The Washington Redskins opened the 2015 NFL Draft Thursday night by drafting Brandon Scherff from the University of Iowa with the fifth pick in the first round.
Scherff (6-5, 319 lbs) will start from day one at right tackle and has the ability to start on the Redskins offensive line for 10-12 years, barring injury. He fits new Redskins GM Scot McCloughan’s mold for a bigger, stronger offensive line in DC. Scherff will give Robert Griffin III a lot more time in the pocket to get his job done more effectively.
The real story might have been the fact that Washington could have drafted Leonard Williams, who most considered the best player in the draft, at pick number 5.
Although the pick was a bit of a surprise, it was indeed a good one. Below is one scout’s take on Scherff.
Weight-room star who can lift a house. Powerful run blocker with exceptional power in hips and legs. Moves well laterally and rarely allows defensive ends to set edge against him. Consistently gets push. Rolls hips under him at contact and will bring feet with him. Recognizes twists and delayed blitzes. Gets into set position with flat back when delivering punch. Respectable change of direction in pass pro and on second level. Shows second effort and recovery ability in pass pro. Able to hit moving targets in space. Swings hips into position in cut-off blocks. Improved cut-off blocking from junior to senior year. Exhibits composed, efficient movement.
Like former Hawkeye Riley Reiff, Scherff has measurables and traits to play tackle in the league but might be better suited to play guard. More powerful than explosive, Scherff is not a scheme-specific talent and can maul or move in run game. Road-grader with pancake-man potential, but has holes in his pass protection that will be exposed on the next level — especially at tackle.
PRO DAY RESULTS
Vertical jump: 32 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 8 feet, 11 inches
Short shuttle: 4.57 seconds
3-cone: 7.18 seconds
Bench press: 22 reps of 225 pounds
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