2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Patrick Paul (OT – Houston)

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 Patrick Paul.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Patrick Paul (OT – Houston)

Patrick Paul (OT – Houston)

6-foot-7 | 315 pounds

Background:

Has been at Houston for the past five seasons, playing left tackle exclusively. Started all five games he appeared in from 2019 to 2020 (three in 2019, two in 2020), totaling 325 snaps, then all 14 games of the 2021 season and all thirteen of the 2022 season. Gave up a total of four sacks over those four years, three in 2021 and one in 2022.

Positives:

One of the most experienced left tackle prospects in this year’s class, with a very good combination of size/length. Smooth mover who can cover a lot of ground when executing zone concepts. Has the short-area quickness to cross an opponent’s face and secure a hook or climb to the second level. Able to block down on an opponent’s shoulder and seal, which he was asked to do often. Has some pop/explosive power in his hands, and overall grip strength is impressive as well; shows some ability to lock onto and bully smaller opponents.

Very active with his feet once engaged to generate push and works hard through the whistle. Shows impressive flexibility. Lateral quickness in pass protection is solid overall and very good for his size. Was often left on an island and didn’t have much trouble getting enough depth to protect the edge, especially given his excellent length/extension. Pass sets have solid knee bend. Light on his feet to stay connected through counters and shows the ability to pivot back inside. Has a stronger anchor than his relatively trim frame would suggest. Actively seeks out opponents to block.

Negatives:

Pass sets look slightly hunched. Quickness is more than sufficient to get adequate depth in his kickslide but lacks anticipation at times. Occasionally oversets to the outside and needs to throw an arm out and grab onto opponents working inside moves. Consequently, has been penalty-prone in college, with eighteen combined penalties over the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Can load up his punches, rather than firing out. Hand placement is on the outside too frequently. tendency to lower his head into contact, leading to whiffs. Height can occasionally give him trouble in the leverage battle.

Summary:

One of the more tantalizing blockers in this year’s class, his exceptional combination of size, length, lateral quickness, flexibility, and functional strength could make him a starting left tackle in a zone-blocking scheme. However, he’s also something of a gamble in that he’s not a finished product at this point, committing too many penalties and showing room for improvement in a few different aspects of his technique. A patient (or confident) team could easily take him in the first round.

Grade: Round 2