Phil Haynes Is a Big Man with Big Potential at Offensive Guard

Phil Haynes, OG
School: Wake Forest University | Conference: ACC
College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6’3” / 322 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th - 6th Round
Player Comparison: Laken Tomlinson

College Statistics

Player Overview

Basketball was Phil Haynes’ first love. But when he stopped growing and was asked to lose weight to continue with basketball, he reluctantly switched sports. In high school, he only played one year of football at defensive end. It was enough for him to be a two-star recruit and receive an offer from Wake Forest. There, Haynes was flipped to the offensive line - known as the “Beef Boys” - and started from scratch. But with hard work, Haynes bloomed into a starter after redshirting his freshman year. From that point on, he started each year on the line, first at right tackle, then right guard, and finally, left guard. His junior and senior years, where he was third- and second-team all ACC respectively, Wake Forest had their two most productive offenses in team history. He was also chosen to be a team captain in his senior year. Haynes has some developing to do, but he is still relatively new to football so his best football may be ahead of him.

Strengths

• He is a big guy that carries his weight well.
• Strong in his upper body. Does a good job of staying on his block and controlling defenders. Mirrors players movements and recovers well when players try to get off blocks, especially when they used spin moves.
• As a run blocker, generates a lot of power going forward. There are a number of plays where he drive blocks guys down the field.
• Uses good technique in pass protection. Plays with a good base, anchors well, and is rarely moved backwards.
• Shows improvement in a short about of time. Early in the season against Boston College, he struggled with stunts and twists. Later against NC State, he does a much better job with those types of rushes.

Weaknesses

• Has average athleticism and heavy feet. Not as big a problem at guard, but he struggles to move his feet and re-anchor against quicker defenders.
• Although a capable puller, struggles to locate target in space.
• Awareness is inconsistent. In the passing game, he looks for work, but he had a few plays where he did not recognize unblocked defenders.
• Would like to see him play nastier and through the whistle. Sometimes appears to think the play is over once he’s done his assignment rather than when the whistle blows.
• Endurance and conditioning are questions. There is a noticeable difference in his play between late. Saw him on the ground more often late in games.

Let’s go to the video tape

How He Fits On The Redskins

Left guard has been considered the weak link of the offensive line for far too long. Can Haynes come in and fix that position. No. But, the offensive line has been decimated by injuries the last two seasons, not only forcing reserves into action but requiring the team to find players off the street to fill roster spots. We need improve our backups with an eye for players that we can develop into starters. Haynes has a lot of physical tools to be a good LG, most notably his strength. If the team continues to rely on a power running scheme, he appears to be a fit. The most intriguing thing about Haynes though is he’s only played on the OL for four years. How high is his ceiling? Personally, I think his best football is ahead of him. While he may need to spend time on the practice squad because he’s so green, I think he could come in and compete for a backup spot at guard. Haynes has come a long way in a short amount of time, going from not knowing an A gap from a B gap to being a captain in his senior year. I’m confident he’ll do the work to achieve his full potential.