Christian Westerman NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Bengals Rookie

POSITIVES

Christian Westerman began his college career at Auburn before transferring home to Arizona State, where he became a two-year starter at left guard. A tough, quick, instinctive blocker, Westerman projects as a rookie starter.

Westerman counters first-step quickness with footwork and power, and he is able to absorb big defenders in the hole. He has surprising length and big hands (11 ⅞”) for a smaller frame and uses them to his advantage. On the move, he’s fluid and quick with the ability to get out in front on pulls and traps. He’s an excellent prospect for a zone scheme.

A plug-and-play guard, Westerman locates well at the second level and shows the same awareness in pass protection. He has the quickness to shoot to cut off speed rushers and the hand placement to lock up a bull rush. At Senior Bowl practices, Westerman was rarely moved off his spot and was impressive in handling speed and power in position drills.

Westerman will be a favorite for general managers who like a player with a mean streak and finisher mentality.

NEGATIVES

A smaller, thinner guard, power-blocking teams may not view Westerman positively. When he’s asked to meet power with power, Westerman can get moved off his spot and be forced to reset and counter. His film doesn’t show the ability to hunker down and drive block.

Westerman repped out 34 times on the bench press, but his play power hasn’t matched that strength yet. Learning to better utilize his leverage, while adding some lower-body power, will improve his game immediately.

In the run game, Westerman can get high in his pads and looks to get to the second level too soon before clearing the first level. Westerman's awareness allows him to recover on some missed blocks on the edge.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3 ½"

Weight: 298 lbs.

40 Time: 5.17s

Arm Length: 33 ½"

3-Cone: 7.69s

Short Shuttle: 4.71s

PRO COMPARISON: David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Steelers
FINAL GRADE: 6.75/9.00 (Round 2—Future Starter)