FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Connecticut offensive guard Christian Haynes.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Christian Haynes
Christian Haynes (OG – Connecticut)
6’2” – 313 lbs.
Background:
Christian Haynes was a two-star recruit who played sparingly in 2018 before stepping into the starting right guard role in 2019, where he’s been for Connecticut’s past four seasons (their 2020 season was canceled due to COVID.) Started all of the team’s games over that span, so he enters the draft having made 49 consecutive starts — with every snap coming at the right guard spot. In total, allowed eight sacks, five of which came in 2019 (two in 2021 and one in 2023).
Positives:
Four-year starter who’s improved significantly since 2019 and has developed into one of college football’s most reliable guards. Very thickly-built guard with excellent functional strength. Comes out of his stance low. Has a ton of power in his hands to jolt and move defenders in the run game and shows nasty traits to finish. Keeps his feet churning after contact to generate movement. Overall grip strength is very good, allowing him to sustain through the whistle. Short-area quickness is better than anticipated and flashes the ability to climb to the second level and engage linebackers. Can also pull to the right side, leading the way on outside rushing attempts and dominating second-level defenders if he gets his hands on them. His understanding of positioning is strong and reflects his extensive experience. Works hard through the whistle to sustain and relishes chances to put opponents in the dirt. Shows some knee-bend in his pass sets. Keeps his head on a swivel in pass protection, actively seeking out opponents to block. Appears to have good overall awareness.
Negatives:
Height is on the low end for a guard, so length measurements will be interesting. Some tendency to lower his head into contact. Lateral quickness is closer to adequate and has a more difficult time with quicker gap-shooters. Has some tendency to overpursue when trying to line up opponents in space. His ability to maintain the integrity of his pass-blocking technique wanes the more ground he’s asked to cover. Somewhat penalty-prone, having been flagged 22 times in the past four years, plus another four flags that were declined or offset. Doesn’t have snaps anywhere on the line except right guard.
Summary:
One of the strongest, nastiest and most experienced guard prospects in this year’s class, the four-year starter has an exceptionally thick frame and a ton of power in his hands to overwhelm opponents on contact. What’s more, he was asked to work in space pretty regularly in school, whether pulling, climbing or getting out in space to block in the screen game. Looks like a starting-caliber body-mover for an inline scheme at the next level.
Projection: Round 2-3
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