2015 NFL Draft Profile: Brandon Scherff

Jan 2, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; IIowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman

Brandon Scherff

(68) before the start of their game against theTennessee Volunteers in the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s head back to the draft, and do another one of our profiles.

The Jets are in need of offensive line help. What was once a strength of the New York Jets has become a group starting to become a liability. The veterans, other than Nick Mangold, are starting to show their age. None of the young players have blown us out of the water, so replenishing the talent would be something for the Jets to consider. Where is it better to do that than the NFL draft?

Today, we are looking at a guy that very likely is on the Jets radar. We are looking at Brandon Scherff from the University of Iowa.

Since there are no stats, let’s get right into the talk about the NFL Combine.

Scherff measured in at 6’5″, 319 pounds. His hands measured in at a huge 11 inches, which is helpful in controlling a blitzing lineman or linebacker.

Scherff led the way with a quick 5.05 seconds in the forty yard dash, and posted 23 reps in the bench press. Here are his pro day numbers:

Vertical jump: 32 1/2 inches Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches Short shuttle: 4.57 seconds 3-cone: 7.18 seconds Bench press: 22 reps of 225 pounds

Here are, as always, the strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS: Weight-room star who can lift a house. Powerful run blocker with exceptional power in hips and legs. Moves well laterally and rarely allows defensive ends to set edge against him. Consistently gets push. Rolls hips under him at contact and will bring feet with him. Recognizes twists and delayed blitzes. Gets into set position with flat back when delivering punch. Respectable change of direction in pass pro and on second level. Shows second effort and recovery ability in pass pro. Able to hit moving targets in space. Swings hips into position in cut-off blocks. Improved cut-off blocking from junior to senior year. Exhibits composed, efficient movement.

WEAKNESSES: Will default to sumo-style power push rather than leg churning at times. Not a grab-and-control pass protector. Opens the gate earlier than you would like against edge rushers offering two-way goes. Tightly wound lower body with average bend. Sometimes gives one-shot effort on second-level blocks, allowing his man back into the play. Has dominant finishing traits, but not a consistent finisher of blocks. Would love to see more fiery play demeanor from him.

You know what is coming on the next page, as always.

Next: Film and Final Thoughts

Brandon Scherff is a terrific run blocker. Scherff uses every bit of his strength, an excellent center of gravity, and great footwork to drive his man far out of the play. He has big hands that he uses to take control of his opponent. He is also quick out of his stance, driving into his man before he gets a chance to react.

My concern comes from inconsistent pass blocking. At times he is great. When a pass rusher gets creative, Scherff has problems. You may have noticed the one sack where the opponent executed a “swim move” to get leverage on Scherff. He needs to move his feet a bit quicker, at times, in pass coverage. That would be exposed if he were on the outside. I get why some say he is better suited for a guard position. I do believe Scherff could dominate there.

Bottom line for me is that Scherff would be a solid choice, even at number six. He certainly wouldn’t begin his career as a tackle. He would definitely be an upgrade at guard.

Next: Top Five New York Jets Guards of All Time

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