SCOUT SCHOOL: WHAT SCOUTS FOCUS ON WHEN THEY EVALUATE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
I am often asked what NFL scouts focus on when they are evaluating players. Scout School provides a perfect forum to answer that question. So far, we have discussed running backs and wideouts. Next up, Offensive Lineman. Here are the six position specific skills we were required to discuss in our reports.
Run Blocking/Sustain
Pass Pro/Anchor
Pass Pro/Agility
Hand Quickness/Usage
Pulling/Adjust
Blitzes/Stunts
Let’s examine them one at a time.
Run Blocking/Sustain- Does the player finish every block? Is he able to create movement at the point of attack? When evaluating OL, you want to see them latch on and sustain their block. You don’t want to see them thud and fall off. Scouts refer to those type of lineman as “one pop daddy’s”. Ideally, you would love to see the player maul his opponent and drive him into the ground on a consistent basis but that just isn’t realistic. However, it is important to evaluate whether or not they are able to locate, latch-on and control the defender long enough for the ball carrier to do his thing. Finishing the block isn’t just a physical issue but also a temperament issue. It is frustrating to watch a talented blocker operate with a shot clock in his head. Once he assumes he has done enough, he lets up and frees his defender only to have the play come back in his direction.
Pass Pro/Anchor- Can the lineman bend his knees, sink his weight and anchor against the bull rush? This is especially important for interior lineman. It makes the QB’s job very difficult when he has bodies in his face. He can’t see clearly, he’s forced to throw flat-footed and it limits his ability to follow through. With so many teams now employing the 3-4 defense, the undersized center is being squeezed out of the league. You have to be able to anchor down against the likes of Haloti Ngata and Kris Jenkins. Body type is usually a good indicator of the ability to anchor. If the player has a flat butt and underdeveloped thighs, he is naturally going to have a difficult time anchoring down against power. Andre Gurode of the Cowboys is considered by many to be the best Center in the league. He has an ideal body for the position. He has a huge lower half and long arms.
Pass Pro/Agility- Can the lineman kick out to speed rushers? Can he redirect back inside against a counter move? Can he maintain position and control when facing a spin move? This aspect is especially important when grading OT’s. While interior lineman can work together and share protection duties, the OT’s are often left by themselves to block one-on-one. You need to have the athleticism to handle that challenge. Pad level is crucial when it comes to this area. If the player is unable to bend his knees, he is going to have a tough time redirecting. Think of a basketball player guarding an athletic point guard. If he stands completely erect, he is going to get eaten alive by the crossover dribble. You have to be able to bend your knees and maintain balance.
Hand Quickness/Usage- Does he win the battle for hand placement? Does he have a strong punch in pass pro? When evaluating OL, you initially look to see how they use their feet to get in position and then you focus on how they use their hands to maintain position. Hand quickness is essential because when an OL/DL are battling, whoever is able to get their hands inside and on the chest of the opponent is likely to win. In pass pro, you want to see a quick and explosive punch to control defenders. Lineman can get away with a long, windup punch at the collegiate level but it will create major problems in the NFL. Ideally, you want your OL to have long arms so that they can use their length to keep defenders from getting into their chest.
Pulling/Adjust-Is he a one-track player or can he react and adjust on pulls? Is he better on tight pulls or wide pulls? Different NFL teams will be looking for different things in this area. For example, in the Pittsburgh/San Diego game on Sunday Night, the Steelers used Chris Kemoeatu on several tight pulls. He is a huge OG with limited agility but he can pull inside the opposite OT and clear space. In Cleveland, the Browns like to run the toss play and pull Eric Steinbach outside to get him on the perimeter. It takes a very good athlete to pull on the same side and adjust to CB’s and Safeties in space. Steinbach isn’t as successful on inside pulls as Kemoeatu because he lacks his girth and strength. This is why it is very important for scouts to understand their own offensive scheme when evaluating college players.
Bltizes/Stunts-Is the lineman an aware player? Is he late picking up twists and stunts? Football intelligence has become a vital part of successful OL play in the NFL. Defenses have become so multiple and complicated that you need your lineman to be able to think and adjust on the fly. The Colts place a premium on FBI (football intelligence) for offensive lineman. They are one of the few offenses that consistently give the Ravens defense a problem. You rarely see the Colts OL allow clean, run-through pressures. If there is pressure on Manning, it is because of a physical mismatch or they are simply outnumbered. In other words, they allocate their resources efficiently and don’t waste blockers on air.
