[jwplayer TtpJIvlc-sNi3MVSU]
2021 NFL Draft Profile: Fresno State OL Syrus Tuitele
What do the experts say about the Fresno State OL?
Contact/Follow @wadleigh_matt24 & @MWCwire
How do Tuitele’s skills translate to the NFL level?
Syrus Tuitele signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Fresno State offensive lineman Syrus Tuitele spent the past three seasons starting for the Bulldogs and received second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2020. Tuitele is a big man, officially standing in at 6 feet, 5.5 inches tall, and weighing 311 pounds at his pro day in Fresno back in March.
“I did great with my Pro Day, there are some things I wish I did better but beggars can’t be choosers,” Tuitele said about his Pro Day, per GoBulldogs.com.
https://twitter.com/FresnoStateFB/status/1372986125950722048?s=20
Tuitele stole the show by posting 36 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, which wasn’t as many as former Bulldog Netane Muti did but is still an eye-popping show of strength.
Strengths
Tuitele has advanced footwork that should provide plenty of intrigue for teams at the NFL level. While he hasn’t gone up against the toughest competition during his time in the Mountain West, that shouldn’t be an issue.
After all, Muti and other Fresno State linemen have found success in the NFL after their time in the Central Valley. Tuitele has the size it takes to stick around the league for some time if he continues to improve.
One of Tuitele’s best features is his ability to adjust when needed. He can recognize defensive pressure and move over and help the center when needed, which is a vital aspect at the NFL level with advanced defensive schemes. Plus, his ability to get to the second level is terrific and that’s something NFL teams eye more and more with an offensive lineman in today’s game.
Weaknesses
A lot of people have some issues about his height, especially if teams project him to play inside, and are concerned about the fact that defenders can get under him easily. That’s not a huge issue and surely something Tuitele will be coached to work with at the next level.
The bigger issue for him is he is late off the snap. That weakness alone is tough with the number of high-quality pass rushers at the next level barreling through the line. Nonetheless, these weaknesses can be addressed with the right staff and right team around him and shouldn’t be a reason why he goes undrafted.
For Tuitele, the strengths outnumber the weaknesses big time and he should stick around the league for a while.
Draft Projection
A couple of months ago, Tuitele was pegged as a 7th-round pick. However, his pro day might have boosted his stock a bit. All in all, he gets drafted and should have no issues making a 53-man roster as the NFL season starts up in September. He has the skills to be, at the very least, a depth piece and an injury replacement on just about every team in the league. The success with recent Fresno State players helps his case, as well.
Projection: Round 6 to the Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers took a swing with Kenny Wiggins and that worked out well as Wiggins ended up as a starter for them. The Bolts need line help big time and adding Tuitele as a depth piece is well worth the gamble of a 6th-round pick.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1365]