Germain Ifedi NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Seahawks Rookie

POSITIVES

A versatile, three-year starter at Texas A&M, Germain Ifedi follows in the footsteps of former first-rounders Luke Joeckel, Jake Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi with day one expectations.

On the hoof, Ifedi is exactly what you want with a tall, long, lean, powerful frame. Having played both guard and right tackle at A&M, Ifedi brings a variety of tools to the table as a blocker having protected both inside and on the edge and for scramblers like Johnny Manziel and more pocket-based passers like Kyle Allen.

Ifedi has a well-timed punch with power behind it. He can stun a rusher and knock him off his path with his right hand. He has that country strength that allows him to whip defenders around with his hands once he’s locked on.

And with 10 ¾" mits, Ifedi can lock on like a pitbull. He’s a mean finisher in the run game and isn’t against pancaking a defender to teach him a lesson. His experience playing guard and tackle gives him an edge when it comes to timing and footwork of combo blocks.

Ifedi has natural quickness and is able to shuffle and slide to reach the corner. At A&M, he faced elite pass-rushers in practice every day and each Saturday in the SEC. He’s quick enough to recover, but he also brings power and bulk to the position.

NEGATIVES

Like his predecessors, Ifedi comes out of a wide-open scheme and must learn how to block with pro technique. At A&M, the offensive linemen are spread out and allowed to be athletes because the ball comes out so fast. This limits Ifedi’s knowledge and experience when it comes to firing out of his stance, making contact and maintaining the block. And without the agile feet of Joeckel or Matthews, Ifedi’s best position could eventually be at guard.

Body control is an issue for Ifedi in pass protection. He too often gets caught leaning on defenders with his upper body angled and a poor base below him. NFL defenders are smart enough to shed his weight and let him fall to the ground. Until Ifedi can learn to move his feet and reset his base, he’ll be a lunger and waist-bender.

There’s no doubting the potential that Ifedi brings to the table, but it will take some faith in the offensive line coaches to select him early in this draft. His length and hand power are impressive, but his technique needs an overhaul.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 324 lbs.

40 Time: 5.27s

Arm Length: 36"

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: 4.75s

PRO COMPARISON: James Carpenter, New York Jets
FINAL GRADE: 6.99/9.00 (Round 2—Rookie Starter)