Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Most coaches will tell you that football games are won and lost in the trenches.  That’s why you can never have enough talented offensive and defensive lineman.

Rees Odhiambo was one of the most highly regarded offensive lineman in college over the last few years, so it comes as no surprise that teams are looking at him in the draft process.  However, the NFL is an entirely different animal than college and Odhiambo has a lot to prove before playing at the next level.

Strengths

Odhiambo has decent functional strength.  He can hold his own in pass blocking and he shows he can make good blocks in the running game.  Looks like an NFL lineman, has the bulk and size you’d want to see from a man in the trenches.

Isn’t a bad mover, can get to he second level to make a block.

Three year starter at tackle, so he will bring some versatility to the NFL.  He is a very selfless team focused player and will do whatever is asked of him.  Seems like a quality person who will be a nice addition to any locker room.

Weaknesses

Odhiambo has very average physical tools for the next level.  He isn’t overpowering by any means and his looks a little stiff in his movements.  I don’t see him pushing anyone back in the NFL, but rather temporarily getting in their way.  He doesn’t impress me in any area from an athletic stand point.

Odhiambo doesn’t hold his blocks for very long.  He needs to use his length to his advantage more and lock defenders out with his arms.  He also needs to learn to use his hands better.  In terms of his ability to grapple with his man, Odhiambo leaves a lot to be desired.

While his kick slide isn’t the worst I’ve seen in this class, Odhiambo won’t be able to play left tackle at the next level.  His footwork is choppy and speed rushers will give him big problems.

Odhiambo has a history of injury.  He has missed four or more games in each of the last three seasons.  Moving inside among the bigger stronger interior lineman doesn’t encourage me that he will stay healthy at the next level.

Overview

Odhiambo is an average NFL athlete who has a difficult time staying on the field.  Without great physical tools to work with I don’t think he has great upside.  His technique is also sub par, needing to learn how to use his arms and hands better.

For this reason, I wouldn’t want him seeing any playing time next year even in a reserve role.  Odhiambo seems like a good young man who I want to root for, but if he’s going to be in the NFL next year it should be as a member of the practice squad.