Within the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.
Today, we are taking a look at Michigan guard Ben Bredeson.
Honors and Awards
- Four-time letter-winner (2016-17-18-19)
- All-American (2019; second team, Walter Camp; third team, AP)
- Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2017)
- Three-time All-Big Ten honoree (first team, coaches and media, 2019; second team, coaches and media, 2017-18)
- Two-time All-Big Ten selection by the Associated Press (second team offense, 2017-18)
Highlights
Michigan's offensive line is one of my favorite to watch. A few weeks ago I highlighted @_OverCees and today, I highlight Ben Bredeson. Love how he finishes blocks, how he gets movement, and is a great pass protector. Definitely a second or third round pick.#WNSFilm pic.twitter.com/KLzZiyFg72
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) November 18, 2019
Ben Bredeson played like an angry man yesterday.
Have some 🥞, Ben. pic.twitter.com/h2LneVoVU7
— Due# (@JDue51) October 21, 2018
Michigan left guard Ben Bredeson #74 – clamps down on the defensive lineman and allows no penetration pic.twitter.com/gL01j55fJ0
— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) September 7, 2019
Strengths
- Checks boxes for with his frame, carrying his 316-pounds well for the position.
- Consistent with base and punch (which creates a surge once landed) in pass protection to keep defenders in front.
- Rolls his hips at contact and runs his feet to generate power and move bodies in the run game. Mauler in short yardage situations.
- Very smart with the awareness to adjust on the move. Always looking for work.
- Enough lateral agility to run defenders wide of the pocket.
- Competes with NFL toughness and a finishing attitude. Above average football intelligence.
- Plenty of experience, 3,219 snaps played in his collegiate career. Two-time captain.
Weaknesses
- Top-heavy with excessive forward lean.
- Bad habit of over-setting in pass protection.
- Tight-hipped and lacks ideal body control to counter athletic rushers.
- Struggles to reset and sink if he doesn’t land his initial punch. Anchoring needs work.
- Foot speed is not ideal when climbing to the second level.
Summary
A two-time team captain, Bredeson has the make-up and mature leadership traits ready for a NFL locker room. While there are some questions about his athleticism, he is physically imposing and a technician in pass pro and as a run blocker, displaying powerful hands, sound feet and intelligence for the position.
Chargers Fit
Bredeson might not be the perfect fit because of his athletic limitations, knowing Los Angeles is going to be running more of a wide zone scheme moving forward. However, his intangibles and skill in pass protection and run blocking, which are areas that aren’t easy to come by, could be selling points, projecting as a starting guard in Year 1.