Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Erik Lambert
Good guards are becoming more and more of value in the NFL, especially ones that can generate movement at the line of scrimmage. Could this be good news for Sebastian Tretola? Let his scouting report tell the story.
Position: OG
School: Arkansas
Year: Senior
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 314 lbs
History:
After paving the way to a league title in high school, Tretola began his college career at Nevada. Things didn’t work out there and he soon transferred to community college for a brief time before receiving a scholarship to play at Arkansas. He became their starter at left guard in 2014 and never relinquished the job, becoming a player who paved the way for two 1,000-yard rushers and then helping to allow just 14 sacks on his quarterback this past season.
STRENGTHS:
- Size and power lend to his solid ability as a run blocker. Not only can generate movement but does a good job of gaining position and turning defenders away from the lane.
- Good awareness and movement skill for his size. Able to reach the second level and finds the right guy to block.
Even though the running back didn’t end up going in his direction, notice how Tretola is able to navigate through the mire and finds the linebacker at the second level. He gets into him squarely and turns him away from where the ball is being run. That takes the linebacker completely out of the play, leaving one less defender for the runner to worry about.
- Flashes the lower body explosion to fire out of his stance and blow defenders out of the lane.
- Solid footwork in pass protection and is rarely beaten by speed or quickness.
WEAKNESSES:
- Anchor in pass protection isn’t the most consistent. Good interior pass rushers would be able to knock him back on his heels with a solid bull rush.
- Hand use is also an issue. Can be a bit wild and lack punch.
- Sometimes lets defenders into his body, thus making him easier to maneuver and control.
- Doesn’t win the leverage battle often enough.
- Can’t pull very well. Neither agile nor fast enough for it due to size.
- Might be susceptible to stunts on blitzes given his lack of ability to recognize late rushes.
This is a relatively simple blitz by the defense that brings the linebacker up the middle. Tretola shouldn’t have engaged in his first block from the start because the center is already locked in. By the time he figures that out he’s too late disengaging to pick up the linebacker who comes freely through the lane. Luckily the quarterback gets the ball out fast, but in other situations that’s a sack and maybe a fumble.
Pro Comparison: Vladimir Ducasse
Like the journeyman guard, Tretola has a ton of physical upside given his size, power and decent ability to move. However, he’s a much better run blocker than pass protector at this stage (was protected by a quick passing game) and has fundamental issues to work through. Ducasse still hasn’t been able to solve that problem, which is why he can never stick on a team.
Projection: 3rd to 4th rounds
Guards like Sebastian Tretola have a place in the NFL. They may never become studs but their ability to move people and functional mobility can turn in solid careers. Given his added experience and clean health history, he should go late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.