2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Wyatt Teller, OG, Virginia Tech

Shortly after he was hired, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman said that the secret to finding good offensive linemen is “grinding the tape.” Sifting through hours of college tape to find players with the traits that not only translate to the next level but also into your team’s scheme.

One such player might just be Virginia Tech’s Wyatt Teller. The big left guard is relatively inexperienced, but he brings a unique frame and athleticism to the position, as well as an admirable “nasty streak”.

Could Teller catch the Giants’ eye as the draft process rolls on?

Measurables

Pros

• Prototypical frame. Has a powerful build with good thickness in his upper and lower body. Still carries his 311 pounds well with little “sloppy” weight.
• Long arms (33 ⅞ inches) and big hands (10 ⅛) help him control defensive linemen.
• Moves well. Consistently used as a pulling guard, both in run blocking and in pass protection. Also moves well in space on screen passes.
• Consistently looks to finish blocks with the defender on the ground. Also consistently looks for work.
• Shows the ability to block in both man and zone schemes.

Cons

• Doesn’t have great foot speed in open space. Can have plays run past him while he’s trying to get into position.
• Generally plays with good technique from the ground up, but occasionally pad level rises and hands wander outside.

Prospect video

What they’re saying

“Some offensive line coaches (like Cable) prefer former defenders as these players and not just because they are often more aggressive. Teller wins as a blocker with some of the tricks he learned as defensive end including stalking targets downfield and quickly swimming through defenders to add to the deception on screens. Teller warrants Day Two consideration and projects as a future starting guard early in his NFL career.”

- Rob Rang (NFLDraftScout)

Final thoughts

Teller is going to be an interesting lineman to follow through the draft process. He only has four years playing guard after being recruited to Virginia Tech as a defensive end, and he still has something of that frame, athleticism, and habits in his game.

He has gotten rave reviews throughout Senior Bowl practices for his power and technique in drills and team periods. We have also heard that he has drawn the eye of the Giants over the course of the week. It isn’t surprising, considering Dave Gettleman’s draft tendencies regarding offensive linemen at Carolina -- that is, big bodies, long arms, and big hands. Teller checks all of those boxes with the potential to add more mass and power in an NFL strength and conditioning program.

He might not be a top guard prospect right now, but he could grow into a good player on Sundays.