Austin has good size and length for the position. He has sufficient reactive athleticism and foot quickness to mirror rushers. He flashes good punch timing and placement to alter rushers. He has the ability to drop his anchor and withstand power. He does a very good job of recognizing rush games and is a vocal pre snap communicator. He plays with good overall balance and body control. He generates movement up front by keeping his feet moving on contact. Austin displays good execution and timing on combo blocks. He shows good hand placement with grip strength to sustain blocks. He flashes some nasty and is willing to finish blocks.
Areas for Improvement
Austin gives his opponent a soft edge to work with. He opens his hips too early in his pass sets and leaves himself exposed to inside moves. He has required some tight end help with speed rushers at times. He may lack the most natural athlete in space. He can have some issues adjusting to moving targets when climbing to the second level. He could show better timing for cut blocks.
Austin Deculus Career at Louisiana State
The most experienced player on the LSU roster as he enters his fifth season with the Tigers and fourth as a starter at right tackle. One of five returning starters on the offensive line for LSU in 2021, joining right guard Chasen Hines, center Liam Shanahan, left guard Ed Ingram and left tackle Cam Wire. Has appeared in 49 games with 34 starts in his four years at LSU. Goes into 2021 looking to become first player in LSU football history to appear in 60 games in a career. Starting right tackle in 34 of LSU’s last 36 games, including all 10 contests in 2020 and 13 of 15 games during the 15-0 national championship season in 2019. Powerful run blocker who also excels in pass protection. Has made improvement each year with 2021 set to be his yet. Team leader who has helped mentor LSU’s young offensive linemen on and off the field. Member of LSU’s football leadership council. Will play 2021 as a graduate having earned his undergraduate degree in sports administration in December of 2020.
Austin Deculus NFL Draft Player Profile
Deculus profiles as a right tackle-only prospect due to his limited quickness and athleticism, but he projects as a lower end starter by his second season. He plays in a zone-heavy running scheme at LSU, but he may fit better into gap schemes at the next level due to his combination of size and power. He will need time to work on some technical flaws, but he has NFL talent and should hear his name called late Day 2 or early on Day 3 assuming he continues to improve.
