Lucas Niang | OT | TCU
Elevator Pitch
Niang is a massive and athletic offensive tackle prospect who brings plenty of physical upside to the table. He plays with heavy hands and can move around well in space, giving him the raw power and the agility to project well at the next level. His technique could be improved, but the upside he brings should find him selected on Day 2 if the medicals check out.
Vitals
Height | 6-6
Weight | 315
Strengths
Niang brings plenty of enticing physical tools to work with at the offensive tackle position.
His length offers plenty of intrigue, and his frame still carries more room to get in better shape, so the potential from a physical standpoint is definitely there. He has shown some impressive lateral agility when healthy, moving very well for somebody his size and advancing to the second level seamlessly. His footwork and overall quickness allows him to counter speed rushes in pass protection and keep up with explosive defenders off the snap.
In addition to his quickness for such a big tackle, Niang also possesses plenty of power in his game. He plays with good grip strength when he engages with defenders, allowing him to seal off running lanes for his teammates and knock defenders out of place. He packs a powerful punch at the point of attack and drives his legs when engaged with an opponent. A two-year full-time starter who took over the starting right tackle spot in the middle of the 2017 season, Niang has plenty of experience as a collegiate starter, as well.
Weaknesses
Niang was shut down for the 2019 season in November with a hip injury that he had been playing through since the year before. The injury prevented him from taking part in Combine drills, so he’ll have to rely on the medicals checking out on him. Playing through that ailment had a bit of an effect on his 2019 tape, as he didn’t look as nimble and flexible in his hips while playing hurt. His ability to adjust his set points was hurt by the injury, too. He’ll have to prove that his athleticism will come back to full form upon recovering.
While he has impressive physical traits, Niang’s technique could be improved upon a bit. He struggles with his hand placement at times, as while he shows potential when he places his punches correctly, there are times he mistimes or is inaccurate with his punches. He could also do a better job of working on his pad level and consistently fighting to get leverage in the form of maintaining lower pads.
Projection: Day 2
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