Rick Leonard NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for New Orleans Saints' Pick

POSITIVES

—Played defensive end before moving to the offensive line in 2016 and is a raw prospect.

—Has a strong punch that can stun and neutralize the pass rush.

—Has enough athleticism to work out in space.

—Is a developmental prospect who's still learning and can be shaped by an NFL team to fit scheme and style.

NEGATIVES

—Lower-body strength to anchor against pressure is mediocre.

—Doesn't have the muscle memory built into his lower body yet and will struggle to consistently reach the same base in pass protection.

—Runs with big, swinging motions and struggles to maintain balance and coordination through contact.

—Is hurried in all movements, and his frenetic pace often causes problems. 

—Change-of-direction skills are lacking and leave him hopeless against speed in the open field.

OVERALL

Rick Leonard has the size (6'7", 311 lbs) NFL teams want, but he's a raw prospect who will take a patient coaching staff to mold him into a contributor. He's a converted defensive lineman who has the speed and power to become an NFL offensive lineman, but his technique and fundamentals are still far behind many of his peers'.

GRADE: 5.25 (Priority Free Agent)

PRO COMPARISON: T.J. Clemmings, Minnesota Vikings