Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs brings position flexibility and elite athleticism to the offensive line and may be just the guy the Jaguars need.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have lacked consistency and depth on the offensive line for a good portion of the last decade. They’ve already spent a lot of capital in the trenches, drafting Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor in the second round of the last few drafts, as well as signing guard Andrew Norwell to the biggest contract ever for an NFL guard (at the time). Last season, however, their commitment to improving the offensive line didn’t translate as the line regularly struggled in the run game and didn’t fare much better in pass protection, either.
One of the top offensive lineman prospects in the 2020 class offers versatility at both tackles positions as well as guard. That player is Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, who primarily was Iowa’s right tackle last season, stonewalling the Big 10’s best pass-rushers.
Some may be familiar with Wirfs. He was listed as the best athlete in college football this past season, showing up at the No. 1 spot on Bruce Feldman’s list of standouts. When watching Wirfs play, it is easy to see his natural movement with beautiful pass sets, effortlessly shuffling as he mirrors pass rushers. A while back Wirfs (6-foot-5, 322 pounds) posted a video of himself doing a ninja kick-up, a feat that takes immense core strength.
A 322-pound man just did a ninja kick-up folks, and not only that, he can pull off backflips, too, which are incredible feats for a man of this size.
In terms of play on the field, Wirfs (No. 74) is just as impressive. His natural athleticism has made his job in pass protection much easier, displaying very nimble feet for a tackle.
In these clips above, Wirfs shows off what makes the tackle a top tier prospect. His natural athleticism is easy to see in both the pass and run game. He is always in the right position at the right time, always keeping the defender in front of him. He rarely gets beat and his quick feet allow him to move like a lot of right tackles can’t.
In the run game, Wirfs is nasty and powerful. In fact, it’s probably his strong suit, as he is able to move defenders where he wishes. His elite athleticism helps him get downfield quickly to open up huge running lanes on the second level, just like in this clip below.
Wirfs, the lead blocker, flashes his speed by eliminating the defensive back in order to lead his running back for the touchdown.
In the last month or so, some scouts have mentioned moving Wirfs from tackle to guard due to the tackle’s relatively short arms. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network believes that Wirfs could develop into an All-Pro level guard. Even if Wirfs never plays tackle, that would be an excellent pick, reminiscent of the Indianapolis Colts’ selection of Quenton Nelson.
I think Wirfs can be an NFL starter at both tackle or guard, but his style of play and talent allow for Wirfs to have some position flexibility along the line. Wirfs has some experience at another position along the line as well, left tackle.
While Wirfs did not play much at left tackle, the times in which he did were exceptionally impressive. Wirfs didn’t seem to struggle with the transition, seamlessly replacing Alaric Jackson on the blind-side. Just watch how easy he makes it look.
Some tackles can really struggle with a position change on the line, however, I don’t believe Wirfs would have that issue at the next level.
If I am Jacksonville, I would be drooling over the thought of drafting Wirfs. While he may start at guard, the Jaguars could have him as a second option at left tackle if Cam Robinson fails to improve this season. Wirfs is simply a good football player and teams can never have too many of those, especially those that offer position flexibility.
