With the 21st pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans looked to bolster their offensive line with the addition of North Dakota State tackle Dillon Radunz.
A hulking 6-foot-6, 300-pound presence, Radunz isn’t the most-hyped North Dakota State prospect in this year’s draft class, but he’s a big reason as to why Trey Lance is a potential top-five pick. After all, a quarterback doesn’t casually throw for 28 touchdowns and zero interceptions to go along with 1,100 rushing yards and 14 scores without some strong protection up front.
Here’s the rest of the rundown on Radunz.
Measurables: 6’6”/301
School: North Dakota State
Accolades: first-team Associated Press All-American, first-team Missouri Valley Football Conference, second-team all-conference (sophomore)
Strengths:
- Looks to (and did) completely bulldoze over opposition to clear paths for Trey Lance and North Dakota State’s rushing attack
- Can create holes both on the interior or by creating room around the edge
- Will keep pressure on pass-rusher until play is past them or until he knocks defender on the ground
- Will get low and establish center of balance before starting block
Weaknesses:
- Scouts question his practice habits, according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein
- 40-yard dash time (5.16) did not stand out despite being one of the lighter offensive linemen in draft class (~300 pounds)
- Experts say his athleticism may be lacking in order to compete against faster pass-rushers or sustain blocking in second level
Expert scout analysis:
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
- “...good strength and overall toughness but average athletic traits.”
- “...as too many reps where he ends up in chase mode at the top of the rush, and he doesn't appear to have the necessary recovery athleticism to live that life…”
- “...appears to be a better run blocker than pass protector and might be best suited as a guard for teams utilizing gap and inside-zone running schemes.”
Drae Harris, The Draft Network
- “...plays with good overall athleticism with regards to body control and balance.”
- “...has a nasty disposition as a run blocker and wants to maul you.”
- “...can improve his proficiency at getting on moving defenders at the second level…”
- “...has the frame to gain more mass and bulk…”
Tape:
Player comparison:
Zierlein compares him to Alex Lewis, the 6-foot-6, 305-pound tackle who has spent time on both the Ravens and Jets. Their frames are similar — on the taller side, but without as much mass as you might expect from a mauling offensive lineman — and with both tackle and guard capabilities.
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