STRENGTHS
Braden’s body type reminds me of Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long. He has the athletic talent to play and be a good Left Guard, Right Guard and possibly play at the Right Tackle position. He has just enough lateral agility to make a stab at being a solid right tackle and does a good job in pass protection helping out his teammates picking up stunts and in general showing some leadership qualities. He can be used as a pulling guard and should be the type of offensive lineman who can be used for sweeps and screens because of his overall athletic talent. Braden has the talent to play at the next level as an offensive lineman at a high level for the team that selects him…if he wants bad enough.

CONCERNS
Braden may have the athletic talent but for a kid who has played as much as he has, his techniques are very inconsistent. He lunges instead of moving his feet quickly bringing them with him when run blocking causing him to lose leverage at times and fall off his block, causing him to be inconsistent in not finishing his blocks. In open space he struggles to make blocks on quicker players because of a lack of lateral agility and techniques. When he uses good pass blocking techniques he does a very good job but he has a bad habit of being sloppy at times and when he is he gets beat. He also doesn’t try to stay with his assignment, turn his hips, and once again move his feet and push his man up the field. These are techniques that Braden should be using consistently.

BOTTOM LINE
Being a starting offensive lineman is not easy and takes a lot of talent and mental strength but one of the most important characteristics that is needed for those who might lack all of the talent is consistency. A coach can work with a less talented offensive lineman if that player is consistent. The key for Braden to improve and become an excellent offensive lineman is to move his feet quicker and more constantly when he engages. That’s it, simple and yet he struggles to do it. I don’t know why but when he can do that, (move his feet consistently when he engages and after he engages) than Braden will become an excellent offensive lineman who can play more than one position on your offensive line at a consistent high level. Simple right! Well he hasn’t been able to do it so far and that is shocking because of all the playing time he has had.

Drew Boylhart   MAR.2018