With being more than halfway through the College Football season, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Blake Fisher.
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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Blake Fisher (OT – Notre Dame)
Blake Fisher (OT – Notre Dame)
6’6” – 312 lbs.
Background:
Started two games in 2021 – the Irish season opener (LT) and their bowl game (RT) – missing the rest of the season with a knee injury. Took over the full-time starting right tackle job the following year, allowing five sacks in 13 starts. Has reprised that role opposite Joe Alt this season.
Positives:
Two-year starter for a major program. Has a very good build for a pro right tackle, with solid bulk and even weight distribution. Competitive, energetic and tough on-field temperament. Can play both gap or zone concepts. Seems to have a relatively good understanding of positioning in the run game. Has power in his hands to jolt opponents on contact and is active about firing them out. Keeps his feet churning after contact and works to finish opponents. Moves better than anticipated, given his size, and shows a good work rate to reach opponents in space. Short-area burst is good enough to seal defenders at the first level and climb to the second level, where he easily overpowers linebackers. Has above-average lateral quickness in pass protection and uses his frame and length well to defend against speed rushers on the edge, with good extension. Places hands inside effectively and shows impressive grip strength to sustain once engaged. Drops a pretty early anchor against power. Keeps his head on a swivel and seeks out teammates to help when unopposed.
Negatives:
Would like to see him play with more consistent balance; he falls off some blocks and doesn’t always look like he has a solid base underneath him. Occasionally, looks like he’s playing too fast, rather than waiting until he’s able to engage opponents with his form. Gets the job done in pass protection, but kickslide can look mechanical or lumbering. Back tends to be a bit hunched in his pass sets. Can get a bit flat-footed after his initial kickslide, then occasionally has trouble mirroring laterally against counters.
Summary:
A big, tough, and hard-working right tackle who’s unfortunately been overshadowed by his more highly-touted teammate Joe Alt. He’s an impressive prospect in his own right, especially in the run game, where he combines the power and leg drive to win in a phone booth with the short area quickness to secure blocks on the move. While he may not be quite as smooth or natural in pass protection as some of the other top tackle prospects in the class, he compensates with his strength, hand use and above-average agility. Could fit at right tackle in either a gap or zone scheme, but may be better in the former.
Grade: Round 2-3
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