2020 NFL Draft scouting report: Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs
Scouting former Iowa offensive tackle and 2020 NFL Draft prospect, Tristan Wirfs.
The top of the 2020 NFL Draft is loaded at the offensive tackle position. There are four offensive tackles who could legitimately go in the top ten and another three or four who could end up sneaking into the end of the first round.
Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is one of the best offensive tackles in the 2020 NFL draft class and undoubtedly has a bright future at the next level. Here, we are going to dig into his game and try to project what he can do in the NFL.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 322 pounds
Wirfs took over as the starting right tackle for the Hawkeyes later in his true freshman season of 2017 and became the full-time starter in 2018. Wirfs continued as the starting right tackle for Iowa in 2019, but also spent some time at left tackle in the middle of the year, filling in for injured teammate, Alaric Jackson. Wirfs has been dominant at both offensive tackle positions in college and undoubtedly has massive upside at the next level.
Wirfs’ combination of raw power and athleticism immediately stands out on tape. He is quick off of the ball and is an impressive mover in space. Wirfs attacks the second-level extremely, getting into position quickly and making his blocks under control.
On top of that, Wirfs is an incredibly powerful player who dominates at the point of attack. He shows extremely strong hands and does a great job of consistently using the proper pad level. Wirfs is also powerful in the lower half and shows great grip strength. Simply put, once this guy gets his hands on you, it is typically game over.
Wirfs is a dominant run blocker, but he does have some work to do in pass protection. Wirfs does have some mental lapses in pass protection, missing a blitzing linebacker a handful of times on tape. He also struggles a bit with hand usage in pass pro. It seems to be more of a timing issue than anything else, as Wirfs tends to be a bit late with his punch, allowing the opposing edge rusher to give him a quick move on his way to the quarterback.
Wirfs is not a perfect 2020 NFL Draft prospect, but he is a very good one. He is a bit of a work in progress, but his combination of size, power and athleticism give him huge upside at the next level.
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Overall, Wirfs is an ideal fit in a zone scheme in the NFL. Some online scouts believe that Wirfs is better suited to play offensive guard at the next level. He would be a dominant All-Pro guard, but I fully expect Wirfs to be able to stick at tackle. He is a true top ten prospect in this draft class who has massive natural upside.