:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46368592/usa-today-7425180.0.jpg)
Player name: Jeremiah Poutasi
H/W: 6'5 335
Position: Offensive Tackle
School/Class: Utah/Junior
Measureables: 5.32 40, 1.90 10, 26 bench press, 7'11" broad jump, 26.5" vertical jump, 4.89 shuttle, 8.09 3 cone
The Tape:
Pros
- Frame - Poutasi is a very big man at 6'5 335 that is ideally suited for guard instead of tackle. Has size and strength to fit a road grading style of tackle. Wingspan is above average as well. Upper body strength is a plus.
- Run blocking - He's very consistent in this area, especially when asked to move around and pull on screens, pitches, and other outside runs. JP acquits himself well when going to the second level when he's asked to do it. Possesses a good enough base and feet placement to operate from. The textbook example of a road grader type of lineman.
Cons
- Athleticism - While Poutasi is quick enough in a situation where straight line blocking is required, he's not great in terms of lateral agility. Slow and cumbersome when anchoring to pass protect. He is simply below average in his lateral movement skills. Won't win you many races to the second level, either. Doesn't have the capability to stick at tackle given his utter lack of athleticism. Gets beat by speed rushers a lot. Hand usage is subpar. He has good arm length for a tackle but the hands are not as active nor strong enough to keep better rushers at bay.
- Pass blocking - Due to his lack of foot speed and athleticism, he gets beat frequently around the edge. From the limited tape that I've seen on him, one common theme arises. Poutasi gets stood up and laid into too frequently by the oncoming pass rusher. Against Washington State (a horrendous defense by any measure), he gets pushed back at an alarming pace, which led to Utah's subpar QB performance.
- Consistency - It is an issue worth watching. Can be Walter Jones on one play and Michael Oher on the next. Fails to sustain many of his blocking assignments and flat out gives up on occasion. Once beaten, a countermeasure doesn't appear in his arsenal. Poutasi doesn't have that powerful punch and instead relies on lunging and grabbing defenders, resulting in holding penalties galore.
Final Summary
I do not get the logic behind this pick at all. Yes I realize that Ruston Webster has a love affair with the Pac-12 but this is a reach. Poutasi is not good enough athletically to stick at either tackle spot, much less right tackle. Given his severe lack of athleticism and inconsistency in maintaining proper form, a move to guard is better suited for him. Perhaps a year of seasoning behind incumbent left guard Andy Levitre will do him wonders for his development. His skill set and strength would be better utilized there. It appears to be yet another long year of hoping for the best in filling the Titans' glaring right tackle opening. Positional versatility is a plus I guess. Another benefit is that he's experienced in a pro style blocking scheme. If I had to make a pro comp right now, I'd go with Robert Gallery at worst and Orlando Franklin at best.
Previous Reports