6’5” – 300 lbs.
Left tackle who has been starting since his freshman season; an every-game starter despite having offseason surgery in 2017 to repair torn labrums in both shoulders. Began his freshman career on the right side but slid over to the left midway through, and has started on the left for all but one game (right tackle) over the rest of his career. Overall size is just adequate for a pro offensive tackle, so his official measurements will be important; does appear to have above-average length for his size. As a pass protector, is able to bend at the knees, keep his back straight, and get enough depth in his kickslide to contest speed on the edge; was often left alone on an island. Has more pop in his punch than expected for a player with his size, but has a tendency to drop his hands, lengthening his punch. Has a slight tendency to whiff and abandon his technique to pursue. When playing with his head up and his back straight, places his hands high and inside and does a good job of anchoring against opposing bull-rushers. Alert player who seeks out opponents to block rather than idling in space. Overall athleticism is adequate but looks more comfortable run-blocking in a phone booth; has some experience in space but can struggle to reach and engage opponents. Plays the game with a physical temperament and demonstrates a good work rate to stick with opponents. Also demonstrates solid hand placement and grip strength to lock on and sustain blocks through the whistle. Doesn’t always play with the best leverage but keeps his feet churning after contact and is capable of generating some push. Can play outside of his frame, dropping his head and overextending, causing him to fall off of blocks to either side more often than you’d like. An interesting evaluation in that despite being listed at an official height and weight which is on the low end of what teams look for in offensive tackles, actually plays with a lot of power and physicality. Those traits, combined with his overall experience and durability, should make him a pretty attractive developmental candidate for pro teams. If he can learn to harness his aggressiveness instead of letting himself drop his head and slip off of blocks, thereby improving his overall consistency, he could work his way into a starting lineup.
DRAFTEXAMINER 