Buffalo at Ohio State
Senior offensive tackle Thayer Munford looks the part of a first-round offensive tackle in the upcoming draft. Listed at 6’5″ and 313 pounds, Munford has been a starter on the left side of the Buckeyes’ offensive line for the past two seasons. With some refinement to his game and technique, he could be another cornerstone tackle that general managers covet early in the draft.
This game against Buffalo would have given him a solid test in the form of Malcolm Koonce, the versatile defender for the Bulls. He has tallied twelve sacks over the past three seasons, including a career-high eight last year along. According to the analysts from The Draft Network, Koonce has what you want to see from an edge rusher:
Koonce is a lanky and long armed defender who has experience playing from both an upright and three point position. He’s efficient with using his length and hands with a consistent club-rip move that has become his go-to tactic as a pass rusher. Demonstrating adequate bend at the hips, he can lower his center of gravity and corner in order to win around the edge. An attacker at the apex of pass rush attempts, he has also shown to be capable of dipping below the hands/arms of matchups prior to initial punch attempts. Constantly showing a high motor, he remains a relentless ball chaser, which helps show off his athleticism. Koonce is well above average with using his as he’s fully aware of how to stack-shed and push-pull when necessary. When locking his arms out, it’s very difficult for blockers to get inside of his frame.
This game could have been the opportunity for one – or both – of these players to really improve their draft stock.