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The NFL draft is just days away. On April 30th the first round kicks off, and the lives of a few former Utes will change forever. While Eric Rowe and Nate Orchard
Standing 6-5 and weighing 335 lbs. Poutasi is a mountain of a man. A second team All-Pac-12 selection this past year, Poutasi started in each of his three seasons as
Poutasi has a lot of great qualities that NFL scouts look for when evaluating offensive lineman. Physically, he is a specimen. His size is a must have for NFL teams looking for potential starters on the offensive line. Poutasi has an ability that can't be taught in eating up space with his large frame. He has broad shoulders and a thick lower half, which
Poutasi has all the natural tools an NFL offensive lineman needs. He has quick feet for someone of his size, giving him very good lateral movement and great body control. He also has a large wingspan, which helps in leverage and also helps in corralling blitzing members of the defense. In the run game Poutasi shows good power when he is able to get up field on his blocks.
In 2014 Poutasi allowed 9.5 quarterback
Despite all of Poutasi's great physical tools, there is a reason he is flying under the radar going into the draft. Only 20 years old, Poutasi is still very young for a prospective NFL player. His developed skills don't quite measure up to his natural talent at this point in his career.
Though Poutasi has started exclusively at the tackle position in college, many NFL scouts envision him as a guard at the next level. The thought among NFL brass is that Poutasi might not be quick enough to successfully transition to the tackle position in the NFL. The guard position is more physical and requires less finesse than the tackle position which would fit Poutasi's strengths. It's possible however that as Poutasi develops he could become a starter at right tackle, but probably won't play on the quarterback's blind side at the NFL level.
Overall Poutasi is a very raw prospect who could have vastly improved his draft stock had he stayed in school for his senior season. That being said, Poutasi says he has no regrets about declaring early. His size and natural ability is unquestioned and teams will be willing to give him a shot in the mid to later rounds. Expect to see Poutasi come off the board sometime in the fifth or sixth round of the draft.