2020 NFL Draft: Wisconsin IOL Tyler Biadasz scouting report

A 2020 NFL Draft scouting report for Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz.

Tyler Biadasz has been established as one of the best interior offensive lineman eligible for the 2020 NFL Draft. The center took control of Wisconsin’s offensive line in 2019 and was the core to opening the pathway for running back, Jonathan Taylor. Taylor finished the season with over 2,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns and is a top running back prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft in late April.

Wisconsin tended to rely on their powerful and aggressive rushing attack in 2019, driving it up the gut most of the time. This gave Biadasz more than enough opportunities to showcase his talents on a team known for sending off many of their big boys to the NFL.

Position: Center, but could play any interior offensive line position
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 321 Pounds

Strengths

The center possesses an above-average vision. Always consistently turning his head back and forth with awareness, anticipating an incoming defender of any kind. This allows him to quickly pick up and sustain blitzes once he snaps the ball.

Highly mobile for his size. Has the speed and footwork needed to be utilized for pulling plays such as counters and screens. Can hustle his way to those second-level blocks against linebackers. He did this plenty during his time at Wisconsin. Good power blocker with a solid frame who displays a powerful ‘punch’ upon impact.

Biadasz has an extremely strong upper body. Gets good control of the defender and will hold them stagnant. Rare for players to shed off his blocks. His bulky arms help counter rushing defender’s hand and arm moves. He understands the position well and owns great patience.

One of my favorite aspects of his play is the ideal leg drive he obtains. Will play to the whistle blows. He continually pushes his opponent with tenacity until they hit the turf. He keeps his feet moving and remains in position at the center of the play. Will get in front and absorb the big hit for his ball-carrier.

What I think sets him apart from mid to late rounders is his ability to turn and twists defenders east and west with his excellent inside hand placement. Once he snaps the ball, Biadasz grips and drives defensive lineman towards the direction of the sideline, easily opening a hole and taking the defender out of the play.

Weaknesses

Like all players, Biadasz does have weaknesses. The interior offensive lineman struggles against defenders with speed due to his lack of arm length and quickness. Would have a hard time against the Aaron Donald’s of the league, but should excel against more bigger ‘hole-stuffing’ defensive tackles such as Damon Harrison from the Lions.

His biggest flaw is his balance. Biadasz has been known for dropping to his knees when overpowered. When he reaches open field he likes to lunge towards the defender. Which is why on film you see the lineman on the ground more than one would like.

When he does tend to play high, he pays for it. During his college career, Biadasz was often pushed back behind the line-of-scrimmage on passing plays. He seems to rely too much on his upper-body strength rather than his legs. Perhaps due to the hip surgery he had last offseason.

Biadasz’s athleticism seems to be held back a bit by his weight. However, with a professional NFL workout and nutrition regime, he could shed off some pounds with ease.

Best fits for Biadasz

I have Biadasz projected as a mid to late first-round selection. These are the teams that make the most sense for him and where they could take him.

Seattle Seahawks (Pick No. 25)

Perhaps the best fit for Biadasz in the 2020 NFL Draft. His forte of a downhill run blocker fits well with Seattle’s run-orientated offense. He excels more in run blocking than in pass situations so a system that is heavy on carrying the rock, like Seattle, should be familiar. Carroll likes to run it inside the tackles so Biadasz should be utilized often.

For the last decade, even with a mobile quarterback, Seattle has struggled with protecting the passer, finishing 22nd in sacks allowed this year. Biadasz’s contribution should help limit 31-year-old Russell Wilson’s mobility.

Miami Dolphins (Pick No. 26) 

The Miami Dolphins are likely to address offense with all of their three first-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. And offensive line must be addressed with one of them.

In 2019, the Dolphins finished dead last in rushing and struggled on all levels at the offensive lineman position. Adding a new center will bring much-needed production and leadership. Without an intimidating rushing attack, they will struggle to establish the play-action for-what many hope-is a new man under center next season.

If the center-needy Seahawks do end up picking before Miami, I wouldn’t doubt that the Dolphins end up trading with them to move up a spot. Seattle has been notorious for trading on day one in the NFL Draft.

Cincinnati Bengals (Pick No. 33)

Heisman winner Joe Burrow being drafted by the Bengals already seems like second nature. And what better way to complement and protect your future franchise quarterback with a trustful lineman to snap him the ball on every play. Getting him here would be a win in my book.

With last year’s first-round pick, Jonah Williams expected to return from injury in time for the 2020 season, the Bengals’ offensive line could see a vast improvement bringing this fresh pair into the lineup. In 2019, they finished 23rd in sacks allowed and 25th in rushing yards.