6’7″ – 297 lbs. – 4.82
Was a 235-pound tight end recruit out of high school, redshirting his first season at Pittsburgh. Transitioned to offensive tackle the following season, starting twelve of thirteen games played, eleven of which came at right tackle. Reprised his role as a starting right tackle over all thirteen games the following season, then transitioned to the blindside this past season, replacing 2017 sixth-round pick Adam Bisnowaty, starting all twelve games and being named a first team all-conference selection. Offers good height for a pro tackle and who has done a good job of adding additional bulk; length looks just adequate. Looks like a good fit for a zone blocking scheme. Was frequently asked to pull to the left and has the athleticism to get into space and lead the way for tosses and screens. Exhibits a good work rate to get downfield and successfully engage opponents at the second level. Good leg drive after initial contact. Able to attack the outside shoulder of a defender and seal them inside when blocking on angles. Good hand placement and grip strength to get inside and stick with opponents through the whistle. Flashes the ability to generate some push in the run game, but overall effectiveness is constrained by his lack of leverage, tending to play too high. Light on his feet and able to get pretty good depth to protect the edge against speed rushers in the passing game. At his best, is able to bend his knees and use his initial punch to disrupt opponents and prevent them from getting into his pads. Keeps his back straight and avoids overextending to reach opponents. However, as in the run game, tends to play a little bit high and narrow, and can be late with his hands, causing him to lose the leverage battle and be walked back into the pocket. Can lapse into catching opponents and trying to absorb their power, typically unsuccessfully. Has been a durable starter for three seasons in a major program, having spent time on both sides of the line of scrimmage, but is still a work in progress whose overall bend, leverage, and lower-body strength crop up as issues frequently enough to suggest that he will probably need some time before he’s ready to play at a high level in the NFL. However, has enough starting traits that he could well be one of the first tackles off the board.
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