2016 NFL Draft: Isaac Seumalo may be one of the best NFL prospects in Oregon State history. How will he pan out at the next level and when will he get drafted?
As the fifth-best guard in the country coming out of high school, one would figure that Seumalo would attend a national powerhouse. However, he decided to follow in his father’s, brother’s and sister’s steps by representing Oregon State in their respective sport. The PAC-12 all-conference honorable mention lineman, who is only the sixth Beaver of all time to declare early for the NFL Draft, carved out an impressive career in Corvallis. He started 37 games, including 23 at center. After a strong combine, Seumalo has his sights set on the next level.
Measurables
6-4
303 lbs.
19 bench press reps
4.52 second 20-yard shuttle (top combine performance)
Strengths
Isaac Seumalo’s biggest strength is his versatility. While he’s taken a majority of snaps at center, he has also played guard and both tackle positions. He projects as a guard at the next level, but the team that drafts him will have some flexibility. Anyone who has played four of the five positions on the line is attractive to front offices.
He has quick feet and moves very well for someone his size, which allows Seumalo to be so versatile. He can get downfield and does a great job of setting his lower body before engaging with defenders.
Check out the above video. The most notable play occurs at 0:28. Seumalo, playing right guard, engages in multiple blocks and single-handedly creates a hole. It shows his ability to hold blocks as well as get ahead of the ball carrier to clear a lane.
Off the field and in the locker room, Seumalo is a sure-fire bet. He is a two-time first team PAC-12 All-Academic team as well as a team captain.
Weaknesses
Seumalo has few faults in his technique and size. He could put on a little more weight, which will certainly help him in the trenches.
He also has a narrow base, which is detrimental to his balance and able to push away defenders.
Seumalo also sufferred a foot injury in 2013 that kept him out all of the 2014 campaign. It seems as if he is healthy but the injury is something for front offices to keep an eye out for.
Outlook
Isaac Seumalo knows what it takes to make it at the next level. While he isn’t a guy that can come in and play on day one, the former Beaver can develop into something special. He is consistent and focused, two things that will lead to a successful NFL career.
While he was on track to be a first round pick after his first two seasons, expect Seumalo to hear his name called in a middle round.