Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Ethan Pocic, OG/C

Ethan Pocic, OG/C
School: LSU | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-6 / 310 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Clint Boling

College Statistics

N/A

Player Overview

Ethan Pocic was a highly recruited offensive lineman coming out of high school. Pocic wound up as LSU and started playing his freshman year. Part of what make’s Pocic so valuable is his versatility. Pocic has played RG, C, and even RT for the Tigers during his career. Most recently Pocic’s protection skills shined playing center. He helped pave the way for Leonard Fournette through the middle of the line. Pocic plays with a solid base and good arm extension and is a grinder and finisher in the run game. At his best, he can neutralize a defensive lineman and then make his way up to the second level to take on another block. His technique is solid and he also offers decent mobility when executing pull blocks. Pocic is very tall for a center which has some thinking he is better suited to play guard in the NFL or even move back outside to tackle for teams who think he can play there.

Strengths

• Versatility and flexibility. Some think he can play any position on the offensive line.
• Good technique with really good hand placement. He can latch onto defensive linemen and get in their chest neutralizing their movement using his strength to control them.
• Has reasonably smooth lateral movement and plays with good awareness. If his assignment has bailed to another area or dropped back he can navigate around the pocket and he is looking around for how he can help out.
• Consistent in his ability to get to the second level and find a block.
• Leadership ability and football intelligence. Made calls at the line and understand protections and blitz recognition.

Weaknesses

• Tallness leads to inconsistent in pad level issues. Can get caught with the speed rush while too upright and lose all power and leverage.
• Would like to see him become stouter. While he’s far from letting the flood gates open he can get pushed back a significant amount at times creating panic for his quarterback.
• Struggles with 0 tech linemen showed on tape and at the senior bowl.
• Decent size and body type but has plenty of room to add a few pounds on his frame.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

The Redskins should still be looking to upgrade the LG position either in free agency or through the draft. I think Pocic at LG for the Skins would open up a few more possibilities that aren't available to the team currently especially in the run game. For one Pocic would bring much needed athleticism to the position. While he isn't the most athletic OL prospect in the draft he moves better than Shawn Lauvao and Arie Kuandijo and potentially can provide the ability to anchor more effectively as well as execute reach blocks with more consistency. In close quarters Pocic has the potential to be just as good as Lauvao without falling to his knees all the time. Pocic shows he can play with consistent leverage and wall off defenders creating running lanes. In pass protection, Pocic would probably better served to play guard as he wouldn't have to go up against the powerful 0-tech defenders in the NFL. He and Spencer long could execute combo blocks on blitzes all day long.

Pocic is one of the most NFL-ready prospects in an overall weak OL class. His draft stock will likely be boosted because of his preparedness, lack of talent at the position, and his versatility. For the Redskins he would provide immediate competition at the LG spot and has a good shot at winning it I think. At worst provide good depth at both the OG and C positions for the Redskins where they currently have little.