|
Nick Ford NFL Draft Profile
|
Nick Ford Scouting ReportNick plays with appropriate wide base and intelligence, instincts and agility to seal the edge. Aggressive extending with power to punch and looks comfortable in space. A better than expected athlete who steadily improved in pass protection. He is stout at the point of attack and maintains a wide base. Awareness is above-average for his limited experience. Sells trap block and can turn to seal. Fluid getting to and adjust at the second level. Ford has solid positional run blocker who flashes the nasty demeanor and killer instinct scouts covet. Has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what's coming. Effective trapping and bends at the knees with adequate core strength to absorb the bull rush. He can clear a path at the second level if he hits the target. Has good footwork and technique. Balanced and agile pass protection set with excellent hand placement. Good natural athleticism, knee bend and fluid lateral movement to mirror college defensive ends. A smooth mover and covers a lot of ground, working hard to mirror rushers; agile and keeps his feet moving.
|
Areas for ImprovementNeeds to work on his technique in pass protection, using more consistent leverage and continuing to move his feet. Loses leverage battles and plays with high pad level. Can be late off the snap.
|
Nick Ford Career at SchoolHe’s started one game at left tackle, six at left guard, 13 at right guard, two at right tackle and four at center. This spring, Ford has become a fixture as the Utes’ starting center. “Nick has an extremely high football IQ. He does a very good job of communicating up front,” said offensive line coach Jim Harding. “We had a couple of younger players last year and he’s a real calming presence on the sidelines. He came in and played a number of different positions. That’s lent to the ability to know the calls and things like that. He’s done a nice job executing the center-quarterback exchange. I think it’s a natural fit for him.” Ford is a two-time All-Pac-12 offensive lineman, having earned first-team honors in 2020. While he could have declared early for the NFL draft, he chose to return for another season at Utah.
|
Nick Ford NFL Draft Player ProfileA better than expected athlete who steadily improved in pass protection. Stout at the point of attack and maintains a wide base. His above-average for his limited experience. Sells trap block and can turn to seal. Fluid getting to and adjust at the second level. He has solid football smarts and general intelligence. Plays with a nasty streak. Solid character and work ethic. Finishes and doesn't quit; competitor with a positive attitude and leadership traits that coaches admire. Has the agility, technique, and size to contribute early in his professional career. Quick, active hands to latch on to defenders. Finds defenders with his hands immediately and gets feet moving to engage and sustain.
|
 |