his arms. Works throughout the rep to gain the advantage and even harder when he’s looking to recover. Gets downfield when let off the leash and is confident sealing second level blocks to blow open big plays. Has a wide torso and knows how to maximise it; sliding by him and into the backfield isn’t an option. Plays with an edge and enjoys winning the mental battle as much as the physical one. Played both guard and center during his time at Georgia.
CON’S: Plays very tall in every aspect of contact. Lack of knee bend keeps his pads high, and he tries to negate this by bending at the waist and failing to garner any leverage. This causes footwork issues as he can’t plant his feet into the ground and drive defenders away from the path of the football. Lack of twitch hindered ability to change direction at speed - lateral movement will never be a calling card and he relies on girth to get him out of trouble when rushers get outside of his pads. Mobility only really shines when he’s attacking downfield. Lack of anticipation and reaction speed to counters and interior pass-rush combos further inhibit his pass protection. Serious injuries to both knees curtailed his final season in Athens.
SIMON CARROLL: “Trey Hill lined up predominantly as a center at Georgia, but also had reps at guard where I think he’s likely to be viewed as a best fit at the next level. His size and strength are valuable weapons in the run game, and if he gets his hands on your pads with some forward momentum you’re done for. Whilst he has flashed capability in pass protection, his lack of mobility is a hindrance, and his inability to pre-diagnose a defense’s intentions or feel when he’s being set up for a double move compounds the problem. There are correctables which should quickly improve his all round game such as hand placement and a better dedication to his pad level, but his ceiling as a prospect is somewhat capped, and that’s before you talk about the meniscus injuries to both knees. If the medical reports come back clean he’s an early day three guy that at the very least offers backup ability at multiple spots.”
PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’2”. Weight: 290lbs
PRO’S: Athletic center with excellent lateral movement. Able to mirror interior pass rushers with ease and shows loose hips and ankles to react well to sharp movements, counters or crosses from his opponent. Shows a smoothness out of the snap and getting into his set, achieving the desired depth before engagement. Impressive footwork and creates a solid foundation for his block with a healthy stance prior to first contact. Never stops working, be it active hands when he’s in battle or looking to help his guards with their assignments if he’s clean. Play strength, whilst not dominant, has improved year on year at Kentucky to the point that he is competitive with power versus power. Leader of a rather feisty offensive line with a keen eye for stunts and misdirection from defensive fronts, which he communicates effectively to his teammates.
CON’S: Small with short arms, usually a big red flag for offensive linemen. Questionable anchor - just not enough sand in his pants to neutralise big nose tackles in gap or power schemes, let alone relocate them. Lack of upper torso strength exposed in close quarters when he can’t use his speed and aggressiveness to make up for it. Lack of width and length give him little leverage fighting back into reps despite the effort. Hands, whilst never sleeping, are often erratic in their placement - you see them outside the breastplate and he could be a magnet for flags in the NFL. Showed aptitude in pass protection, but is that because the QB rarely dropped back in Lexington and defenses were caught on their heels a little? Size precludes him from playing any position other than center.
SIMON CARROLL: “I like Jackson. Okay, I admit it - I like ALL of these Kentucky linemen, going back to Logan Stenberg last season. They play tough and gritty and get the job done in a conference that showcases some of the best defenses in the nation, and Jackson was at the heart of its success. Unintimidated by any opponent, he plays six inches and 30lbs heavier than he actually is, and in a group of interior linemen full of mammoth statues it’s refreshing to see a prospect that can move the way he can. His small frame and lack of prototypical length will mean he isn’t a fit for every NFL offense, limiting his draft stock. But in a zone heavy scheme that gets him on the move and highlights his burst, tenacity and sheer will to establish the block he can not only survive training camp, but potentially work his way up the depth chart and become a starter at some point in his NFL career.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 306lbs
PRO’S: Strong, dense, low-cut frame that possesses plenty of torque. Excellent power displayed at the point of contact; lower body strength coils with good knee bend and hip explosion to drive up into his opponent and forklift with leverage. Doesn’t need much room to set his feet; wins in close quarters by digging his heels in and absorbing the pressure. Power extends to his arms and hands, which he delivers to the breastplate accurately and with good pop. Cool customer who is fully in control of his movements and plays with good balance. Team captain and locker room leader with plenty of games at center under his belt during his time in Happy Valley.
CON’S: Inadequate length. All of his core strength and stoutness at the point of attack is betrayed if he’s strung out by longer limbed defenders and can’t get his hands on pads. Down blocks come with initial power and pop but opponents are able to work their way back into the rep, stack him as his reach fails him, and shed comfortably to the football. Not going to win any awards for movement; sluggish out of his stance, stiff hips limit his lateral movement and ability to monitor and mirror horizontal motion, and even down hill blocks look laboured, particularly when looking for work at the second level. Some ball security issues from the snap in his final season at Penn State.
SIMON CARROLL: “Michal Menet brings experience and detailed knowledge of the center position, knows his own limitations, and has found the best way to attack the role based on what he can and can’t do. His solid play strength and excellent fundamentals - particularly upon engagement - allows him to dictate terms of exchange early. From then on it’s a case of trying to elongate the block until the ball is out of the backfield. This is where Menet’s challenges begin as his lack of athleticism limits his ability to react to the opponent’s movement, and his lack of length makes it difficult to stay engaged. He’s a dedicated center who already acts like a professional on and off the field, and you know you’ll be getting everything he has on every play. He’ll be a mid to late round selection and viewed as a backup, but don’t be surprised to see him linger in the league. Coaches will love him.”
PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 320lbs
PRO’S: Plenty of power and knows how to use it. Comes out of the traps with his hair on fire and explodes into his opponent. Awesome arm strength controls the movements of his opposite number and negates any outside-inside moves they may be attempting. Good anchor and drives power from his lower half through his torso with good knee bend and explosive hips. Excellent hand placement regardless of the angle of block, and when he gets full transfer of power through his hands and lands it knocks the stoutest of defensive linemen off route. Brings the intimidation factor to every rep and not afraid to get into it if it becomes a bit of a battle. Excellent positional versatility after playing both guard spots and left tackle at Columbia, although his skillset projects better on the interior at the next level.
CON’S: Better leverage on the inside compared to at tackle. Hutcherson still has a habit of bending at the waist, which seems to creep in more as contests go on and fatigue sets in. Has better athleticism than some in this class but still shows some hip stiffness that causes him issues in lateral movement and change of direction speed. Feels quicker blocking downhill but needs to be careful; fails to set his feet before contact comes, and shorter sets are advisable considering his limited movement. Prefers to play in tight quarters where his opponent’s mobility is limited, and needs to dedicate work on his footwork to better compete in pass protection as the rusher attacks his edge.
SIMON CARROLL: Not as big as some of the other late round guard prospects, Hutcherson is expected to counter that by having good movement around the field. He has some healthy explosion out of the snap, but beyond that the athleticism just isn’t where it needs to be. I love his attitude and the aggression he brings to an o-line, and on his day he can be more than a handful for the bigger defensive linemen out there. But blowing gaps wide open is just one aspect of a guard’s job, and Hutcherson has significant difficulty in the passing game or run blocking on the move because his arms aren’t particularly long and his feet can’t get them to their destination to land on pads quickly enough. His versatility and tenacity make him an ideal candidate as a backup, but i’m not sure he has the ability to grow into a more prominent role in the NFL.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 319lbs
PRO’S: Ideal size and weight to play guard in the NFL. Showcases plenty of functional strength; Anchor is stout with a well-balanced base that allows him to compete against bullrushes effectively. Works his feet hard into the turf and surges the power through his torso, bringing good pop through his arms and big hands. Arms are his best asset - big, strong and willing to fight to get inside and find the pads. First strike hits home with pop, and I like the way he constantly replants them in pass pro to make sure he holds the leverage. Got some nasty to him and enjoys downblocking where he can latch on and overpower to move defensive linemen vertically. Four year starter at Notre Dame and a key cog in the impressive o-line that helped the Fighting Irish get to the College Football Playoff in 2020.
CON’S: Playing in space causes him distress. Flowing and working angled blocks exposes his inherent lack of athleticism. He constantly wants hands to be touching pads - without that he can’t show patience and ends up reaching out, ultimately playing over his toes with poor balance. Trying to get deeper sets is difficult as a lack of foot speed and burst off the snap has him recovering from the get go - rushers get there first and manipulate his uneven balance as he attempts to latch on. Not a factor pulling or getting to the second level to lead block. Pass pro sabotaged by lack of fluidity and has often been saved by his surrounding cast when attacked one on one with a speed rusher. Missed some time in the last three seasons with separate unrelated injuries.
SIMON CARROLL: “Something of a ‘phone booth’ offensive lineman, Tommy Kraemer brings his best results when his role is defined to blocking in tight quarters where he doesn’t have to concern himself with getting to a deep landmark or have a rusher accelerate at him. You need him to find an immediate destination for those hands, where his brutal arm strength can get to work and displace threats for his running back. Whilst no slouch you do see panic set in when asked to mirror a man with some shiftiness, and his warts will definitely be more on show in pass protection. What he offers is a limited portfolio for diverse NFL offenses, but depending on his landing spot he could be a backup guard with some upside to offer acceptable production as a starter in a pinch.”
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 310lbs
PRO’S: Combative, aggressive blocker. Isn’t hesitant taking on bigger dudes in the slightest. Like a sponge on contact; excellent lower body strength allows him to set his feet and negate power and speed before pumping his legs and reversing momentum. Brings more thans sufficient power and aggression when he’s on the front foot, shooting out of his stance, looking for contact and delivering good pop with his first punch. Hands don’t sleep and bring fire every time he lands them. Best aspect of his game is pass protection; excellent speed out of his stance, comfortably gets to his landmark and into his set with a good base and quick feet. Very confident mirroring would-be sack artists and denying them entry into the backfield.
CON’S: Has paid little attention to his fundamentals. Criminal pad height, often completely eradicating any potential upper hand his momentum and power gives him at contact. This is borne out of a desperation to get his mitts on a body; the patience he can show in his kickslide is missing as a run defender. A mauler instinct appears without the discipline or know how to employ it. Very grabby and will be a flag machine in the NFL if ignored. Power he has in his hands betrayed by the poor accuracy he throws them with; more attention to hitting the numbers would yield much better results.
SIMON CARROLL: “Can anyone say ‘sleeper’? Hargrove has flown under the radar at Pittsburgh. He’s a two-year starter for the Panthers whose relative obscurity for such a prominent power 5 program suggests it may have been prudent for him to use the bonus year of eligibility that COVID has offered all student athletes. Regardless, scouts will get excited about his base traits; not many late round draft picks bring the size, strength and speed package that he does, regardless of his seemingly ill-disciplined way of employing it. His energy needs to be channeled much better than it currently is, and there’s technique issues that need cleaning up, but if it all comes together the upside for Hargrove is huge. He’s a big project but one that - all being well - can result in being a competent starter in the NFL, and is well worth a flier on day three.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 300lbs
PRO’S: Highly experienced center who began as a walk-on at Pitt and went on to be a four year starter, amassing more than 3,000 snaps as the lynchpin of the Panthers’ offensive line. Calm, composed leader; rarely lets his emotions get the better of him, and is disciplined in his technique on every snap, trusting himself to make sound decisions as the play unfolds. Accurate hands that show good timing to find the numbers and repeatedly jab, maintaining his opponent’s distance from his hips. Smooth if not quick in space; comfortable as an outside zone blocker and is quick out of his stance and looking to cross face his man and seal him inside. Has the short area quickness to get to the required depth in his sets and be ready for contact. Smart, intuitive footballer who has a natural feel for angles, footwork and all-round technique in general.
CON’S: Lacks raw physical power throughout his frame. Quite compact but doesn’t possess an anchor he can totally rely on. Instead, he maintains good leverage and works to stymie defensive linemen in run defense, yet will be moved by bigger guys who simply outmuscle him too often. Lacks sufficient pop in his hands, and length is less than average, giving him little advantage on a play. No alpha-dog mentality; has an almost reserved demeanour which his teammates at Pitt have learned to appreciate, but could be seen to be subdued in a rather bravado NFL culture. Short arms, small frame and lack of functional strength mean he offers zero positional versatility outside of center.
SIMON CARROLL: “A rather refined skillset for a day three prospect, Jimmy Morrissey’s hard work and dedication has led him from 0-star recruit to the doorstep of the NFL in four years. He has negligible baseline physical traits which, coupled with his arm length, is going to make life hard work for him at the next level. His impeccable technique will compensate for his subpar strength but only so far, and whichever team takes him will have to put him in an offense that can accentuate his smarts and smoothness - likely a balanced attack with plenty of zone blocking schemes involved. The quiet demeanour doesn’t bother me one bit - no shrinking violet turns down a scholarship offer to walk on at a division 1 school and become a four year starter. At the very least he’ll be a dedicated practice squad player, and I think he’ll have enough admirers to see his name called in the later rounds.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 328 lbs.
PRO’S: Johnson had the option of returning for another season, but with a number of NFL teams showing interest, chose to take his shot at the league in 2021. After applying to the Tropical Bowl All-Star event, they responded that he was among their top prospect targets. It’s easy to see why. The Savannah State lineman looks the part with impressive size and length, and a broad powerful frame. Some in attendance at the Tropical Bowl singled out Johnson as one of the standouts in practice.
In addition to his size, Johnson’s core strength is clear in his run blocking and generally in how he acquits himself at the point of attack. He brings a proactive approach to the initial blocking phase, looking to dominate early. There are some technical flaws, but the Tigers lineman seems to have decent natural balance despite at times blocking with poor form. It was also notable during his Tropical Bowl and Hula Bowl performances that he has worked on the consistency of his technique and coordination, relative to his 2019 game film.
Johnson has experience at both guard and tackle, showcasing himself at both spots during the Tropical Bowl. He arguably projects better to the interior, where his power and anchor can be fully utilized. Though not featuring the quickest footwork and movement, he could potentially offer depth at right tackle also. It is noteworthy that Johnson has worked hard and done well academically, with both a bachelor’s degree and Masters.
CON’S: Though the frame is ideal, there are athletic limitations evident in Johnson’s game. The Division 2 prospect therefore might fare better at guard than tackle. However, he is a comfortable mover, not overly tight and can execute fairly well as a pulling guard. At times, the SSU lineman can be a little late out of his stance. This occasionally leaves him as one of the last to move off the snap and a step behind the action.
Johnson’s game film shows ragged, raw technique and form. He can lunge and bend as he reaches for contact and often has untidy footwork. Too often he will raise his pad level post-contact, get narrow in his base and lose leverage. He is generally able to hold on but negates some of his power advantage. The All-Star circuit showed better footwork and coordination but is still a work-in-progress, particularly with his pad level.
REBECCA RENNIE: “Johnson is considered to have a head-down, hard-working mindset that should take well to coaching. That is encouraging as he has plenty to tighten up with his raw technique. His big frame and core strength will surely result in a look in training camp at the very least. He grades here as a draftable prospect.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’3”. Weight: 286lbs
PRO’S: Extremely intelligent center who has devoted himself to perfecting technique. Uses good pad level, contact form and leg drive to compete with bigger defensive linemen, driving up into their torso and winning the leverage battle. Has good fluidity and plays with complete control over his body, rarely overrunning sets or reaching over his toes for contact. Knee bend, ankle flexion and loose hips give him every opportunity to mirror effectively, and his nose for misdirection sees him attuned to the threat of a counter from his opponent. Confident on inside or outside zone blocks where he can open his legs, identify the moving threat and seal off effectively. 100% effort who doesn’t take plays off and is constantly looking for work.
CON’S: Small. Without doubt has to explore ways to get more mass on his frame in anticipation of the bigger stronger opponents he is likely to face in the NFL. Somewhat ‘maxed out’ his ability in drive blocks at his current weight and play strength, and with a lean lower torso might prove difficult to get stouter at the point of contact. Accurate hands but don’t particularly deliver knockout blows, and he more halts threats in their tracks rather than eliminates or relocates them. Will give everything he’s got as a power run blocker, but simply doesn’t have the functional strength to blow up first level threats, let alone get to the second level. Size precludes him from playing any other position on the line outside of center.
SIMON CARROLL: “You can tell that Drew Dalman’s father not only played but coached in the NFL. His work ethic and dedication to mastering his craft is usually the hallmark of good bloodlines, and he has benefitted from having someone around who can reinforce the level of effort needed to succeed. Sadly, it still might not be enough for Dalman, whose size will simply remove him from the draft boards of many teams. Whilst it seems harsh, there is little room to work with; his frame doesn’t look broad enough to hold more muscle mass, and as a polished technician it’s not like an improvement in footwork or hand placement will see a dramatic step up in success, because he’s already got those in his locker. His best hope is to find a West Coast offense that gets the ball out quickly and runs zone, but even then it would take some guts for a coaching staff to put him atop a depth chart.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK
Height: 6’5”. Weight: 305lbs
PRO’S: A competitor. McCollum played center for the majority of his time at College Station but also had spells at guard. As the leader of this unit he leads by example in effort and hustle, and never gives up, working for the cause right until the whistle. No task is too gargantuan, and even when finding himself with both A gaps being attacked he refuses to give up on either. Got some decent functional strength to him, flashing an ability to sink his hips and absorb contact without losing his anchor. Got some heavy hands that, when he lands them accurately, can be quite brutal. Quick out of his snap when going forward and has been exposed to multiple different blocking schemes. Excels in zone where he can attack angles and seal blocks on the move,
CON’S: Compromises stance and fundamentals trying to bring needed speed and strength to his game. Inconsistent anchor due to poor pad level, failing to drive up into his opponent and almost being vertical before engagement. Clunky in his pass sets and moes with poor weight distribution in a desperate attempt to reach his landmark; constantly leaning into contact and playing over his toes, and found himself in the dirt too often. Feet aren’t quick when pass protecting, and he relies on his size to bail him out when a rusher gets beyond his frame. Susceptible to counters and crossers as he struggles to adjust at speed. Injured his back in 2019 which made him miss significant gametime. Looked to have bounced back in 2020 but will need to be checked out for longevity concerns.
SIMON CARROLL: “Ryan McCollum is a born leader, a true 100% effort player whose willingness to put his body on the line and go down with the ship rather than bail on a play shouldn’t mask his subtly effective game. He’s not the biggest, strongest, fastest guy out there, but competes with a regularity that means what he does have is blended together well. This ‘jack of all trades’ portfolio doesn’t leave you with much to hang your hat on, and prospects such as McCollum with limitations at pretty much every trait recognised by NFL scouts tend to flame out quickly in the league. He’s also got injury concerns and a reckless driving arrest on his resume. But he seems to play up to his competition, and i’m sure someone will give him a shot to do the same at the next level.”
PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK.
Height: 6’4”. Weight: 319lbs
PRO’S: Well built frame that holds good weight throughout. Has excellent physical strength and can overwhelm defenders when he lines them up and lads hands on pads. Violent pop from his hands and is a difficult man to shake once he locks on. Arms show strength away from his body, be it guiding rushers beyond the pocket or scooping up down blocks at the second level. Has a mauler’s attitude, and his size and demeanour suggest a move inside to guard from tackle, although the experience on the outside gives him some versatility to be moved around in a pinch. Not content with just halting his opponent, he positively relishes embarrassing them up to the whistle.
CON’S: Raw Played football for just five years, and only two at the collegiate level. Still working on his footwork and timing to better take advantage of the physicality he possesses. All too happy to get into a scrappy battle rather than using technique to stay on top of his opponent. Needs to be careful where he lands his hands and has failed to let go once his opponent has got outside of his frame. A better base when downblocking would allow him to maintain blocks for longer and at the moment is shedded all too easily. Limited lateral agility makes a move inside likely as the tighter confines to mirror and react to a pass rusher will help him be less exposed.
SIMON CARROLL: “Robert Jones has come a long way in a short period of time. There’s no doubting he has some tangible traits that NFL teams look for; impressive, well-balanced power throughout a sturdy durable frame and an aggressiveness that has been able to mask a multitude of errors and shortcomings. But those flaws will be more exposed at the next level; technique can be cleaned up, and he can be put in more advantageous positions to accentuate his strengths, but there’s no hiding his sluggish movement. There are guys bigger, quicker and stronger than him on day three that will get the call first, and Jones likely will have to find a home once the draft is over.”
PROJECTION: UDFA
Height: 6’6”. Weight: 323lbs
PRO’S: Huge dude. Physically imposing with a bulky upper half and arms the size of tree trunks. Brings impressive power at the point of attack, delivering plenty of pop on first strike. Length allows him to monitor power rushers and absorb the pressure in his arms and chest. Got a taste for a scarp and is combative in contact, continually working to establish his dominance or get back into a play. Remarkably fluid for such a top heavy prospect - footwork is smooth and clean and in sync with his arms. Able to offer enough quickness to react to pass rush moves on the outside. Likely viewed as a guard in the NFL but played all of his college career at right tackle and would offer emergency backup upside in this regard.
CON’S: Top heavy frame with a skinny waist and slim lower half. Lack of significant anchor that becomes problematic when speed to power rushers drive up into his block and negate his upper body strength. Is tall and plays tall - poor pad level made worse by a lack of bend and you see him hunched over at the waist. This will kill his transition inside. Uneven weight distribution has him leaning into contact too often and he doesn’t have particularly good control of his body movement when operating at full speed. Surprising inability to sustain blocks considering length, hefty arms and barrel chest.
SIMON CARROLL: “Projecting Jake Curhan to the next level is no easy task. For every box he ticks he crosses another, and has a very contradictory skillset to try and work with; The size and strength of his body & torso versus the skinny waist and lower half, and the reasonable agility versus the inability to set enough depth on the outside. Remaining out at tackle exposes his frantic nature and leaves his lack of anchor vulnerable to power rushes. Kick him inside and his waist bending and poor balance will cause him all kinds of trouble. He needs to be put in a phone box and allowed to operate in confined areas with a zone running scheme that focuses more on lateral rather than vertical movement. That’s a rather specific scheme to be demanding, and as fringe roster prospect no team is going to tailor their offense to his needs.
PROJECTION: UDFA
SIMON CARROLL
HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN SCOUTING DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. HE FULLY MIGRATED TO THE TOUCHDOWN AS HEAD OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND NFL DRAFT CONTENT IN JULY 2019. ALL THE RANKINGS ABOVE ARE HIS OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF ALL THE WRITERS AT THE TOUCHDOWN. FOR DISCUSSION OF ANY OF THE DRAFT PROSPECTS ABOVE, HIT HIM UP ON TWITTER @NFLDRAFTSI.