Laken Tomlinson OG Duke #77
Wt: 323
Size/Athleticism: Ideal size for a guard in an offensive focusing on the power run game. Not much of an athlete. Keeping weight in check may be an issue and will be something teams have to monitor. The type of interior lineman that can handle his business in a phone booth but gets exposed on the move.
Pass Protection: Handles the bull rush. Drops back and stays low in his stance to handle the powerful interior rushers. Gets lost when not engaged immediately. Tends to wander and whiffs on attempted blocks in space. Reaches a lot and throws himself off balance.
Run Blocking: Excels with a man lined up over him and can deliver a strong initial punch and to clear space. Struggles on the move. Simply lacks the explosive agility to target a man at the second level and get a solid hit on him.
Intangibles: Lived in Jamaica until he was 10. Driven academically. Chose Duke for academics and turned down offers to Ohio State and other more successful football programs. Wants to go to medical school after his football career is over. Team captain and four-year starter. Inevitably, he will need to answer questions about his long-term commitment to football during the interview process.
Durability: No issues. Four-year starter.
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Overview: Tomlinson is a road grader, but that’s about it. If you’re looking for a guard who can come in and immediately help in the power run game, Tomlinson could be your guy. But expect some issues in pass protection and when asked to block on the move. He has one specific skill that he excels at but there are weaknesses in other areas that you’ll simply have to live with because there isn’t obvious upside in those areas based on limited athleticism. He can start at the next level, but his skill set isn’t a fit for every scheme.
