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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 4, 2022 20:32:10 GMT -7
Pretty deep class. There's a lot of players in the top 100 lists from this group.
Draft Network (1-8 in top 100)
1.) Ikem Ekwonu 2.) Evan Neal 3.) Charles Cross 4.) Nicholas Petit-Frere 5.) Trevor Penning 6.) Daniel Faalele 7.) Bernhard Raimann 8.) Jaxson Kirkland 9.) Rasheed Walker 10.) Abraham Lucas
PFF:
1.) Evan Neal 2.) Charles Cross 3.) Ikem Ekwonu 4.) Bernhard Raimann 5.) Trevor Penning 6.) Darian Kinnard 7.) Daniel Faalele 8.) Nicholas Petit-Frere 9.) Zion Nelson 10.) Jaxson Kirkland
Walterfootball: 1.) Evan Neal 2.) Ikem Ekwonu 3.) Charles Cross 4.) Nicholas Petit-Frere 5.) Trevor Penning 6.) Rasheed Walker 7.) Darian Kinnard 8.) Daniel Faalele 9.) Abraham Lucas 10.) Jaxson Kirkland
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 4, 2022 20:32:17 GMT -7
Evan Neal OT, Alabama
Height: 6-7. Weight: 360.
Projected 40 Time: 5.5.
Draft Network:
Evan Neal is a former 5-star recruit out of IMG academy. Neal possesses a large frame, measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 360 pounds. Neal uses his massive frame and power to move defenders off the line of scrimmage when run blocking. Neal excels at playing in a phone booth and uses his weight to wear defenders down. In his pass sets, he uses his body mass and length to force defenders to run around him and out of the way of the quarterback. This year, Neal made the transition from RT to LT which seems to be a successful one and one that seems more natural for him. He uses his natural spatial awareness to take away the inside move for defenders and force them around him. Neal has the natural skill set of a right tackle but seems more comfortable at left tackle. This versatility will give more value throughout the draft process and make him a day-one starter in the NFL.
Ideal Role: A dominant run blocking RT
Scheme Fit: A downhill power scheme that allows him to use his rare combination of size and power to punish defensive lineman.
Profootball Network:
It would be malpractice to begin Neal’s scouting report anywhere other than his enormous frame. At 6’7″ and 360 pounds, Neal is a roadblock in every sense of the word. When coupled with impressive arm length, it’s almost unfair for opposing pass rushers who have to try and find a way around him. With a man of Neal’s size, you would question his mobility and athleticism. Yet, there are no concerns there. Neal moves incredibly well for his size and demonstrates impressive play speed. This has been evident both as a guard in 2019 and as an offensive tackle in 2020. He can get out to the next level to take on linebackers and showcases tremendous explosion out of his stance. So Neal ticks the boxes for size and play speed. How about strength? The Alabama OT has plenty of it. He’s a genuine people mover, whether by utilizing his powerful punch or driving them downfield with his imposing lower body. Neal is rarely overpowered in pass protection and helps carve open running lanes. In addition to his play strength, Neal plays the game with a competitive toughness.
Areas for improvement
Having praised Neal’s size, his weight will be an area to keep a close eye on. It isn’t an area for improvement, but you wouldn’t want to see him gain any more weight and compromise his impressive mobility. Former teammate Deonte Brown is the perfect example of how that can impact a player’s draft stock. One area that Neal will want to exhibit improvement during the coming season is technique. The Alabama OT is partial to lunging at opposing defenders. This causes Neal to throw his weight over his toes, unbalancing him and making him susceptible to pull moves. There are multiple examples of him hitting the deck when this occurs, both at tackle and guard.
Walterfootball:
12/11/21: The Crimson Tide have moved Neal to left tackle this season, and he played well on the blind side in the season opener against Miami. Neal saw a good test against Florida in Week 3. He had some problems with the Gators speed rushers getting upfield against him, but Alabama helped protect Neal with a lot of quick passing. The Florida game made Neal look like a better fit for right tackle in the NFL. To a lesser degree, the same lesson was given proof against Texas A&M. An NFL team could get away with Neal at left tackle, but he would be a more dominant player at right tackle or guard.
In 2020, Neal was a mauler at right tackle for Alabama, blasting open a lot of holes and being a reliable protector for Mac Jones. In his first year starting on the edge, Neal was superb. However, the fast edge rushers at Florida gave Neal problems in the SEC Championship game. Neal has surprising quickness and athleticism for such a massive edge blocker, but sometimes his feet get stuck in the ground, and his feet aren't quick enough for fast edge rushers.
7/3/21: Neal is a massive blocker who started at left guard as a freshman. He has the size and length to kick out to tackle and could be the Crimson Tide's replacement for Alex Leatherwood in 2021.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 4, 2022 20:32:36 GMT -7
Ikem Ekwonu
Draft Network:
Ikem Ekwonu earned the opportunity to start at left tackle for North Carolina State as a true freshman in 2019 and he quickly developed into one of the most dynamic blockers in the country. His tenacity, size, devastating power at the point of attack, and football intelligence position him well to become an entrenched starter in the NFL. The toughness and physicality of his NFL team will immediately be improved with his addition. Ekwonu took a notable step forward in 2021 but he does have room to grow when it comes to weight distribution, taking away inside pass rush moves, and occasionally being too aggressive, which leads to blocks not being sustained long enough. Ekwonu hails from a family of athletes. His twin brother plays linebacker at Notre Dame, his father played college basketball in Nigeria, and his mother was a track star in high school. Ekwonu wrestled in high school in addition to his time on the gridiron. Ekwonu has the makings of a year-one impact starter with Pro Bowl potential by year three.
Ideal Role: Starting left tackle
Scheme Fit: Wide zone rushing attack but he’s a universal scheme fit
Profootball Network: Although he may not be considered a household name just yet, Ekwonu is making waves in the scouting community and the NC State OG’s scouting report details why. There is a reason why he’s been labeled “the most feared lineman in the ACC.” One of the critical components of player evaluation is ascertaining competitive toughness, and Ekwonu has enough to fuel three players. He looks to finish every play devastatingly, and more often than not, he is successful with dramatic consequences. There were multiple examples in the games studied — North Carolina, Miami, Wake Forest, and Duke — but one play where he shows blatant disregard for Hurricanes safety Bubba Bolden sticks in mind the most. Ekwonu is a good old-fashioned mauler who does his best work in the phone booth that is the interior offensive line. His high school wrestling experience is apparent in how he goes into combat as a run blocker. Furthermore, run blocking allows him to demonstrate impressive athletic tendencies. He can get out to the second level and routinely forces the issue downfield, as Bolden will attest. In addition to the violence he brings in the ground game, Ekwonu demonstrates a vicious and powerful punch in pass protection. Finally, having played both left tackle and left guard in his NC State career, Ekwonu provides valuable versatility. For me, he has the potential to be the Alijah Vera-Tucker of the 2022 NFL Draft class. By that, I mean he can probably play offensive tackle in the NFL. However, he is far more likely to have a successful career as a potentially exceptional guard at the next level.
Areas for improvement
The reasons that I foresee Ekwonu as a guard prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft show up in the areas for improvement section of his scouting report. There’s no escaping that his ability in pass protection is behind his run-blocking prowess. He allowed 25 pressures and 7 sacks last season, which leaves some room for significant improvement. But, as much as statistical analysis shouldn’t be the basis for player evaluation, tape study shows some of the reasons why Ekwonu struggled in pass protection. Despite having a powerful punch and extremely violent hands, he needs to be more consistent with his hand placement. Additionally, Ekownu needs also to show consistency with the timing of his punch. There were examples where he was too late getting his hands on his opponent, losing the rep before it even started. Ekwonu also displayed examples of carrying his weight over his toes in pass protection. Thus, he can be guilty of lunging at his opponent, losing his balance, and ultimately losing the battle.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Ekwonu (6-4, 320) is putting together an impressive 2021 season that is earning him high grades from NFL teams. One director of player personnel said their team had Ekwonu as a mid- to late first-round pick for the 2022 NFL Draft. Ekonwu has experience at both guard and tackle with the Wolfpack, but he projects as being able to play left tackle in the NFL. Ekwonu is a fierce and physical run blocker. While he has some things to work on as a pass blocker, the potential is there for him to stay on the edge at the next level.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 4, 2022 20:32:59 GMT -7
Charles Cross OT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
Draft Network: Charles Cross is a redshirt sophomore that has started the past two seasons for Mississippi State. Cross has logged more than 20 starts at LT for the Bulldogs. Cross is an exceptional athlete with a great initial first step that makes it difficult for edge rushers to beat him around the edge. He is a fluid athlete in the open field, making it easy to redirect and match defenders' counter moves. In the NFL, Cross' best position will be as a left tackle who can athletically match up with some of the best edge rushers in the NFL. Cross lacks the true strength at the point of attack to be a dominant run defender, but in the right offense, he will be a great pass protector.
Ideal Role: Starting left tackle (primary role to pass protect).
Scheme Fit: Zone-blocking scheme where his primary role is to cut off the backside of plays.
Profootball Network:
Although last season was his first as a starter at the college level, Cross already has some tools to be a first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. At 6’5″, he meets the requisite size of an NFL tackle. Despite having bulked up from 270 pounds two years ago to a listed 305 pounds, Cross is a very lean offensive tackle. Ideally, he will add another 10 pounds as he has the frame to do so. Nevertheless, being lean doesn’t stop Cross from being a violent and physical tackle who exudes competitive toughness. Finishing a play doesn’t always mean putting your man in the dirt, but it appears that the Mississippi State OT did not get that memo. Cross looks to punish his opponent every play, whether in pass protection or as a mauler in the ground game. Despite his lean frame, he’s powerful and displays a decent anchor in pass protection. Alongside his physicality and violence, Cross brings elite athleticism to the position. He’s explosive out of his stance, has exceptional footwork to mirror his opponent, and although not often required in the Bulldogs’ offense, he can rapidly get out to the second level. In addition, his change of direction is excellent, allowing him to recover swiftly when put in a predicament by pass rushers. For someone with limited college football experience, Cross demonstrates excellent football intelligence. He appears to be in constant communication with the left guard, pointing out dangerous men lurking on the other side of the trench. The Mississippi State OT does a brilliant job of diagnosing plays, passing off, and picking up players on twists and stunts.
Areas for improvement
For someone who is blessed with impressive speed and athletic ability, Cross has his most significant issues when facing speed rushers. He is often beaten around the outside track by this type of pass rusher. Although he has the athleticism to recover, as showcased several times, that could prove to be an issue as he transitions to the NFL level. Furthermore, Cross must ensure he doesn’t allow his feet to get crossed over. He can be guilty of this when trying to recover against speed rushers. Another area for improvement, more precisely consistency, is hand placement. The Mississippi State OT has proven that he can use his hands devastatingly in pass protection and run blocking. However, there are examples of poor hand usage resulting in him losing a rep.
Walterfootball:
12/11/21: The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Cross looks like a future starting left tackle in the NFL and has impressed team evaluators this season. Cross has excellent feet, athleticism, and quickness to play on the edge. For the next level, sources say Cross needs to get stronger and bigger for taking on pro linemen, but that is not abnormal. They feel after a little developmental time, Cross could be a good pro left tackle.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:20:41 GMT -7
Nicholas Petit-Frere OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 315.
Projected 40 Time: 5.2.
Draft Network:
Ohio State left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere projects favorably to the next level as a starting tackle. He’s a natural on the left side of the line, as his footwork and movement skills appear to be smoother when manning the left tackle spot. We’ve gotten a good look at Petit-Frere in both settings, as he was a full-time starter for the Buckeyes in 2020 at right tackle before transitioning to left tackle in 2021 and occasionally adding reps at right tackle for a series or two throughout the course of the season. Petit-Frere has excellent physical tools and offers the kind of frame that is meant to play on the edge. He’s long, dense, and fluid as an athlete, offering a promising skill set for an NFL team to continue to tinker with in an effort to reach his high ceiling. There are some technical and instinctual lapses that pop up from time to time in his footwork and angles, but generally speaking, Petit-Frere has overwhelmed most opponents with his blend of traits. I like him best in a zone-heavy offense, as that’s what he was asked to execute most frequently at Ohio State, but I think he’s conceptually a scheme flexible player that can drive block, step and flow laterally to run backside cutoff, or take vertical sets in deep-set passing—which Ohio State did a fair amount of out of play-action passes. I’m highly encouraged by the development we’ve seen from Petit-Frere over the course of his time in Columbus. He’s successfully maintained an athletic profile worthy of a first-round tackle despite reportedly adding some 40 pounds onto his frame since first arriving on campus. That’s a testament to how athletic he really is and suggests he’s continuing to grow and mature into his NFL-caliber frame.
Ideal role: Starting left tackle
Scheme tendencies: Scheme diverse talent
Profootball Network:
Ohio State churns through high-level talent at such a high clip that it can take time for even five-star prospects to break out and earn lasting roles. It’s just the nature of one of the NFL’s top producers. The Buckeyes have had at least one offensive lineman selected in each of the last six drafts. They lay claim to players like Taylor Decker, Corey Linsley, Nick Mangold, and LeCharles Bentley. It took longer than some expected for former top-15 recruit Nicholas Petit-Frere to become a full-time starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes. But now that he has, the Ohio State OT is quickly realizing his potential. For the Buckeyes and NFL coaches alike, that’s an exciting thought. Here’s a look at Petit-Frere’s scouting report and what kind of upside he carries as he nears the 2022 NFL Draft.
Nicholas Petit-Frere’s athletic profile
As is the case with most five-star players, Petit-Frere looks the part. He stands around 6’5″, 315 pounds, sporting a well-filled-out frame and great functional length. With that length, Petit-Frere has a wide field of impact. In a similar vein, he employs a strong, wide base, and he can cover a lot of ground in a short span. Within his frame, Petit-Frere is an exceptional athlete. The Ohio State OT glides as a lateral mover, and he has great recovery athleticism. For his size, he’s extremely light on his feet and incredibly smooth out of his pass sets. His mobility also shows up on run-blocking reps, where he easily covers ground and directs opponents with steady leg drive. His explosive get-off allows him to reach defenders without much delay. Beyond his mobility and short-range burst, Petit-Frere also has excellent fluidity and flexibility for his size. He can sink his hips to redirect players, and he’s especially polished flipping his hips upfield. Additionally, Petit-Frere has the torso flexibility to absorb power while maintaining his balance. He has a stout center of gravity, as well as good lean. He doesn’t bend at the hips, and he can bend his knees and flex without issue. If Petit-Frere’s athletic profile wasn’t enticing enough, the Ohio State OT also boasts impressive functional strength. He rarely gets out-muscled, and he can anchor and move opposing players on command.
Execution beyond the physical traits
Petit-Frere checks almost all of the boxes physically. But what’s more exciting is that he’s not raw by any means. While he still has room for further refinement, a lot of operational building blocks are there — especially with his feet and hands. As a pass blocker, Petit-Frere has fast, controlled feet. It’s very hard for defenders to direct him or steal control in one-on-one reps. Petit-Frere actively adjusts his footwork to gather opponents when engaged, and his strong base allows him to keep his balance more often than not. When opponents do generate displacement, Petit-Frere proactively uses his length to steer rushers outside the pocket. While Petit-Frere’s footwork is excellent, the Ohio State OT also shows lots of promise with his hands. Petit-Frere has fast and violent initial punches. He can sink his anchors with massive amounts of force. As a run blocker, he carries his momentum into contact. With his explosive extensions and sudden hands, he catches opponents off guard and asserts his dominance. Petit-Frere plays with a good pad level, and he’s flashed targeted hand usage on pass-blocking reps. He can latch inside the torso, attain leverage, anchor opposing linemen, and negate power with his grip strength. Going further, Petit-Frere can reset his hands quickly and re-exert force with dramatic quickness. He has a lot of stored potential energy, which is exciting for an offensive lineman.
Areas for improvement
The arrow is pointing up on an exponential curve for Petit-Frere. Even so, there are some issues to take note of. Most of Petit-Frere’s areas for improvement center around timing, placement, and positioning. Petit-Frere rarely gets beat in pass protection, but when he does, it’s against explosive and bendy edge rushers. Petit-Frere has the athleticism and width to match, but he sometimes plays with a bit too much depth in the pocket. He gives edge rushers too much space at times. This can force him to lunge, and he can be late flipping his hips to track rushers as well. Additionally, the Ohio State OT occasionally has some wasted motion at the start of his reps, and he can choose better attack angles to seal off pass rushers. Furthermore, Petit-Frere’s tendency to give up too much space can leave him vulnerable to inside rushes. He can be more consistent in bending his elbows to maximize the potential energy of his punches. Additionally, the Ohio State product could improve against power. He opens his torso too much at times, and he can get driven back by bull rushes.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Petit-Frere won the starting right tackle job for the 2020 season and played really well. He has been superb in pass protection, barely allowing any pressures all season. There were projections of the Tampa, Florida product being moved to left tackle for 2021 with senior Thayer Munford kicking inside to guard, and that is what has happened. Petit-Frere has played well thus far in 2021. He is a good athlete with quickness, athleticism and a quality build. He could stand to get stronger to pack more of a punch in the ground game.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:21:00 GMT -7
Trevor Penning OT, Northern Iowa
Height: 6-7. Weight: 329.
Projected 40 Time: 5.2.
Draft Network:
Scheme tendencies: Played left tackle in 2021 but has started games at guard in 2019
2021 projected role: Starting left tackle
Pros: Penning offers outstanding size and length for the position while also boasting above average overall athleticism. He is quick out of his stance and looks to engage contact in both the run game and in pass protection. In the pass game, he lets his athleticism and length do the work. He is very light on his feet and gets excellent depth with his sets. Quick feet to change direction and handle counter moves and has the quickness to cut off and win angles. Above average range in his set and defenders have a tough time beating him around the edge with speed. Penning has an above average anchor in pass pro and uses his length to stym defenders' rush and keep his body clear. In the run game, he plays with urgency and toughness. May not have the most explosive power in his game, but he works his butt off to create movement at the point of attack with positioning and angles and will always look to finish.. His quickness is an asset in this phase of the game as he beats defenders to the spot and can simply wall off and shield. Excellent on timing on combo blocks and works very well to the second level of the field.
Cons: Penning has a lot of physical tools that you love, it's just a matter of him figuring out the technical parts to his game. Still new to the position, Penning needs to work on his hand placement and timing. Too often he’ll fire his hands outside resulting in him bear hugging his opponent for a holding call. Additionally, as a taller player, leverage is a thing he’ll need to work on as he comes off the ball with a high pad level allowing defenders to win lower and uproot him with power. Penning will also need to be consistent with bending with his knees rather than his waist, as he loses power and will often lean on defenders rather than forcibly drive them.
Profooball Network: When you think of offensive tackle factories, the Northern Iowa Panthers probably aren’t the first football program you think of. But when it’s all said and done in the 2022 NFL Draft, UNI might end up producing more early-round offensive tackles over the past two drafts than programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Oklahoma combined. The crowning talent behind this accomplishment may ultimately be Penning. Penning is a monstrous behemoth at 6’7″, 340 pounds, and on the field, he’s exactly as imposing as you’d expect. A dominant FCS competitor who’s flashed brightly against Power Five talent, Penning has the tools to ascend. But what makes his game so exciting?
Trevor Penning’s athletic profile
Let’s start with the numbers. It bears repeating that Penning is 6’7″, 340 pounds. He has an extremely well-proportioned frame with excellent density and length. That length gives Penning a wide range of impact when blocking in motion. With his smooth, long strides, the Northern Iowa OT can cover a surprising amount of ground in space. Meanwhile, with his size, he has the capacity to lower his pad level, and he also has good knee bend. Furthermore, Penning is a great athlete. He’s listed on the Feldman’s Freaks list, and according to Bruce Feldman, Penning could run around a 5-second 40-yard dash at his size. He also has a program-record squat of 625 pounds and power cleans 385 pounds. That athleticism and strength clearly show up on tape. Penning is a powerful blocker who can dominate lighter defenders at the point of attack. He has great upper-body torque and a ton of stored potential energy within his frame. The Northern Iowa OT brings good straight-line burst when moving to the second level, and he’s exceptionally explosive out of his stance. When matching rushers along the edge, Penning is a fairly efficient mover. He flips his hips to match rushers around the edge and walls off the pocket. On top of Penning’s athletic traits, the Northern Iowa OT is also extremely strong. That’s evidenced not only by his weight room numbers but also by his on-field play. Penning has imposing grip strength. He can latch onto players and wrestle them into submission.
Execution beyond the athletic traits
Like Brown before him, Penning is a high-level athletic talent. While he might not be as purely athletic as Brown (that’s a high bar to clear), he may be more refined than his former counterpart was at this point last year. One of the first things that stand out with Penning is his hands. The Northern Iowa OT has fast, violent hands, and he actively targets his opponents’ arms to negate rushes. He’s shown that he can stack counters in pass protection, and his hands have good synergy. He can establish an anchor while inflicting heavy lateral force. Penning’s hands are only made more dangerous by the mentality that comes with them. Penning is an absolute mauler. If he gets leverage, he’s going to try to put you in the dirt. It’s as simple as that. The UNI product craves opportunities to dominate his opponents. He has an aggressive help mentality when unoccupied in pass protection, and he knows how to transfer his weight to take advantage of imbalanced opponents. Although he’s proactive in superseding defenders, Penning has a good balance of patience and aggression. While he lunges at times, more often than not, he lets defenders enter his range before engaging and doesn’t often compromise his center of gravity. To that end, he’s an intelligent blocker, and he clearly understands positioning and angled leverage.
Areas for improvement
Penning is an extremely fun player with legitimate starting upside. Having said this, the Northern Iowa OT can improve a few things as he trends toward the NFL. There are several minor inconsistencies on Penning’s tape, but his balance is one of the more notable qualms. Penning’s base isn’t always steady when anchored. He can lose his balance against longer opponents. He also fails to maintain his balance through offensive maneuvers at times. Moreover, he can work to better counteract force with his feet. As good as Penning’s center of gravity is, the Northern Iowa OT does play a bit lopsided at times. Another factor impacting his balance is his extension timing. Although Penning has good patience, he can still better supplement his extensions with proper positioning. Going further, Penning can absorb power, but he doesn’t always sustain blocks when he can’t make first contact. Penning’s grip strength, while solid, can be broken with forceful moves. Additionally, he can be slightly stiff when he needs to recover laterally. His feet are a bit heavy at times, although he generally moves well. Among other minor notes, Penning sometimes blocks upright when he isn’t in motion. His hand precision still has some room for improvement, and his hands and feet can have better synergy at times. Penning sometimes gets caught holding when he loses leverage. In addition, he can focus on bending his elbows more at times to maximize the potential energy of his punches.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Northern Iowa almost knocked off Iowa State in the season opener. Penning is taking on a lesser level of competition, so getting to an all-star game and impressing there will be the true test for him before the 2022 NFL Draft.
7/3/21: Penning impressed advance scouts and earned a favorable projection entering the 2021 season. He has good speed and athleticism to go along with his massive size. Penning has caught the attention of scouts and received high grades by some advance scouts. He could be a riser during the 2022 NFL Draft process
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:21:33 GMT -7
Darian Kinnard OT, Kentucky
Height: 6-5. Weight: 342.
Projected 40 Time: 5.2.
Draft Network:
Kentucky offensive lineman Darian Kinnard projects best in as a guard at the NFL level with the kind of functional power necessary to be a tremendous asset in the ground game. Kinnard has played right tackle throughout the course of his tenure with the Kentucky Wildcats program and although he appears to have the necessary measurables to continue playing on the outside in the NFL, I do believe that his skill set would be best optimized inside where he’s given tight angles and alignments. The Wildcats’ offense featured a significant change in style ahead of Kinnard’s final season, but throughout the course of his tape, the volume to true pass sets he’s taken on the perimeter has been relatively lean and I’m plenty confident that the short sets and RPO blocks he’s taken will transfer well on the inside. Despite being a long-tenured starter, Kinnard is someone I see benefitting from additional coaching in fundamentals to help him optimize his punches and consistently maintain his blocks. This is a viable starter in a gap/power heavy system but he’s also got the functional athleticism to play in zone schemes and I appreciate his mobility despite his size. If you’re willing to work with him through the growing pains of a potential transition inside and are ready to brush up on some of his hand usage, you could be walking away with a quality, impact starter at guard.
Ideal role: Starting guard
Scheme tendencies: Scheme versatile in the run game; play-action pass-heavy offense
Profootball Network:
The man opposite of Kinnard — left tackle Landon Young — was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Young was taller and more experienced, and yet, Kinnard very likely would have gone before him had he declared. Kinnard has been starting games for Kentucky since 2018, and he’s earned All-SEC consideration since 2019. He was a first-team All-SEC selection across three platforms in 2020. Had he declared, his pro day numbers could have inflated his stock even more. But Kinnard — seeking perfection — chose to return to school to further refine his craft. What does Kinnard still need to work on, and what makes his NFL Draft scouting report appealing as it is? Let’s take a look.
Darian Kinnard’s athletic profile
This guy is massive. With a unique frame and otherworldly size at 6’5″, 345 pounds, Kinnard is truly an eye-catching draft prospect. He has the reach to swallow up opposing defenders in pass protection. With his size, he has a large reserve of natural power to work with. Beyond his size, Kinnard also has surprising mobility. He moves exceptionally well in open space and has fast, urgent feet moving to the second level. Expanding more on his athletic traits, Kinnard is explosive out of his stance, and he can close ground quickly. The Kentucky OT has definite torso and hip flexibility, and he also owns a good amount of twitch and stored potential energy in his upper body. He possesses enough short-range burst to adjust for stunts, and his recovery athleticism allows him to make up any lost ground. Among other things, Kinnard has smooth footwork when matching rushers around the edge, and with his frame density, he can absorb opposing power effectively when his hands connect. The Kentucky OT has solid leg drive when latched onto opponents, and he possesses the requisite grip strength to clamp down on attackers with ease.
Execution beyond the physical traits
Kinnard is a fun athlete, but his athletic upside is further compounded by some of his operational tendencies. Kinnard is an energetic blocker in motion and can drive defenders out of plays with relative ease. He has some definite mauler moments where he puts players in the dirt. With his size, the Kentucky product can dominate smaller players — and his grip strength makes it a laborious chore to break free. Kinnard has a clear fighter mentality in one-on-one situations, and he strategically targets arms to negate rushes, destabilize, and compromise opponents. He can improve his hand usage, as we’ll get into shortly. Still, he’s not aimless in his intent, and his hands no doubt have forceful capacity. Kinnard flashes ability and energy with his hand technique, and when he gets clean contact, his natural power shines through.
Areas for improvement
Kinnard’s athletic profile alone would have generated plenty of interest on the 2021 NFL Draft circuit. However, when we look back in 2022, returning to school will likely be viewed as a smart decision for him. As strong as his scouting report was in 2021, he does have some work to do if he wants to lock in his status as an early-round contender. Most notably, Kinnard’s hand usage has plenty of room for improvement. He flashes promising ability with his hands, but he isn’t especially fast or violent on a consistent basis. He can be more proactive, precise, and authoritative with his approach. Furthermore, his hands don’t always strike their targets cleanly. Kinnard’s inconsistent placement can prevent him from channeling his power effectively. Beyond his hands, Kinnard can improve other facets of his scouting report. He sometimes plays with his pads too high, and although he has a wide frame and imposing length, he can lurch at times and sacrifice balance. He sometimes lacks control with his movements, and his feet can be plodding in lateral motion at times. Additionally, Kinnard can work on refining his positioning. He sometimes tries to exert power before attaining proper positioning. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he can also overshoot blocking angles at the second level. Kinnard sometimes freezes his feet at the beginning of reps, making him vulnerable against speed rushers.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Kinnard looks like he trimmed weight in 2021, appearing quicker and more athletic in space. He has a good skill set and a nasty attitude. Kinnard is a sleeper who could be a nice value pick.
7/3/21: Kinnard was an excellent contributor for the Wildcats in 2020. He is a massive beast at the point of attack who is a tough run blocker and plays with a mean streak. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but he shows some potential and upside to improve. For the next level, Kinnard's best fit might come as a right tackle in power-man scheme. After Kentucky lost Landon Young to the NFL, it will be interesting to see if the program moves Kinnard to left tackle or keeps him on the right side in 2021.
Kinnard was a tough run blocker in 2019, helping Lynn Bowden to a lot of success when running behind Kinnard and the right side of the offensive line. Kinnard could stand to drop some weight and improve his pass protection for the NFL. He could be a candidate to slide inside to right guard as a pro.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:21:47 GMT -7
Daniel Faalele OT, Minnesota
Height: 6-8. Weight: 379.
Projected 40 Time: 5.3.
Draft Network:
Daniel Faalele projects as a viable starting offensive tackle at the NFL level despite some areas of improvement needed throughout his game. Faalele is a freakishly large athlete for the game and moves with more agility and grace than you'd ever expect from a man of his stature. Add in his raw size and it is clear that Faalele offers the "unteachable" dynamics of the position and will likely be coveted as a result of having all the tools in the toolbox and simply needing refinement on his technique. Opting out of the 2020 college football season cost Faalele some valuable repetitions in his player development, but nevertheless, he's continued to show enough instinct and feel for the position in his return to the field in 2021 for teams to have comfort that he's still simply scratching the surface of what he can be as a blocker. Given Faalele's relative inexperience to the game—he was a former rugby player who has only three seasons of starting experience at Minnesota—Faalele's ceiling is unquestionably high. There's a dynamic of risk and reward here that needs to be weighed, but teams with accomplished offensive line coaches who are comfortable in player development should not shy away from the challenges that come with an investment here.
Ideal role: Starting right tackle
Scheme tendencies: Scheme multiple but an offense with rhythm/timing concepts and a fair level of play-action and RPO to prevent a lot of true vertical sets.
Profootball Network: It would be remiss to begin Faalele’s scouting report anywhere other than his size. At 6’9″ and 380 pounds, there simply isn’t a bigger player in this 2022 NFL Draft class. Unbelievably, Faalele has slimmed down, tipping the scales at 400 pounds at one point in his college career. Being this ginormous has its advantages as an offensive tackle. Pass rushers simply cannot run through him. He’s the epitome of an immovable object. Faalele is also too big for most pass rushers to merely run around. He’s too broad. Furthermore, he appears to own excellent functional length.
Length and strength
Step into any online debate about offensive tackle play, and you’ll instantly become aware that length is essential. Faalele demonstrates this in several ways. He puts his length to good use to walk pass rushers around the outside track and past the quarterback. He consistently displays excellent ability in this regard. The Minnesota OT also routinely locks his long arms to keep defensive linemen from getting their hands to his chest. Although not explicitly related to his length, Faalele does an excellent job of using his inside arm to feel for interior pressure while keeping his eyes focused on his target. With immense size comes incredible strength. In pass protection, Faalele can demonstrate an impressive anchor with his sheer lower body strength. It helps that he routinely displays a wide base, but his anchor is rooted in strength. Furthermore, he uses this strength to move people up the field or onto the floor as a run blocker. His competitive toughness is glaringly apparent. He revels in putting a man on the ground. Faalele’s strength also shows up in his hand usage. The Minnesota OT has a potent initial punch, routinely knocking defensive linemen and pass-rushing linebackers back at the point of attack with a single strike. When he gets his hand placement right, he also has an impressively firm grasp. With a hand size of 4XL, you’d be disappointed if he didn’t.
Relative athleticism and NFL Draft outlook
For a man of Faalele’s size, the most significant question mark is inevitably around his athleticism. Even here, there are some pleasantly surprising answers. He won’t beat anyone in a foot race; let’s not get carried away. Still, he has impressive lateral agility for his size and can get quickly into pass sets. Furthermore, he shows some explosiveness at the point of attack and can also make his way out to the second level in the run game with relative smoothness. With size, strength, decent relative athleticism, competitive toughness, and some impressive technical ability, Faalele belies his relative inexperience to be an alluring 2022 NFL Draft prospect. He has starting NFL potential, and with the lack of true right tackles in this class, I believe he’ll be selected no lower than Day 2 in April.
Areas for improvement
While Faalele’s scouting report has thus far been crammed with glowing endorsements, there are areas for improvement. However, this should come as no surprise for an NFL Draft prospect who is playing in only his fourth entire season of competitive football at any level. Faalele suffers from a common affliction with college football offensive tackles. There are examples on tape where he gets his weight over his toes, resulting in him becoming unbalanced. While he doesn’t find the floor often, he does get beaten because of it. Potentially due to his incredible size, the Minnesota OT is sometimes guilty of bending at the waist rather than the knees, which doesn’t help with the balance issue.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Faalele had a solid season, including Week 1 against Ohio State. He will have to play right tackle or guard at the next level because his feet are too slow for left tackle. In pass protection, sometimes Faalele's feet seem to get stuck in the ground. He has excellent size and length that make him tough to run around, but he also as some limitations in speed, athleticism and movement.
In the ground game, Faalele can be very tough when he plays with good leverage. He can push defenders around and shows the strength to tie them up and an ability to manipulate defenders away from the play.
7/3/21: Faalele is a massive blocker who has surprising quickness and athleticism for such a big-bodied blocker. He was very impressive for Minnesota in 2018 and 2019 before sitting out the 2020 season. It will be interesting to see how he performs after the lay-off.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:22:26 GMT -7
Jaxson Kirkland OT/G, Washington Height: 6-6. Weight: 318. Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Draft Network:
Jaxson Kirkland has started games at both guard and tackle over his 39 career starts. He is a good athlete with good reactive athleticism, quickness, and body control. In the run game, he does a good job coming off the ball hard. He has good initial quickness out of his stance but doesn’t have the in-line power to be a consistent vertical mover in the run game. He does a good job engaging moving defenders at the second level. He run blocks with the tenacity and block temperament you’d ideally covet in your offensive linemen. He’s athletic enough to get to backside cut-off in the run game and can reach a defender in a 7-technique. In the passing game, he is smooth and fluid in his pass set. He bends very well for a large young man and plays with a good base. He could really afford to improve his mass, bulk, and ultimately his play strength. This will help him anchor better against power rushers and improve at maintaining the width of the pocket. The Michigan game was one that highlighted some of these concerns. However, his hand placement is good and he shows very good range while easily redirecting laterally in his pass set.
Ideal Role: Left Tackle
Scheme Fit: Zone-blocking scheme may serve him well, but he can play in any scheme
Profootball Network: It remains to be seen what the Washington Huskies will look like on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Dylan Morris will be tasked with fending off highly-rated recruit Sam Huard in his second year as the starter. The team’s touches at running back will also be in flux, as Sean McGrew, Kamari Pleasant, and Richard Newton will presumably battle for reps. There may be a lot of change on the horizon for the Huskies in Jimmy Lake’s second year, but one steady constant will be Kirkland on the offensive line. Kirkland has been a starter since 2018, and he provides immense value with his versatility and reliability. Diving deeper into Kirkland’s scouting report, how does the Washington OG project as an NFL Draft prospect?
Jaxson Kirkland’s athletic profile
At 6’7”, 310 pounds, Kirkland sports an unorthodox frame. He’s incredibly long and lean, and his lower body is especially thin. He’s wider in his upper body, however, and he derives good strength from that area. Kirkland generates solid torque when latched onto opponents, and he has the grip strength to establish anchors quickly. Kirkland keeps a wide base in pass protection, and he plays with decent hip sink. His sheer width allows him to cover a large area along the edge. The Washington OG has an extensive reach, and his size makes it difficult for defenders to gain separation. On the edge, he gathers defenders well. While not an elite athlete, he has decent mobility overall, and his hips are fairly fluid for his size. His long strides, combined with his energy, allow him to cover ground better than expected. On top of his sheer size, Kirkland owns stellar natural balance. He’s not easy to move off-base, and his footwork helps to channel and strengthen his balance.
Execution beyond the physical traits
While Kirkland’s size is no doubt a positive, his athletic profile isn’t the strongest foundational part of his NFL Draft scouting report. Rather, Kirkland’s execution is what makes him so alluring as a prospect. Most notably, Kirkland has excellent hands. He has an attacking mentality in close quarters and hurries to make first contact. His hands move with ferocious speed and energy, and they carry great momentum. Kirkland has the precision to target opposing arms and wrench them down. He’s always focused and alert, and he’s shown to effortlessly employ counters as leverage fluctuates across the rep. The Washington OG can adjust his hands with quickness, and he promptly recognizes where to attack next. Beyond his hands, the positive notes continue. Kirkland keeps his feet active when anchored, and he has decent leg drive. Additionally, the Washington OG is an absolute mauler. He brings a nasty disposition to the field and relishes the chance to finish opponents. Furthermore, Kirkland plays with unmistakable energy. He always expends maximum effort on reps. He has great urgency off the snap and features an amped-up style overall. At the second level, Kirkland has a constant work mindset, and he actively seeks to stack blocks.
Areas for improvement
Kirkland’s profile, while strong, is not without its imperfections. Many of those imperfections revolve around his ceiling. While he has some mobility, Kirkland is clearly not an elite athlete. He doesn’t have elite suddenness or range as a lateral mover, and he doesn’t quite have the elite burst to transfer length into artificial power. His range as a motion blocker can be inconsistent. Because of this, he sometimes clogs lanes at the second level rather than clearing them. Going further, Kirkland doesn’t have the corrective athleticism to adjust his blocking angles when defenders evade. He’s also relatively stiff as a mover and not always smooth blocking in space. With his frame, Kirkland is a bit leggy at times, and his efficiency of motion has some room for refinement. Moving forward, Kirkland’s frame also points to more deficiencies. The Washington OG sometimes struggles to lower his pad level with his high-hipped body type. Moreover, his lack of mass can make it easier for him to be driven backward into his QB. Kirkland doesn’t always have the raw power to neutralize rushers around the edge, and he sometimes lacks the power necessary to direct linemen away from lanes and clear space. Among other things, Kirkland’s grip strength is not infallible. Additionally, he can better bend his elbows in pass protection to maximize exerted power.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Kirkland played left tackle for Washington this season, but for the NFL, he looks like a better fit at guard or right tackle. In Week 2, he had some struggles with Michigan's Aiden Hutchinson, but Kirkland made some nice plays as well. In November, he had a mixed showing against Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux, but Washington sent a lot of double teams and extra attention to Thibodeaux.
Kirkland has good size, but quickness and athleticism issues could make him a better fit on the right side or inside at the next level. Guard could be his best fit, but he looks like he could have enough ability to play right tackle. To start out his career, Kirkland might be a valuable sixth offensive lineman who can serve as swing backup at guard and tackle while he develops. He could have a shot to develop into a decent starter in time, and left guard might be the position where he is best.
7/3/21: Kirkland was the Huskies' starting right guard as a redshirt freshman and sophomore before moving to left tackle as a junior in 2020. While Kirkland has good size to block on the edge, his feet, quickness and athleticism make him a better fit at guard for the NFL.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:22:48 GMT -7
Abraham Lucas OT, Washington State Height: 6-7. Weight: 318. Projected 40 Time: 5.2.
Draft Network:
Abraham Lucas is an average athlete with regard to his agility and lateral movement. In the run game, he has pulled often in 2020 and shows the ability to get out on the perimeter. In the passing game, he is fluid in his pass set. He's not going to impress you with movement skills, but is effective for their offense. He does have redeeming value in his length and football intelligence when blocking the edge.
Ideal Role: Backup NFL right tackle. Scheme Fit: Quick-timing offense. Balance: His balance overall is average. He has some instances of being on the ground. He does, however, do a good job of keeping his feet underneath him. Pass Set: He is fluid in his pass set. However, he struggles to redirect on an inside mover or counter. He plays with a good base and keeps his feet under him. Competitive Toughness: His competitive toughness is average. He works hard to compete and recover when he has been speed rushed on the edge. He also demonstrates his level of physical toughness as a finisher in the run game. Lateral Mobility: Movement skills and agility won't be his strong suit. He struggles at times to redirect and move laterally. He also has a hard time getting top cut off when he is on the backside of run plays. Length: He plays with good length. He is 6070 (estimate) and has very long arms. These help him while pass protecting on the edge. Football IQ: His football IQ is good. He can easily recognize stunts and games. He also recognizes blitzing defenders off the edge Hands: He plays with average hands overall. He will get them outside of the frame at times when the defender is a strong player—seemingly in an attempt to control. He also plays with a sufficient level of pop in his hands. Anchor: His anchor overall is average. He sufficiently keeps the width of the pocket while in his set. However, he plays with high pad level, which may leave him susceptible to rushers that can get underneath him Power at P.O.A.: He doesn’t play the game with good power. For a young man his size, I was disappointed with the power at the point of attack. He doesn’t come off the ball with explosive pop off the line. Versatility: His versatility is below average. He doesn't have the ideal measurables to kick inside to play guard. He also doesn’t have the athleticism to be a left tackle.
Profootball Network: At this time last year, Lucas was viewed as a rising star in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Some early projections had him listed as a potential Day 2 pick, with the upside to rise even further up the board. A truncated 2020 campaign played a hand in influencing Lucas’ decision to return for a second season under Cougars coach Nick Rolovich. The circumstances are different, but the expectations are the same. Now, as the 2021 college football season nears, it’s once again time to examine Lucas’ draft stock. What changed in 2021, and what remained the same? Is Lucas still an NFL Draft prospect worthy of early-round consideration? Let’s dive into the discussion, starting with his physical traits.
Lucas’ athletic profile
Size and athleticism are two boxes that can be checked quickly when analyzing offensive linemen. The physical factors are especially visible, and Lucas shows plenty of promise there. The Washington State OT has a well-proportioned frame with good density and length. At 6’7″, 319 pounds, he has a fairly large reach, and his wide base enables him to cover ground efficiently around the edge. In addition to his size, Lucas also possesses a strong athletic foundation. Contrary to popular belief, I think he’s a well-above-average athlete but not elite. Lucas has exceptional initial burst blocking on the move, and he also shows flashes of excellent lateral agility, transferring his weight effortlessly. He has a baseline level of mobility in open space, and he also possesses decent recovery athleticism. The most appealing athletic trait for Lucas, nevertheless, might be his natural balance. The Washington OT plays with good knee bend, and he has good leg drive when latched onto opponents. He keeps his balance well against opposing anchors, and he also has the balance and reach to thrive against displacement. Most notably, Lucas can easily absorb power with his strong base, flexibility, and natural strength.
Execution beyond the physical traits
Lucas has a well-rounded athletic foundation, but he does well to supplement that foundation with comparable hand usage, footwork, and awareness. Lucas’ hands can be fast and sudden, as well as methodical and precise. He can stack hand motions to stymy opposing rushes, and he times his extensions with unyielding consistency in pass protection. As a pass protector, Lucas’ hands and feet complement each other very well. The Washington State OT is a patient, composed player whose pass sets and footwork are generally smooth. There’s a synergy between his upper and lower body that not all tackle prospects have, and that natural congruence allows him to channel his traits effectively. Among other things, Lucas also has a strong football IQ. He knows when to turn upfield and seal off backside rushes, and he’s able to flip his focus quickly on stunts. Additionally, Lucas takes advantage of off-balance defenders, and he can drive them into the ground when he has superior leverage.
Areas for improvement
There aren’t many glaring flaws in Lucas’ game, but there are a few minor inconsistencies to take note of. Most notably, while Lucas has an exceptional athletic profile, he might not be elite. His range as a motion blocker isn’t the greatest, and he doesn’t always display the closing speed necessary to recover positioning after setbacks. He isn’t always fast or light on his feet, and his footwork can also be a bit uncoordinated at times. Lucas’ length, while solid, also may not be proportionally elite, and his grip strength can be hit-or-miss at times. He sometimes lets opposing defenders disengage too easily, and he can have trouble sustaining blocks in the running game. Lucas has shown bright flashes as a run blocker, but he rarely outright neutralizes his opponents in this phase. Going further, Lucas occasionally has some wasted motion at the start of his passing reps, and he sometimes gives up space by predetermining blocking angles. His hands, while strong overall, aren’t overly forceful or imposing, and he can carry more mass with his punches. Perhaps more urgency could help Lucas maximize his power and mobility, but it’s unclear how much upside is still left untapped.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Lucas had a decent season. He was solid against USC and has been a steady protector while showing some ability to contribute in the ground game.
7/3/21: Lucas is a massive edge protector with excellent length and surprising quickness for such a big-bodied blocker. After redshirting in 2017, Lucas broke into the starting lineup at right tackle in 2018 and has been a mainstay for the Cougars. He plays with good leverage bending at the knee and shows nimble feet, quickness, athleticism, and an ability to pull well. Assuming he stays healthy, Lucas will be a 4-year starter with a lot of experience, and he looks like a safe prospect to turn into a quality starter at the pro level.
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 5, 2022 20:23:41 GMT -7
Bernhard Raimann OT, Central Michigan
Height: 6-7. Weight: 303.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Draft Network: Central Michigan offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann is an impressive developmental prospect who has all of the physical tools needed to become a plus starting offensive tackle in the NFL. Raimann is an international player who is originally from Austria and came to Central Michigan initially as a tight end while also lettering in wrestling and track & field. Those athletic tools are quite apparent for Raimann, who spent his first two seasons as a TE on the roster and logged 20 receptions for 164 yards between the 2018 and 2019 seasons before stacking on weight and converting to play tackle. When you consider he’s got a two-year exposure to offensive tackle, it is easy to see why there’s such an enthusiasm about his projection to the pro game as he continues to master his new position. Initially listed as a 230-pound tight end on his 247 Sports recruiting profile, Raimann now carries more than 300 pounds on his frame and does so with only a few subtle clues that he’s added extra weight and hasn’t naturally been this big. I like his projection best in a system that looks to weaponize his athletic ability on the edge—where his movement skills can help hit ambitious landmarks in the run and screen game and his mobility can help to shine and maintain pocket integrity when his offense looks to move the pocket. The three-year projection is undoubtedly higher than the one-year projection and in a perfect world, he may get a little seasoning on the bench before taking the field. But with his position and his likely projected draft status, I would not be surprised if Raimann was handed a starting role early on and charged with learning on the job.
Profootball Network: The talent density in Group of Five conferences such as the MAC isn’t as high as it is in Power Five conferences. But in a way, that relative dearth of NFL talent only makes legitimate next-level prospects easier to recognize when they’re present. Such is the case with Raimann. Raimann, a foreign exchange student from Austria, has made Central Michigan his home. Along the way, he’s established himself as one of the better offensive tackle prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. A Feldman Freak, Raimann clearly has the size and the athleticism. But how do his traits translate on the field, and can he leverage them into a starting role as an NFL player?
Bernhard Raimann’s athletic profile
Listed at 6’7″, 305 pounds, Raimann is a large blocker who looms over his opponents. His length isn’t proportionally elite, but he compensates with his easily visible athleticism. The Central Michigan OT is explosive off the line as a run blocker, and he’s mobile reaching the second level. He has good lateral burst and can make quick work of short distances. Additionally, Raimann has great recovery athleticism and covers a lot of ground to regain positioning. Beyond his mobility, Raimann also has solid flexibility and balance. He can easily flip his hips and redirect defensive linemen. Additionally, he has the flexibility and coordination to halt rushes at the apex without losing control. Despite his lighter frame, Raimann’s core strength is above-average, and he uses this to flex without breaking. Raimann’s weight also appears to be proportioned well. The Chippewas blocker has shown to absorb power to a degree with his decently strong base. He also has solid grip strength when anchored and can suffocate rushes from lesser players.
Execution beyond the physical traits
Raimann possesses an enticing athletic foundation. And the positives don’t end there, as he is fairly strong mentally as well. Raimann has the awareness to recognize stunts and respond quickly to those maneuvers. He’s also shown he understands leverage at the second level and can seal off big lanes for backs. To that end, Raimann also grasps the minutiae of footwork and how to set up better angles for himself. His feet are rarely idle. Raimann moves them to maintain leverage with his base. In a similar vein, he can also reset his hands mid-rep to attain better upper-body leverage. Raimann bends his knees well and keeps a wide base in pass protection. He also has solid leg drive when anchored and blocks all the way to the whistle. Raimann can clamp down on opposing linemen while matching around the edge, and he’s quick to capitalize when opponents sacrifice their balance. He has his moments where he buries opponents, punishing them for slipping up.
Areas for improvement
While there’s a lot to like with Raimann, he’s far from a perfect 2022 NFL Draft prospect. Although his frame is dense and compact, Raimann is still lighter than the average tackle. That can impact his absorption capacity, as can his tendency to play a bit too upright. To that end, Raimann is highly susceptible to bull rushes when he opens up his torso. He does this too often and will need to narrow his hands more at the next level. While he has good grip strength, Raimann’s anchor can be ripped down by stronger opponents. Part of this issue can be attributed to Raimann’s length. It’s not a liability necessarily, but his length is only average. That impacts his reach and leverage at times. For example, he can get caught lurching, extending before his base is properly set. Leaning and mistiming punches this way can sap at his power capacity.
Walterfootball: 12/11/21: Raimann is a developmental prospect after switching from tight end to offensive tackle. Given his size, he is a big edge protector who might be more of a right tackle candidate for the NFL. If he blocks well in pass-rushing one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, he could be a riser.
7/3/21: Raimann started out his college career at tight end and didn't switch to left tackle until 2020. He had an impressive debut at the position with quality size, length, and athleticism on the edge. He could improve as he gains experience and develops technique. If he improves with further experience, Raimann could be a riser.
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Interview: Don't expect you to understand this, but he's another product from Austria. I wonder if he knows our TE?
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 11, 2022 17:50:47 GMT -7
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 27, 2022 7:40:49 GMT -7
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Post by cardinalsins on Jan 29, 2022 19:17:44 GMT -7
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Post by cardinalsins on Feb 1, 2022 15:18:44 GMT -7
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