Jason Spriggs, OL, Indiana: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
When you talk about the talent at offensive tackle in this draft, the names Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley are the first to come to mind. Those two, along with Taylor Decker and Jack Conklin, have dominated the mock drafts as of late.
The one guy who’s missing from that first round conversation though is Indiana’s Jason Spriggs. No, not the guy from American Pie; the 6’7 behemoth of a left tackle who dominated Big Ten pass rushers all season for the Hoosiers.
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Here’s a look at a guy whose name will start to trickle into big boards across the NFL.
Height: 6’7
Weight: 307 lbs
Class: Senior
Awards: First Team All-American (2015)
Strengths
Spriggs was an anchor at left tackle for Indiana. Not because he’s literally the size of an anchor, because he shutdown every edge rusher coming his way. Indiana’s offensive line was one of the best in the country, only allowing 13 sacks all season. That’s 5th in all of college football and their adjusted sack rate was eighth best in 2015.
His big body also creates gaping running lanes once he reaches the second level.
What’s really impressive with Spriggs is his lateral movement. His excellent footwork and ability allow him to track defenders around the quarterback and keep a clean pocket on the left side.
Watch his silky-smooth lateral movement and the way he works defenders around the quarterback.
He can also provide big blocks down field. Watch him burst into the second level and engage with a Rutgers safety during a big run.
Weaknesses
There’s not too much I point out as a weakness for Spriggs. Some upper body strength questions have come up, but I don’t see that as an issue for now. He’ll bulk up heading into the combine and shut down any concerns there. I do think he can get lost when the rest of the pocket collapses. I noticed it a couple of times, especially in the Rutgers tape. If he can stay focused and not get flustered when that happens he’s fine.
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned before, Jason Spriggs is in my opinion a top five offensive lineman in this years draft. Playing in a west coast system like Indiana, he’s well equipped to be drafted by Kansas City, Philadelphia, or maybe even Carolina if they decide to move on from Michael Oher. I think Spriggs can challenge Taylor Decker for the number three offensive tackle in this years draft and be productive in the NFL for a long time.