UCLA Football: NFL Draft Profile - OT Conor McDermott

Conor McDermott is a big guy with a playful side.

McDermott originally came to UCLA as a tight end and started a game as a blocking tight end against Oregon before being moved to tackle in the middle of his sophomore year. He started 31 games at tackle over the course of his last three seasons. McDermott’s play earned him second-team all-conference selections in both 2015 and 2016.

His brother Kevin is a long snapper with the Minnesota Vikings who also played at UCLA.

Let’s take a look at Conor’s strengths and weaknesses on the field.

Strengths

McDermott’s size is clearly his biggest strength. He is a towering tackle that is 6’8” tall. NFL.com says he has decent pass-slide quickness and hand readiness. His long arms and good hand strength help him with pass protection. CBS Sports notes that he has some “correctable issues in his technique,” giving him some untapped potential.

Weaknesses

McDermott lacks, what CBS Sports calls, “elite initial quickness” off the ball to fight off today’s top speed rushers. He doesn’t generat enough power blocking in the running game. He has a tendency to be inconsistent. When chopping his feet, he’s able to stay in front of pass rushers, but when he isn’t chopping his feet, he can get beaten.

Projection

NFL.com projects him as a seventh round selection. Meanwhile, CBS ranks him as the 13th best tackle in the draft.

Look for a team to select him as a project hoping to develop him to the full potential his size offers.


Go Bruins!!!