2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Nick Zakelj
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: Fordham
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 325lbs
Film Watched: Fordham 2021, Holy Cross 2021, Senior Bowl
Pro's:
- Workhorse offensive lineman who has a desire to bury an opponent into the ground every play
- Lunch pail guy; 100% effort on every snap and refuses to concede to his opponent
- Good burst off the LOS and displays good speed to power change to drive up into contact
- Feet never stop working – constant leg drive to move his opponent
- Has the anchor to absorb bull rushers who challenge him face on
- Disciplined, hard working hands demonstrate good punch timing, placement & ability to reset
- Busy when asked to block in space; acknowledges all threats and finds work
Con's:
- Significant balance issues; plays to his height, bends at the waist, and constantly over his toes
- Weight distribution concerning, with feet too often running a different direction to his body
- Lateral agility concerns; will be beaten to the corner by speed rushers
- Lateness to the top of the arc means outside reach is off balance and lacking play strength
The Verdict:
“Despite being a standout offensive tackle for Fordham, there’s a growing consensus that Nick Zakelj’s best position in the NFL would probably be inside at guard. Despite having good size and adequate length, Zakelj’s lateral movement doesn’t match what he’s capable of vertically, and if he struggled to reach his pass set against speed at the FCS level, he’s damn sure going to struggle doing it in the pro’s. Playing at guard not only mitigates that shortcoming, but allows Zakelj to do what he does best; blow people off the football in the run game, and absorb the pass rush pressure in a more face to face environment. There might be a short development phase if he was to make the transition, but he has the tools necessary to be an early starter at the next level.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5