:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45310826/usa-today-8095456.0.jpg)
Probably the most well-known offensive line prospect, Brandon Scherff has made plenty of "wow" plays in his career. He comes from a program that has already churned out Bryan Bulaga and Riley Reiff, and he's better than both of them. Is he a left tackle? Is he a right tackle? Is he a guard? Let's take a look and see if we can answer some of those questions, as well as if Scherff can play for our Giants.
Pros
- Brutal strength comes from leverage and compact frame.
- Best initial punch in the draft. Potential to level someone light enough.
- Plays with aggression and will make some truly highlight reel pancakes at the second level.
- Upper body strength is elite.
- Can handle power rushers well.
- Plays with a good, wide base.
Cons
- Feet aren't bad, but his kick-slide is slow enough that I don't see him as a left tackle in the NFL.
- Short area quickness could use some work.
- Sometimes just straight up whiffs on blocks when going upfield.
- Speed rushers will give him issues.
- Had a prior knee injury this past season, so that is worth watching
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Not as well as you might think. I realize I took Scherff in the first round of my first mock draft of the off-season, but that was because I believe that his talent justifies it even if he isn't a great fit. See, the Giants use a mix of zone blocking, trap blocking, and straight up power, however they mostly use assignment blocking ZBS schemes, and Scherff is much more accustomed to being a straight up drive blocker. He blows people back. Could the Giants use that? I think Ben McAdoo is resourceful enough to make use of Scherff's talents and mix it up a bit more.
Prospect Video
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 8
Mocking The Draft - 6
CBS Sports - 6
Draft Tek - 3
Final Thoughts
One thing to keep in mind with Scherff is that while he looked unimpressive while recovering from a meniscal injury, he steadily got better as the year went on. He also has some terrific tape in 2013. I think he's going to be a dominant guard, but could also play right tackle. He seems best just getting his hands on a player and shoving them backwards. The question then becomes, do you draft a guard in the top 10? I don't know. It will be interesting to see it play out.