Bernhard Raimann-T Central Michigan

[xwalker]

I think we better start thinking he could be our pick at 24. He met with the Cowboys at the Senior Bowl, Combine and now a 30 visitor. He would be the future replacement for Tyron and may be able to play Guard in the interim. However, not my favorite prospect, he will be 25 and some believe he needs to get stronger.

Strengths

• Additional improvement likely imminent given traits.
• Former tight end with enticing movement talent.
• Took the coaching and developed at a rapid rate.
• Can fly up to challenging second-level cutoffs.
• Capable of making clean work-up blocks to linebackers.
• Keeps feet connected with his pads.
• Glides out and finds his work in the screen game.
• Has natural quickness to set out to NFL edge speed as a pro.
• Pass slides are well-balanced and consistent.
• Rides rushers around the arc with agile feet.
• Stalls inside moves with hip torque and rare recovery twitch.
• Will find his anchor after initial bull-rush.
• Sinks in hands and mirrors rusher through the whistle.

Weaknesses

• Instincts will take time to develop.
• Hands cradle rather than crush in tight quarters.
• Pass sets are mechanical and predictable.
• Needs to diversify tempo and punch approach in the league.
• Slight lean into contact when throwing his hands.
• Outside hand lacks firmness, softening his edge.
• Doesn't fit up run blocks with much authority.
• Average at finding positioning in run game.
• Narrow drive base limits push power.

I initially thought he looked like a 1st round talent; however, the more I watch, the more I see him as a mid-2nd type prospect.

Both Bernhard Raimann and Tyler Smith might require a year in the NFL to develop their fundamentals.
- If true, then it makes sense to compare them to each other.

• I'll start with the summary and then list the detailed comparison.
  • Tyler Smith has higher upside at LT with an elite size/athleticism combo and good arm length.
  • Bernhard Raimann has a slightly higher 'floor'. He had a rapid development from TE to LT. He lacks LT arm length.
  • Smith is also a physically elite OG prospect with elite power, athleticism and length for that position.

Comparison: Bernhard Raimann vs Tyler Smith

• Bernhard Raimann
  • 6-6, 303
  • Forty: 5.05
  • Ten: 1.73
  • Arm Length: 32-7/8"
  • Hands: 10-1/4"

• Tyler Smith
  • 6-5, 324
  • Forty: 5.02
  • Ten: 1.71
  • Arm Length: 34"
  • Hands: 10-3/4"

• Top concern:
  • Both might need a year to develop.
  • Raimann converted to LT from TE in 2020.
  • Smith played at a small school with a young, inexperienced OL coach.
  • Smith was also moved back and forth from OG to OT which didn't help his development timeframe.

• Athleticism:
  • Smith > Raimann
  • Based on game footage, Smith's athleticism appears to be elite, especially at 324 pounds.
  • Raimann also has very good athleticism; however, he'll need to add 10+ pounds in the NFL.

• Power:
  • Smith >> Raimann
  • Raimann below average.
  • Smith has elite power.
  • Smith is a legit prospect at both OG and LT.

• Consistency:
  • Both have some whiff type moments that are not physical problems.
  • I'll give the nod to Raimann over Smith.

• Technique:
  • Both need significant development but Raimann is not as raw as expected considering he was a TE 2 years ago.
  • Smith basically has not technique. His power and athleticism was all he needed more most snaps vs small college OLinemen.
  • Lack of technique caused a large number of penalties. He has a tendency to just bear hug defenders even if they're not winning the rep.

• Floor: Raimann > Smith

• Ceiling: Smith >>> Raimann

 

[xwalker]

Just connecting the dots, team reportedly really likes the player.

Yeah not shooting the messenger, makes sense.

I do however think they are more likely to take a guy more immediately ready to play LG. I know they’ve said they like position flex from OT/OG…wonder if they consider either Green or Zion to be OT options at all? No doubt both probably have a better future at guard, but I could see Green being drafted with developing as OT in mind. Same with Smith from Tulsa who’s a high celing/low floor guy, but could mitigate some of the risk by having him play guard early.

Normally, I'm not concerned about an over-age prospect; however, that's because they are normally 'ready now' type players.
- i.e. Get max usage of a ready now player on his rookie contract and worry about age when deciding on a 2nd contract.

The problem is that Raimann is not really a 'ready now' type player.
- Maybe he can play as a rookie but it's a much bigger question mark than with true 'ready now' prospects.

I don't see Green or Zion at OT, especially not LT.
- Yes, maybe as spot starters, but not long term.

Tyler Smith's measurables might not make it obvious; however, based on game footage he is on another level athletically from Green/Zion.
- Smith has legit long term LT potential & similar power at OG to Green/Zion.
- The obvious question is why his technique/fundamentals are not more developed.
- Maybe due to small school coaching (His OL coach was reportedly very young and inexperienced).

 

[xwalker]

I think the positional flex might be also at Center. Zion played the position at the Senior Bowl, Green was taking snaps at his pro day in front of Philbin. Smith is the ideal player to start inside and kick outside later, but he is more of a developmental player.

If either Zion or Green are legit options at OC, then that moves them up a notch for me.
- High quality OCs are harder to find than OGs.

I reviewed Zion playing OC in the Senior Bowl. His shotgun snaps looked good.
- The QB bobbled 1 shotgun snap, but it was above belt high and dead center right/left.
- He reportedly had some struggles at OC in Senior Bowl practices; however, was voted the top practice player on his team at the Senior Bowl.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I dont see him as a 1st round prospect. Whats his position? He is below key thresholds of NFL LT's, so I dont really see him playing there. Im not that concerned with age and experience at OT, he progressed very quickly once he moved to OT and can get better with pro coaching. However, I still see him as an NFL RT. Even though I think he will be a good one, and older RT from a small school is still a 2nd round prospect

 

[Beaker42]

What group would that be?

The OT group

 

[tm1119]

The OT group

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but you are on a very lonely island with that opinion. Might be only you and Raimann’s mother who think he’s the best pass blocking OT in this draft class.

 

[tm1119]

Normally, I'm not concerned about an over-age prospect; however, that's because they are normally 'ready now' type players.
- i.e. Get max usage of a ready now player on his rookie contract and worry about age when deciding on a 2nd contract.

The problem is that Raimann is not really a 'ready now' type player.
- Maybe he can play as a rookie but it's a much bigger question mark than with true 'ready now' prospects.

I don't see Green or Zion at OT, especially not LT.
- Yes, maybe as spot starters, but not long term.

Tyler Smith's measurables might not make it obvious; however, based on game footage he is on another level athletically from Green/Zion.
- Smith has legit long term LT potential & similar power at OG to Green/Zion.
- The obvious question is why his technique/fundamentals are not more developed.
- Maybe due to small school coaching (His OL coach was reportedly very young and inexperienced).

I don’t think Green or Zion will play LT either, but in the right landing spot I could Green making a career playing RT and Zion at C. While both have the safe landing spot at G, I think it would make sense to try them at the more premium positions first.

Smith is a difficult call for me. Other than pure measurables do you feel like he has a high floor as a starting LG? Would feel more comfortable risking a boom or bust OT if I’ve seen the player play guard at a high level at some point. More of a 2nd round gamble in my opinion…not that Smith will last until 56

 

[Cowboyny]

If either Zion or Green are legit options at OC, then that moves them up a notch for me.
- High quality OCs are harder to find than OGs.

I reviewed Zion playing OC in the Senior Bowl. His shotgun snaps looked good.
- The QB bobbled 1 shotgun snap, but it was above belt high and dead center right/left.
- He reportedly had some struggles at OC in Senior Bowl practices; however, was voted the top practice player on his team at the Senior Bowl.

To be fair to Zion, this was his first time practicing at the position and it appears he held up. Some early struggles, but got better as the week progressed. He is a solid, balanced prospect, where Green is the younger run blocker with higher upside if he get better as a pass protector.

 

[Cowboyny]

Normally, I'm not concerned about an over-age prospect; however, that's because they are normally 'ready now' type players.
- i.e. Get max usage of a ready now player on his rookie contract and worry about age when deciding on a 2nd contract.

The problem is that Raimann is not really a 'ready now' type player.
- Maybe he can play as a rookie but it's a much bigger question mark than with true 'ready now' prospects.

I don't see Green or Zion at OT, especially not LT.
- Yes, maybe as spot starters, but not long term.

Tyler Smith's measurables might not make it obvious; however, based on game footage he is on another level athletically from Green/Zion.
- Smith has legit long term LT potential & similar power at OG to Green/Zion.
- The obvious question is why his technique/fundamentals are not more developed.
- Maybe due to small school coaching (His OL coach was reportedly very young and inexperienced).

Raimann to me is more of a swing tackle as a rookie as he develops further. Problem is, he is already 25. As I have said about Tyler Smith, no issue at 56, but think it's very risky at 24. Even might consider him with a smaller trade back. No doubt the physical traits are there, question is can they develop him, doe he want to be great?

 

[Cowboyny]

I initially thought he looked like a 1st round talent; however, the more I watch, the more I see him as a mid-2nd type prospect.

Both Bernhard Raimann and Tyler Smith might require a year in the NFL to develop their fundamentals.
- If true, then it makes sense to compare them to each other.

• I'll start with the summary and then list the detailed comparison.
  • Tyler Smith has higher upside at LT with an elite size/athleticism combo and good arm length.
  • Bernhard Raimann has a slightly higher 'floor'. He had a rapid development from TE to LT. He lacks LT arm length.
  • Smith is also a physically elite OG prospect with elite power, athleticism and length for that position.

Comparison: Bernhard Raimann vs Tyler Smith

• Bernhard Raimann
  • 6-6, 303
  • Forty: 5.05
  • Ten: 1.73
  • Arm Length: 32-7/8"
  • Hands: 10-1/4"

• Tyler Smith
  • 6-5, 324
  • Forty: 5.02
  • Ten: 1.71
  • Arm Length: 34"
  • Hands: 10-3/4"

• Top concern:
  • Both might need a year to develop.
  • Raimann converted to LT from TE in 2020.
  • Smith played at a small school with a young, inexperienced OL coach.
  • Smith was also moved back and forth from OG to OT which didn't help his development timeframe.

• Athleticism:
  • Smith > Raimann
  • Based on game footage, Smith's athleticism appears to be elite, especially at 324 pounds.
  • Raimann also has very good athleticism; however, he'll need to add 10+ pounds in the NFL.

• Power:
  • Smith >> Raimann
  • Raimann below average.
  • Smith has elite power.
  • Smith is a legit prospect at both OG and LT.

• Consistency:
  • Both have some whiff type moments that are not physical problems.
  • I'll give the nod to Raimann over Smith.

• Technique:
  • Both need significant development but Raimann is not as raw as expected considering he was a TE 2 years ago.
  • Smith basically has not technique. His power and athleticism was all he needed more most snaps vs small college OLinemen.
  • Lack of technique caused a large number of penalties. He has a tendency to just bear hug defenders even if they're not winning the rep.

• Floor: Raimann > Smith

• Ceiling: Smith >>> Raimann

I like Tyler much more then Raimann and see both players more as 2nd rd prospects due to their develop needed. Tyler can probably see the field quicker, especially if they start him at Guard. Might be as good as Kenyon Green with better coaching as a rookie. He instantly improves our run game. Must find a way to have him play cleaner football.