Drafted by Cowboys 3rd Round, Pick 90 - Cowboys Draft G Connor McGovern Penn State

[JBell]

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Rounds 2-3

NFL Comparison
Rodger Saffold

Overview
Reliable run blocker with NFL-ready size and strength but exploitable holes in his pass sets that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. His starting experience at both center and guard could bring additional interest in McGovern, who would be a bigger, stronger option at center for teams facing odd-front power in their division. He is a good fit in gap and inside-zone run schemes, but his tendency to over-set in pass protection could be challenging to correct. He's an early starter as a Day 2 pick, but Year 1 could have ups and downs.
Strengths

• Starting experience as both a guard and center
• NFL body type with broad upper body and good lower-body thickness
• Works well in double teams
• Can punch and carry target while the double block settles in
• Stays wide and can play wide
• Good catch-run-and-secure transitioning on zone blocks
• Bends effectively for desired pad level
• Able to dig opponents anchor out on down blocks
• Consistent hand placement as run blocker
• Not easily bull-rushed
• Can open hips and make athletic recoveries when beaten
• Decent redirect power in pass protection.

Weaknesses

• Hands too wide in pass protection
• Needs more consistent angles up to second level
• Inconsistent timing up to second block on combos
• Measured lateral movement lacks desired quickness
• Uses gallop steps to mirror edge-running 3-techniques
• Tends to over-set and open inside counters
• Gets caught out over his toes
• Will lean and lunge for redirect in pass protection
• Inside post becomes a target due to over-sets
• Needs better reaction time and awareness to twists

Sources Tell Us

"He's one of my favorite guards because he's got real size and real power. A lot of college linemen are coming in so light that it takes time to get them big and strong enough to play." -- Offensive line coach for NFC team

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/connor-mcgovern?id=32194d43-4741-7420-d3a4-ecbbf78bc788

 

[Mr_437]

Cool is Connor moving to RT?

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

Well it’s great value truly sticking to the board

 

[TheRomoSexual]

I mean, McGovern is awesome value. But I'm confused...

 

[RS12]

My first though is I hope La"el is renting. Thomas probably moves outside.

 

[lostar2009]

Weird I'm still on pick 89 for the colts. The TV delay is insane.

 

[RS12]

Penn St players tend to be technically sound.

 

[Carson]

I mean, McGovern is awesome value. But I'm confused...

2020

Smith ... McGovern ... Frederick ... Martin ... Williams

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

We’re going to start 7 OL

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

To be honest it’s a really safe pick for us a for sure future starter

 

[EzekielToast]

This has to be BPA on their board.

Connor moving outside for sure.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

We’re going to start 7 OL

Probably

 

[InTheZone]

Needs to bulk up and add strength...hmmm sounds familiar...

 

[kumizi]

Is Frederick sure to come back?

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

He'll play LCB when we let Byron Jones walk.

 

[Jumbo075]

Bye Bye La'el Collins...

 

[DCCowboys11]

I feel lightheaded right now

 

[RS12]

Not gonna complain about a meat and potatoes pick.

 

[beware_d-ware]

Dude sounds like a true guard. I bet you Williams is moving to tackle.

 

[NeonNinja]

Jonah was the first one to nail LVE. On him super early.