6’7” – 319 lbs.
Background:
Redshirted, then took over the starting right tackle role and has been playing there for each of the past four seasons in Washington St.’s spread offense. Also played basketball in high school.
Positives:
Four-year starter who has an excellent build that will meet any team’s size requirements. Brings a physical temperament to the game, with plenty of functional strength. Very powerful with good leg drive once he engages; can really clear a path in the run game when playing in a phone booth. Has a nice shove to overwhelm smaller opponents on contact in the run game. Effectively seals the edge for outside rushing attempts. Able to get up to the second level and disrupt linebackers, or get out in space in the screen game; above-average straight-line speed relative to his size. Plays with some knee bend and a wide base. Active with his punch, getting good extension with his arms; overall accuracy is good. Pretty good mirror skills once engaged. Flashes the ability to chip and recover for another block in the passing game. Keeps his back straight and plays within his frame. Crushing help blocker who keeps his head on a swivel.
Negatives:
Doesn’t have the athletic ability teams look for on the left side; projects as a right tackle or guard only. Kickslide can look a little bit uncoordinated at times; would like to see him clean up overall footwork/balance. Lateral quickness is average at best. Can struggle to defend the inside move. At times, anchor drops in too late for a player with his size. Has to abandon his technique to defend the edge against speed when opponents rush from wide techniques. Recovery speed once his feet are planted is below-average; gets disconnected too often even when his initial positioning is successful. Might be too tall to slide inside to guard.
Summary:
Has the size, strength, toughness, and experience inline teams look for in a right tackle prospect, but he might have a few too many limitations in pass protection to make teams feel confident in his ability to protect the edge against pro pass rushers. Consequently, might end up being more of a backup, as he could be too tall to slide inside to guard. Looks like he could come off the board somewhere in the mid-rounds as a developmental candidate who can already move opponents in the run game.
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