Every NFL team wants a franchise left tackle they can count on to protect their quarterback and anchor their entire offensive line.
If your favorite team would love a three-year starter from a Power 5 program, Hakeem Adeniji from Kansas fits the bill.
An athletic blocker who is as battle-tested as any offensive tackle prospect in the 2020 NFL draft, Adeniji recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, where he fits best in the NFL, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.
JM: You’re a three-year starter at left tackle. How does that experience serve you well going forward?
HA: Playing football and playing tackle is so movement oriented. My movements are so natural at this point that they feel like second nature to me. I understand defense. I played for four years at Kansas. I’ve seen it all. My body and my muscle memory is on point. My body understands how to recover. I’m a natural within the flow of the game.
JM: Do you think that you’ll play left tackle at the next level?
HA: That’s a good question. Honestly, I don’t know. Some NFL teams have told me that they like me on the left, but they think that right tackle is also a possibility for me. I’ve even heard a little about me moving inside to play guard. I played some guard at the Senior Bowl. I know that I’d be a great left tackle, but it’s not really up to me. I’m gonna play wherever they put me. I have a lot of experience playing left tackle but I know that I’m gonna excel wherever.
JM: I’ve seen some people mention that your best fit may be in a zone blocking scheme. Do you agree with that?
HA: I think that’s fair. I’m obviously an athletic guy. The blocks are there to be made. I know that my skill-set allows me to make those blocks. I feel like I’ll excel at whatever my pro team wants me to do. If you watch my type, you’ll see that my talent can transcend the scheme. I’m gonna go out there and dominate regardless of the scheme. I can honestly play in any scheme.
JM: Whether it was at the Senior Bowl or throughout your time at Kansas, who are some of the best pass rushers you’ve gone up against?
HA: There were a lot of them at the Senior Bowl. Those were the top guys in the nation. At Kansas, I’d have to say that TCU always has really good pass rushers. They’ve had a couple of guys over the past few years. L.J. Collier was a first round pick and he immediately comes to mind. Ben Banogu was great as well. We’ve had some great ones on our team that I saw at practice. There’s been so many of them but those are the ones that come to mind.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?
HA: That’s easy. It’s all about the pancake, baby. You gotta come off that ball and drive them into the ground. When you come off the ball and you really catch them, you’re able to just stop their momentum when you hit them. When the timing and placement are right, that’s a great feeling. You get under him and it’s over. The rep is over. You know that you got him. That pancake is beautiful.
JM: Do you have a preferred pass set?
HA: The jump set for sure. Defensive linemen hate the jump set. I know that for a fact. It throws off their timing in a major way. It kinda spooks them off the snap a little bit. They have to change up their rush plan. It keeps them guessing. When you jump them, they’re anticipating they have time to string together their moves but it throws everything off.
JM: Is there one NFL quarterback that you’d love to block for?
HA: I would have to say Drew Brees. I’ve always loved watching him play. He seems like a great person. I really enjoy watching how he handles himself. He seems like such a leader to me. He’s obviously been so successful on the field, but honestly how he handles himself impresses me even more than the accolades. I’ve always been a huge fan of his.
JM: What kind of impact is Hakeem Adeniji going to make at the next level?
HA: Hakeem Adeniji is gonna make a big impact at the next level. Hopefully I’ll be an All-Pro, Pro Bowl type of player. That’s the goal. I know that I’ll get there as long as I trust the process and trust in my work. It’s gonna be a lot of fun. I’m gonna push myself to be great. Let’s see how far I can take this thing. I know that my film speaks for itself. I know what I’m capable of achieving. The sky is the limit. It’s gonna be a fun ride.
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