Conor McDermott (UCLA) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #211 by NE
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Conor McDermott - 2017 NFL Draft
Player Overview:
Conor McDermott, an offensive tackle from UCLA, entered the 2017 NFL Draft with a solid reputation built during his collegiate career. Standing at 6'8" and weighing around 310 pounds, he possessed the ideal size for an NFL tackle.
Strengths:
- Physical Attributes: McDermott's height and long arms provided him with a natural advantage in pass protection, allowing him to keep defenders at bay.
- Footwork: He demonstrated good footwork, which helped him navigate the speed rushers he faced in college.
- Versatility: McDermott had experience playing both left and right tackle, showcasing his adaptability to different positions along the offensive line.
- Run Blocking: He showed the ability to create lanes in the run game, demonstrating a solid understanding of blocking schemes.
Weaknesses:
- Consistency: There were questions about his consistency in both pass and run protection, as he struggled at times against quicker defenders.
- Strength: While he had good size, there were concerns about his upper body strength to handle more powerful NFL defensive linemen.
- Technique: McDermott needed to refine his hand placement and overall blocking technique to compete at the next level.
Overall Assessment:
Conor McDermott was viewed as a developmental prospect with the potential to become a starting tackle in the NFL. Teams looking for a player with size and the ability to improve with coaching might find him an attractive option in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
Draft Projection:
Most analysts projected McDermott to be selected in the late rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft, likely between the fourth and sixth rounds, depending on team needs and preferences.