The Chargers are in need of finding starters at both tackle spots this offseason following the departure of Russell Okung and uncertainty on the opposite side.
However, beyond that, the depth at the position is lacking talent and Los Angeles could benefit from how deep the group is in this year’s draft to shore it up.
Likely to be available in mid-late rounds, former Auburn’s Jack Driscoll is more than worthy of being on the Bolts’ radar.
Driscoll’s career began at UMass where he played both left tackle, right tackle and left guard for three years before earning his degree early and transferring to Auburn in 2018.
Upon arriving, Driscoll was an instant starter at right tackle in the Tigers’ RPO-heavy offense.
Between his time at UMass and Auburn, Driscoll appeared in 46 games, starting all but one contest, even when he was injured in his junior season, proving to be a durable competitor.
“I’ve played a lot of football against excellent competition throughout those last 40+ starts,” Driscoll said. “I’ve proven to scouts that I can stay healthy and play at a high level at any position across the offensive line. Playing in the SEC has been a terrific experience.”
Despite the uptick in competition, Driscoll wasn’t phased by the elite pass-rushers that the SEC conference boasted.
According to Pro Football Focus, Driscoll’s pass-blocking grade improved every year of his collegiate career. In 1,690 pass-block snaps, he only allowed four quarterback hits.
The statistic matched what he displayed on the field. Driscoll displays sound footwork to get depth off the line. He shows a solid anchor at the point of attack. His handwork is precise to fend off counters and he is always on alert to recognize additional blitzers.
In the run game, he seals well and runs his feet at contact, creating movement and widening run lanes. His athleticism is evident, as he has the range to get to the second level with ease where he does a nice job to latch on to linebackers and finish.
Hello Jack Driscoll pic.twitter.com/zXEtsw2iu1
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) March 4, 2020
After his polished collegiate career, Driscoll was invited to the East-West Shrine Game, an annual all-star game that showcases some of the top prospects. Following that, he went to the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine where he showed he is one of the more athletic offensive lineman in this class.
PUSH him OFF THE HOOP. DLine coaches have their players run around those hoops to teach them how to tighten the corner to the QB. But OTs must widen the corner. So I say PUSH HIM OFF THE HOOP not TAKE HIM AROUND. Nice work by JACK DRISCOLL (Auburn/Sr Bowl)…watch his footwork pic.twitter.com/G4s3cKu0Ml
— Paul Alexander (@CoachPaulAlex) January 10, 2020
Coming in at 6-foot-5 and 306 pound, Driscoll’s 5.02 seconds in the 40-yard dash ranked fourth among the 47 offensive linemen present. He tied for the 18th-highest vertical jump at 29.5 inches, and his 114-inch broad jump was fifth out of 43 offensive linemen.
A hamstring injury sustained in Indianapolis kept him out from some of the drills, but those numbers alone should have raised the eyebrows of NFL teams, especially the Chargers.
Given the fact that Los Angeles is likely switching to a zone scheme next season, Driscoll’s athleticism would go a long way.
The bottom line is that Driscoll likely projects as a backup right tackle or guard in Year 1, but with some added strength and bulk to his frame, he is a battle-tested player who has the skill set and potential to be a starter that can be relied on for years to come.
“I’m gonna make a huge impact for a team. Any team that drafts me is gonna be happy for many years. I’m gonna come into work and bring the same intensity every day. I’m gonna be consistent. I have the ability to play any of the five positions on the offensive line.
If you ask my teammates, they’ll tell you there’s nobody more competitive than me. I hate losing and I hate getting beat. I always work my hardest. Whatever organization takes a chance on me will be happy that they did so,” Driscoll said.