6’5” – 320 lbs.
Five-star recruit who started one of eleven games as a freshman, then took over as the team’s starting right tackle the following year. Made twenty-eight straight starts over the two subsequent seasons, 2018 and 2019, before declaring for the draft. Has adequate height for an offensive tackle and solid height for an offensive guard, with excellent bulk and a very thick build; official Combine measurements on his height and arms will be important for his draft stock. Snap-to-snap consistency is impressive. Man/power mauler in the run game; once he locks on, it’s over. Gets the best of things on initial contact, with the upper-body strength to jolt defenders; maintains very good balance himself. Does a good job of keeping his feet churning after contact and can generate movement in a phone booth. Has some short-area quickness to cross a defender’s face and use his bulk and anchor strength to lock them out. Doesn’t always need to get his hands on a defender to get the job done; bulk alone is often adequate to obstruct opponents when blocking on angles, and has a tendency to rely on that in those situations. Wasn’t asked to pull much, but looks good climbing to the second level. More workmanlike than nasty temperamentally. So thick he takes a cab ride to get around in pass protection, and his lower-body strength allows him to anchor with ease against power rushers. Doesn’t have the cleanest footwork in pass protection, with somewhat stilted movements, but actually has quick feet for his size and still manages to cover a lot of ground. Does a nice job of bending at the knees and getting his arms extended; would like to see him be a little bit more consistent about keeping his back straight, and his base can be a little bit wide into contact, but sets look pretty good overall. Places his hands well, mirrors effectively, and can stick with opponents through spins and counters. Has a powerful shove to knock opponents off-balance when helping. Works hard to get out in front and lead the way on screens, although he can struggle to line up opponents in space. Teams looking for a big, thick, powerful lineman who can clear holes in the run game and anchor against power in pass protection should look no further; is one of the most physically overwhelming blockers in this year’s class, and looks like a good bet to turn into a foundational piece for a team’s offensive line. Whether that comes at tackle or guard remains to be seen, but it’s looking like a safe bet that he’ll come off the board in the first round.
DRAFTEXAMINER 