6’4” – 305 lbs. – 5.15
Profile:
- Redshirted in 2013, then became the team’s starting left tackle once Joel Bitonio went to the NFL, and continued to serve as the Wolfpack’s blindside protector for the remainder of his collegiate career. Considered more of a guard or possibly center prospect because his of his marginal size for the tackle position. Team captain.
Positives:
- Comes with four years of quality starting experience at the most demanding position on the offensive line. Above-average athleticism for an interior lineman. Gets his arms extended and works hard to sustain through the whistle. Has power in his hands on initial contact. Keeps his feet churning after contact and can generate some push when he is able to successfully attack an opponent’s outside shoulder. Plays with appropriate balance and avoids bending at the waist. Would be a good fit for a zone blocking scheme, as he has enough quickness to climb up to the second level and secure blocks on linebackers. Knee-bender with good looking pass sets. Has enough lateral quickness to mirror in pass protection; pretty light on his feet, with a good level of activity. Pretty accurate placing his hands in pass protection. Flashes the ability to jolt with his punch. Was able to absorb power on the outside.
Negatives:
- After starting for four years at left tackle, will need to adjust to a new position and a steep increase in the level of competition he faces. Strength is just average. Plays a little bit upright and may not be able to push the pile once he moves inside. Hands find their way outside at times, especially when he lets opposing pass-rushers into his pads. Had some struggles with inside moves when playing on an island. Might be considered sort of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type.
Summary:
- A pretty technically-sound prospect who played well at left tackle and has enough athleticism to interest teams looking for a zone-blocking lineman on the interior. The key question is whether his power will translate to the inside, where he’ll be asked to mix it up with players considerably bigger than those he was matched up against at the college level. At this point, looks likely to come off the board in the second or third round, although finding a suitable scheme/position will be critical to his success.
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