John Wetzel: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Boston College OT

Boston College’s John Wetzel grades out as a 60.0 player (according to NFL.com), making the offensive lineman a potential late-round selection.

Wetzel might turn out to be a steal toward the end of the draft.

Wetzel has prototypical size to go with experience at both tackle positions. If a team is looking for a project that could develop into a solid starter, Wetzel fits that bill.

Background

Full Name: John William Wetzel

Birthday: July 18, 1991

Hometown: Pittsburgh

High School: Brashear

Major: Communications

Year: Senior

Weztel stayed all four years at Boston College to earn his degree in communications. In the event that the NFL falls through for his career, Wetzel graduated and has a solid backup plan.

*All information from www.bceagles.com.

Statistics

Wetzel’s statistics below show a talented young man who began his college career behind current NFL player Anthony Castonzo.

Wetzel contributed as a solid backup before establishing himself as a talented starter.

With a season starting at each tackle position, Wetzel proved himself to be a quality lineman.

There aren’t any other statistics reported for college offensive lineman beside games and games started, but Wetzel proved his skill by hanging on to a starting gig in a power conference.

	G	GS
2009	6	0
2010	8	0
2011	12	12
2012	12	12

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6’8”

Weight: 302 pounds

Arm Length: 34” (via ESPN Insider - subscription required)

Hand Size: 10” (via ESPN Insider - subscription required)

Combine Results

40-yard Dash: 5.46 seconds

Broad Jump: 105"

Vertical Jump: 25"

Pro Day Results (via CBS Sports)

40-yard Dash: 5.42 seconds

Broad Jump: 105"

Vertical Jump: 29"

Wetzel’s tall frame is great for an offensive tackle, but his combine results are average at best.

Wetzel’s pro day results confirm the reliability of his combine numbers. His 5.46 40-yard dash time is nothing outstanding, and his draft profile describes his feet as “heavy” and lacking quickness. His speed is severely lacking, which might make him a liability against elite NFL ends who are looking to get around the tackle and pressure the quarterback.

Wetzel’s 22 bench-press reps are decidedly average for an offensive lineman. Though he is touted as a quality run blocker with “great strength,” he will need to bulk up to make space for NFL rushers. Wetzel doesn’t need much more strength, but he would struggle in the NFL immediately.

*All information provided by www.NFL.com unless otherwise specified.

Interesting Facts

John Wetzel is projected to be a seventh-round draft choice (via SI.com). The current prediction is that the Cincinnati Bengals will take him; they could use another solid option at right tackle. Current incumbent Dennis Roland had only two starts in 2012 (via CBS Sports).

Boston College’s record dropped from 4-8 to 2-10 the year after Wetzel made the switch from left to right tackle.

The Eagles' passing and running statistics also worsened after Wetzel’s move from the blind side. Boston College allowed 24 sacks in 2011, then 36 sacks in 2012. It had the sixth-worst rushing attack (by yardage) in 2012 after being the 32nd worst in 2011.

*All statistics provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise noted.

Observations

Size can’t be taught or worked on, so Wetzel has that innate advantage. A team can work on his quickness in pass protection and strength in run blocking, making him a quality seventh-round flier.

NFL.com compared Wetzel to Jeremy Trueblood, another Boston College tackle. If that comparison holds true, Wetzel should end up being a starter. They have similar frames, but Trueblood was taken in the second round.

Wetzel’s draft projection is not much lower than where Boston College left tackle Emmett Cleary is supposed to be selected. The stats on the last slideshow that Wetzel might have been just as good at left tackle, and teams are accordingly valuing them similarly (via SI.com).