Austin Corbett, OL, Nevada: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

The offensive line group on the interior has a chance to be really good in this 2018 NFL draft. Will Austin Corbett be part of that?

Position:  OT

School:  Nevada

Year:  Senior

Height:  6’4″

Weight:  305 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• For his size, he has good, quick feet. Routinely he’s able to make a quality set in pass protection and also can get defenders turned out of the hole.
• Shows a decent amount of power in the running game, getting a solid push to create just enough space for his running back to work.
• Carries the desired amount of nasty in his game. He delivers a strong punch on his blocks and stays after it until the whistle.

Corbett is a clean prospect who blocks really well when his fundamentals are in proper order. His strong hands and quick feet show up early in this play as he initially stonewalls the defender. Then he displays some of that mean streak when he clubs the guys arm away and drives him into the ground, showcasing some of that strength.

• Moves well in space be it on outside runs or navigating to the second level in order to pick up linebackers and defensive backs.
• Shows good recovery when it looks like he’s beat around the edge, often able to direct the rusher past the pocket and buy his QB an extra second.
• When he gets his hands on the chest of a pass rusher the block is rarely broken until the end of the play, indicating a strong grip.

WEAKNESSES:

• His length is likely to become a problem if he tries to stay at tackle, having shorter-than-ideal arms at just above 33 inches.
• Has a tendency to get caught lunging with his head down towards defenders, opening him up to swim moves and rip blocks that get him on the ground too much.
• The technique can seem a bit sloppy at times. He doesn’t always use his hands properly and can get caught off balance from time to time.
• Can be a bit late getting out of his stance which is why he’s jumpy at the snap, resulting in false starts. This will make him vulnerable to NFL speed rushers.
• Tends a rely a bit too much on the cut block. This can be dangerous both for penalties and for more savvy pass rushers taking advantage.

Pro Comparison:  Justin Pugh

The New York Giants mistakenly drafted Justin Pugh in hopes he’d be their future at tackle. It became clear his lack of length was a deal-breaker, forcing a move to guard. Once there though his best traits began to shine through from the good footwork to the polished technique and ability to move in space. Corbett will likely follow the same path though in fairness he is a little bit longer than Pugh was. He might be a bit stronger too.

Projection:  3rd Round

If Corbett had delivered a good scouting combine he’d likely be in the 2nd round conversation. That didn’t happen. He will end up being a solid addition from the 3rd who can work his way into the starting lineup quickly. The best part is he has experience at tackle but the skill set to play either guard or center, so a team is getting a truly versatile player.