Drafted by Cowboys Cowboys select Josh Ball Marshall OT at 138

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Kwyn

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Analyzing Josh Ball’s NFL Draft Profile
The most obvious place to begin with analyzing Josh Ball as a 2021 NFL Draft prospect is with his size. He has towered above opposition players since his high school days. There are varying accounts of him so providing an accurate measurement is difficult. Yet, he is clearly over the 6’6″ that has been listed elsewhere.

While this will bring some issues of its own, which I’ll get to later, there is no denying that with height comes advantageous length. He can keep opposing defensive linemen at bay easily with his long arms. Additionally, his long frame makes it difficult for edge rushers to find a way around him.

Ball offers intriguing athletic upside in the 2021 NFL Draft. He demonstrates the ability to get quickly out of his stance and into his pass set. Additionally, he can get out to the second level with relative ease. He describes his favorite part of offensive line play as pulling which his athletic ability is easy to see.

Furthermore, Ball exhibits enough functional agility to move well laterally. He can shut down counter moves and slide back inside to pick up inside rushes. The combination of overall athleticism and movement skills also allows him to recover well if he gets beat in the first instance.

What are some potential concerns with Josh Ball?
One of Josh Ball’s selling points in the 2021 NFL Draft also provides one of his weaknesses. When you’re 6’8″ tall, it’s difficult to play with low pad level. As a result, the chest becomes an easy target.

Additionally, it’s easy to lunge forward with your weight over your feet when you’re that tall. Although he exhibits solid body control on the whole, he needs to ensure he isn’t giving up leverage when lunging against stronger and faster NFL defensive linemen.

Currently listed at 308 pounds, the Marshall offensive tackle should look to add some muscle weight as he transitions to the NFL. That will help him add some functional strength. Currently, he doesn’t have the strongest anchor in the class. He also could benefit to add some strength to his initial punch.

The big uncertainty over Josh Ball heading into the 2021 NFL Draft will, unfortunately, be over his character. We are to presume that teams will want to do due diligence with regards to the circumstances of his suspension from Florida State.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/josh-ball-nfl-draft-player-profile-marshall-offensive-tackle/
 

CalPolyTechnique

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Lol, I kid you not...

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noletime95

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FSU has been starved for good OL, especially OT. Ball was clearly their best OL but they cut him loose because he’s a bad dude.

Hope he’s matured, talented kid.
 

ShortRound

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Looks like MM and Quinn want a different attitude from this defense. Some nastiness. How does a boy scout like 54 work with these guys.
 

morasp

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Ranked 103 overall, good pick.

Overview
Former four-star recruit who initially signed and played with Florida State before a 2018 suspension for dating violence started the process of his departure from the school. While the character will need to be vetted thoroughly, the football potential is clear to see on tape. Ball has just about all of the physical and athletic traits teams could want out of a left tackle, and he brings a finisher's demeanor. He plays with consistent bend and strong hands, but needs to consistently center up on the block to prevent defenders from sliding away. Ball has foot quickness to handle speed rushers and a stiff, jarring punch that can slow the rush plan way down. He needs to mix up his hand attacks and eliminate the leaning and over-setting or he will get countered all day long. From a football-only standpoint, Ball could become an early swing tackle as he acclimates to a jump in competition, but could become a future starter at left tackle.
Strengths
  • Desired pro blend of size, length and athletic ability.
  • Natural knee-bender with fluid movements.
  • Quick, rhythmic pass slides gain proper depth.
  • Punch is sudden and snappy.
  • Loose hips to recover and run rushers past the pocket.
  • First-step quickness to gain positioning advantage in run game.
  • Bend and upward strikes create leverage point.
  • Can get to all the angles to reach, seal and/or climb.
  • Sustains his block with big, strong hands.
  • Extra fluid and agile as blocker in space.
  • Runs feet through block and is angry finisher.
 

Carter

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I obviously liked some picks Thursday and Friday better than others, but I'm going on record as saying I don't like this one at all.

Even if he was a nice guy, which seems in serious doubt, he's not a 4th round prospect by any measure I've found so far.

He was a T100 Talent on some boards
 

gimmesix

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Apparently he has some domestic violence issues.

No worries, let's just blame the victim like we usually do and we'll all feel better about it.

*Bruglar say he'd be a 2nd round prospect otherwise

We don't know the circumstances, but at least it was more than three years ago.
 
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