Scouting The Draft: Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

Introduction

Could the Jets possibly draft an offensive tackle at #6? Absolutely. There are some disagreements regarding the best offensive tackle in the draft class, but Brandon is in that conversation and for the majority of analysts he's also leading that conversation. Right now, the Jets don't need an offensive tackle. Ferguson isn't going anywhere but if his play doesn't improve, he'll be a possible cap casualty, and Breno Giacomini had an underwhelming start to his Jets career to say the least. So lets just imagine Breno moving inside to fill Colon's spot at right guard and then using our top selection to draft Brandon.

Scherff only had a handful of offers coming out of Denison Iowa as a 3 star prospect. Recruited heavily by both Iowa and Iowa State, he stayed at home by signing for the Hawkeyes. After redshirting his freshman year in 2010 he saw action at left guard in 2011 and 2012, a season that was cut short by injury. Over the last two years, Brandon has started all 26 games at left tackle and he'll leave Iowa with 38 career starts. He possesses a lot of leadership and experience and could come into the NFL as either a left tackle, right tackle or even inside as a guard. How teams view him will obviously effect his stock, if he is considered a guard, teams may be more reluctant to use a top 10 selection on him.

Measurables

Height: 6-5

Weight: 320lb's

Class: Senior

Projected 40: 4.95

Positives

• Exceptional technique, good base, good balance, natural knee bend.
• Athleticism, he's been clocked under 5 seconds in the 40 and he shows natural quickness
• Hands - Already has excellent hand placement to ensure lineman don't get into his body.
• Power - Possesses excellent upper body strength making him a mauler in the run game.
• Leadership - Has been part of the leadership group at Iowa since his freshman year, only one.
  
• Works to the 2nd level consistently and has a good motor to keep going until the whistle.
• Shows good strength to use his hands in pass blocking, combined with natural balance.
  
• Drive blocks and finishes every single one, shows a nasty demeanour but not dirty.
• Very aware of delayed blitzes and disguised pressure.

Negatives

• Doesn't have elite length which make him a big question at tackle.
• Can be beaten by quicker speed rushers who dip the shoulder around the edge.
  
• Footwork in pass protection can be improved as can get caught on his heels.
• Missed some time in 2012 with broken right fibula and dislocated ankle, serious injury.
  

Conclusion

I really like Scherff, but I don't think he has a future as a left tackle in the NFL. His shorter arms combined with struggles against speed rushers make him a long shot to become an elite left tackle. However he is elite in run blocking and he's a mauler. He could get by at right tackle but I think he'll do the most damage as a guard. I also think he could become one of the best guards in the league due to his run blocking ability and his ability to handle pass rushers and bull rushes.

Do you select a guard at #6? I don't think so. However if the Jets entertained the prospect of trading down then I wouldn't be against Brandon being part of the equation. I'm not sold on any of our young guards and he shows every trait you want in a guard. I think we have other needs that are more pressing with our 1st round pick but wouldn't be against this selection.

Draft Grade: 81

90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable - Long Shot To Stick