Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA: 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report
How does UCLA offensive lineman Sean Rhyan stack up in the 2022 NFL Draft class? We dive in to his game with this scouting report.
Name: Sean Rhyan
Position: Tackle/Guard
School: UCLA
Height: 6045
Weight: 321 pounds
Hand: 11 1/8″
Arm: 32 3/8″
RAS: 8.26 (tackle), 9.49 (guard)
Background
Sean Rhyan was a four star recruit according to 247Sports, and was 247’s number one offensive line recruit in the state of California. In addition to play football, in which he was invited to the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. Rhyan also was a track and field standout, setting school records in the shot put and discus. He finished third in the shot put in state. Rhyan’s dad was an International Moto-Cross professional and his grandfather was a boxer.
As a freshman at UCLA, Rhyan was the first freshman to start at tackle in a season opener since 2012, and started in 12 games in 2019. Rhyan was named to the freshman All-America team by The Athletic and USA Today. He started all 19 games remaining in his college career at left tackle, and was named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in Spring 2020 and Fall 2021.
Rhyan’s first stop in the 2022 NFL Draft process was the scouting combine, where he posted an elite RAS of 8.17, with a good speed grade and an elite explosion grade.
2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Strengths
Sean Rhyan is one of the more refined tackle prospects in this class. He has good initial quicks into his sets, and his aforementioned pass sets are very smooth, and he doesn’t overset to give up an avenue to the inside. Rhyan has excellent hand placement, which allows him to keep leverage against rushers and prevent successful counter moves after first contact.
His anchor is also very good and speed to power doesn’t faze him. Rhyan’s processing skills are good too, where he can identify blitzing linebackers and stunts, and pick them up with ease.
The initial quicks also helps Rhyan in the run game. He’s flashed the ability to reach block to the outside and inside, and he can seal to create running lanes. Rhyan is a good down blocker who can get defensive linemen off-balance. He also flashes the ability to latch on to defenders and drive them out of the play.
Weaknesses
While Sean Rhyan is a good run blocker, there are instances where he misses his landmarks. Because of the lack of straight line speed, getting to the perimeter and pulling looks more difficult for him. While he flashes some good second level blocking, sustaining more of those blocks would be very helpful.
The real question for Rhyan is all about giving up the corner. He’s phenomenal handling power rushers, but speed rushers with elite first steps can beat him around the corner and generate pressure. That lack of elite quickness may be his undoing to play tackle in the NFL.
Summary/Projection
There is some discourse as to where Sean Rhyan’s best fit is as he transitions to the NFL. While he may not have the upside of other tackles, he’s a rock solid prospect who can handle things on the outside. Obviously, his functional strength, anchor, and hand placement is a fantastic combination for a guard who can thrive in a phone booth in pass protection.
There are plenty of teams who need help at guard. The Giants, 49ers, Bengals, and Buccaneers are just a few teams who might select interior offensive linemen on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft.
However, even though Rhyan’s best position might be guard, there’s no reason for teams to kick him inside without trying him at tackle. If Rhyan can succeed there, he would be a phenomenal steal in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rhyan is a clear day two player who carries a second-round grade from this writer. He shouldn’t escape day two of the 2022 NFL Draft.
One-Liner
Sean Rhyan has the processing, functional strength, and skills to handle power rushers and technicians as a tackle, but his lack of ability to hold the corner could cause a move to the inside.