Jaelyn Duncan 2023 NFL Draft Profile
This offensive line class has some studs, has some projects and inevitably has some guys you have to avoid. Maryland’s Jaelyn Duncan finds himself in the stud column. Duncan, one of my favorite mid-round guys in this class, benefitted from a very solid Senior Bowl to propel himself up draft boards. What does his draft profile look like? Let’s talk about it.
Duncan was a four-star recruit in the 2018 cycle, the 11th-ranked offensive tackle in the class. He did not see major action until his sophomore season when he played in 12 games. 2020 only saw Duncan make five appearances, but he bounced back in 2021 playing in 13 games. As a fifth-year senior last year, Duncan played in 11 games. He saw over 2,500 snaps in college.
No notes from the combine as he only ran the 40. Check Trey’s notes for the rest of the guys.
Duncan has the frame you are looking for in an NFL tackle. He uses his frame very well paired with his great athleticism. He really excels when used as a puller in the run game. He moves his feet so well. If he lands in a zone scheme, watch out. Those hips are fluid and can move well. Duncan has a mean streak in him, lead by a really good first punch. Violent hands, at times. His pads are typically in the right level.
While he excels in the run game, he could use some development in pass pro. He leans on that punch to try and stand up his defender instead of shuffling with his feet. He struggles with combo blocks, not normally one to be the first block as a tackle should. Speed rushers have a field day against him in college, which confuses me since he’s so athletic. Footwork is too choppy after a sloppy kickback.
I love Jaelyn Duncan. I have a top-100 grade on him and could easily see him as a top-75 player. There are some red flags, but if you focus on how athletic he is and the experience he has, you’ll find a great prospect. He would benefit from being drafted to a team where he isn’t expected to star right away and sit behind a vet or two and really absorb information like a sponge and hone in those skills.
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