Joe Thuney NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Patriots Rookie

POSITIVES

A versatile offensive lineman, Joe Thuney saw action at center, guard, left tackle and right tackle at North Carolina State. His ability to play all over the line, plus his impressive athleticism, should get him drafted.

Thuney has a fantastic athletic profile for any offensive line position. He has the quickness to eliminate passing lanes with his footwork and reach, but he also has enough power to get stout in a gap and shut down interior rushers. Thuney weighed in at 304 pounds but likely played closer to 290 and is an agile, easy mover on pulls and traps.

Timing and leverage, combined with quickness, allowed Thuney to produce at a high rate for the Wolfpack. A team with an imagination will love his ability in a zone scheme as a guard or center.

NEGATIVES

A lean frame and average body control are the biggest issues with Thuney’s tape. His frame may be able to support a few more pounds, but he doesn’t have the wide hips to really fill out a larger body. Thuney’s lack of flexibility through his hips also contributes to his severe body lean when anchoring against defensive linemen.

Thuney has to fix his body control and work on adding strength in his frame, but the biggest hurdle for him may be his lack of length. With 32 ¼-inch arms, Thuney is below the line for a 6’5” lineman. Teams running a power scheme are also more likely to discount his play because of his lack of power.

A project with his base control, Thuney’s quickness and timing are good enough to get him drafted in the middle of this year’s class.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 304 lbs.

40 Time: 4.95s

Arm Length: 32 ¼"

3-Cone: 7.47s

Short Shuttle: 4.54s

PRO COMPARISON: Evan Mathis, Arizona Cardinals
FINAL GRADE: 5.65/9.00 (Round 4-5—Backup Caliber)