The 2023 NFL offseason is nearly here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2023 NFL draft.
Drake Nugent, IOL, Stanford
HT: 6’1
WT: 305 lbs
Accolades:
-Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll (2021)
– All-Pac-12 honorable mention offensive line – Coaches (2021)
– Rimington Trophy watch list
– Outland Trophy watch list
– Preseason All-Pac-12 fourth team (Athlon)
Video:
Pros:
– Nugent thrives on physicality, often out-grappling bigger defensive linemen and winning in the phone booth with tenacity and upper-body strength.
– Solid positional run blocker who flashes the nasty demeanor and killer instinct scouts covet.
– In the run game, Nugent shows good burst off the line of scrimmage, with the ability to win at the point of attack. He has enough speed and athleticism to move to the second level and land blocks.
– Plays with natural leverage and has the strength to anchor against the bull rush. He also packs a violent initial punch that can stand up pass rushers.
– On the short and stocky side but has the lateral agility and punch to make up for it. Finishes plays and will reset to recover and drive linemen out of the play.
– As a pass protector, he plays with good balance and holds up against the bull rush. Nugent has strong hands and does a nice job gripping and latching on once he has his hands on the pass rusher.
Cons:
– Solid all-around prospect, but he’s not elite in any one area.
– Needs to work on his technique in pass protection, using more consistent leverage and continuing to move his feet.
– Needs to prove his worth in a straight-ahead running game.
Summary:
As a sophomore in 2020 he played in just one game and a total of one snap. He conceded no QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing sparingly.
In 2021 as a junior Nugent saw action in 12 games and totaled 733 snaps. He gave up a solid 8 QB hurries, one QB hit, and 4 sacks while playing at center.
In 2022 as a senior Nugent saw action in 12 games and played a total of 822 snaps for the Cardinals. He allowed a solid 5 QB hurries, one QB hit, and 4 sacks while playing at center.
Information in this article first appeared on NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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