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.