Chad Reuter of NFL.com put out a full seven-round NFL Mock Draft, and in Round 1, with the 21st pick, he had arguably one of the two best offensive tackles in this draft, falling to the Dolphins. And if this player does fall to pick #21, Mike McDaniel, Frank Smith , and Chris Grier will be very happy.
Round 1, Pick #21: Olumuyiwa Fashanu
“If there’s a run on quarterbacks and receivers with the first 20 selections, one of the top offensive tackles could still be available for Miami at No. 21. Fashanu is similar to Christian Darrisaw (No. 23 overall in 2021) and Andre Dillard (No. 22 in 2019) when they were entering the league in that he’s a bit raw in his technique and did not dominate in his final collegiate season as expected. Fashanu has the upside, though, to become an excellent starter.”
A toolsy two-year starter with loads of potential, Fashanu is still learning to be less mechanical and more instinctive with his play. At this point, he could impose his traits upon most collegiate opponents and stack the deck in his favor. As a pro, he will need to play with better control and more consistent technique to prevent being countered and beaten by NFL talent. There is still room to get bigger and stronger, but he’s already playing with good focus and drive as a run blocker. Issues with footwork and landmarks can be corrected with more coaching. He’s long and has really effective recovery agility to help keep his quarterback clean, but inconsistent pass slides and excessive leaning could make things harder than they need to be early on. Overall, the work ethic, traits and tape make it easier to project Fashanu’s continued improvement into a very good left tackle.
Round 2, Pick #55: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE – Texas
Talented pass-catching tight end with an exciting floor if he can handle the rigors of the pro game. Sanders possesses an average build, but he has room for more muscle. He flashes as a run blocker, but he isn’t consistent at the point of attack. He can get up the field from in-line or from the slot, beating man coverage at his route stems or separating quickly from turns. He is able to dig in and win combat catches underneath and has proven to be highly effective running the seam or catching intermediate throws into zone pockets. Teams looking for a tight end with a more complete game might pass on him, but his potential to open up the passing game and become a highly productive pass-catcher should be hard to pass on.
Round 5, Pick #158: Gabe Hall, DT – Baylor
Hall’s draft standing with each team will be determined by scheme and just how much the team values traits over tape. Despite his imposing size and length, Hall fails to play with consistent command at the point of attack and is too often beaten soundly in the finishing phase. He has the initial quickness, bend and hand usage to improve against the run, but it’s not a given. Hall is best aligned as a 4i- or 5-technique in an odd front where he has more space to use his athleticism and length as a pass rusher. He has the tools needed to become more impactful on the next level for a defensive line coach ready to work with him.
Round 6, Pick #184: Javon Solomon, EDGE – Troy
Solomon doesn’t have prototypical size as an NFL edge rusher, and longer tackles can irritate his play at times, but there is plenty to like in the production and the tape. His frame is chiseled, with extremely powerful hips. It’s tough to sustain blocks against him due to his base strength and low center of gravity, which explains why he’s always around the ball at the whistle. He’s an instinctive rusher with a variety of moves and counters that he can string together to put tackles on the ropes. He’s a capable run defender but can be engulfed by size, so he might need to play as a stand-up linebacker. Solomon’s strengths tend to align with what we see from NFL edge defenders with rotational and potential-future-starter value.
Round 6, Pick #198: Trevor Keegan, OG – Michigan
Three-year starting guard with good size, great makeup and robust experience in big games. Keegan is part of a Michigan brotherhood up front that won back-to-back Joe Moore Awards (best college football offensive line unit) and made it to the College Football Playoff in three straight seasons. He plays with average hand placement but above-average strain and is extremely consistent in the duo blocking scheme Michigan features so frequently. He’s always hunting extra work and is made for the physicality of the league but could struggle against the length and athleticism he will see in front of him on passing downs. Keegan has Day 3 draft value but might be able to rise from backup status to eventual starter for a run-heavy team.
Round 7, Pick #198: Jarius Monroe, CB – Tulane
Monroe’s frame and play strength are easy checkmarks in his favor, but he fails to meet the mark when it comes to the cover talent and athleticism needed to stay at cornerback in the NFL. Monroe looks like a press corner, but he is too impatient and lacks desired balance to stay connected to the release. He plays more confidently from off-man or short-zone looks and frequently takes the ball away when quarterbacks try to fit it in over the top of him. Monroe is too upright and sluggish with change of direction and transitions, but he has the toughness for a team to give him a look as a down safety.
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