Laken Tomlinson NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Lions Rookie

STRENGTHS

Among the most eye-opening offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl, Duke guard Laken Tomlinson turned heads in Mobile, Alabama. Tomlinson was a four-year starter at right guard and has the compact, powerful build teams want at the position. Tomlinson is only 6’3”, but his 33 ⅝-inch arms are exceptional, and he uses them well.

Tomlinson has a natural leverage advantage, and he plays with controlled height and power in his base. He’s strong when defenders are engaged and has the strength to drive from his hips through a defender. Tomlinson moves well enough to pull and trap, and he can shuffle and slide in pass protection to get needed depth.

WEAKNESSES

Tomlinson did not test well athletically, and that is backed up on film, despite his good showing in Alabama. Tomlinson’s squatty style of play will be a transition in the NFL where defenders are longer and will be able to shed his hands. He’s a motor player, not a top-level athlete, and his ability to move and reach defenders in the NFL is questionable. He’s not suited for a zone scheme and has shown issues getting to the second level. If he can improve his agility through conditioning, Tomlinson could be a starter-caliber player.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height         Weight         Arm Length         40         Bench Press
 6'3"            323 lbs            33 5/8"            5.33s          25 Reps

PRO PLAYER COMP: Ben Grubbs, Kansas City Chiefs

An experienced, smart, compact blocker who didn’t allow a sack in the last two seasons, Tomlinson has upside that is easily comparable to that of Ben Grubbs.

FINAL GRADE: 6.20/9.00 (Rookie Starter)