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Dan Skipper, OT, Arkansas: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Dylan Huberman

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels cornerback Des Lawrence (2) reacts after sacking Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels cornerback Des Lawrence (2) reacts after sacking Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arkansas offensive tackle and 2017 NFL Draft prospect Dan Skipper, at 6-foot-10, will be the tallest player in the NFL since the 7 foot tall Richard Sligh.

If being 6’10” and weighing 320 pounds isn’t enough to credit the NBA-sized Skipper, succeeding against some of the nation’s premier pass rushers in the SEC is certainly something scouts have to lock in on.

He was one of the better blockers in the SEC over the past two seasons and certainly has the size to be a professional lineman. If he refines his fundamentals, he’ll develop into a solid NFL lineman.

Measurables

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 320 lbs

Strengths

Skipper’s immense size is obviously his main weapon. He uses his big frame to keep defenders in front of him at all times, even if they get the edge.

He is athletic for his size. Even at 6’10,” 320 pounds, Skipper can seal the edge and if he initially fails, he can move well enough to recover his position more often than not.

Skipper is a proven run blocker. Arkansas has run the ball early and often ever since the Darren McFadden and Felix Jones tandem wore the red and white a decade ago. Skipper proved that he can get out in front of a play. When he gets his huge frame in motion, getting around him is easier said than done.

Weaknesses

While it may be his strongest asset, his size is also his biggest weakness. Defenders who can get low and dodge his arms have a decent shot at penetrating the backfield.

His pass protection needs some work. He exposes his center of gravity when he tries to seal the edge with his arms, leaving him susceptible to the strength of bull-rushing defenders.

He doesn’t have as much power in his hands as one may think. Although he is a proven blocker in open space, he is not equipped to deter rushers from toss or draw plays.

Final Thoughts

His elite stature will be unquestionably appealing to pro teams. However, his unrefined mechanics will be just as harmful as his size is helpful. He needs to strengthen his upper body if he wants to be able to spurn bull-rushers. His athleticism for his size will likely prompt a team to gamble on the Arkansas product.

He won’t have a guaranteed roster spot unless he can improve his skills before the regular season gets underway. At the moment, expect Skipper to go somewhere in the fifth or sixth round.

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