LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Blake Freeland (71) during a college football game between the BYU Cougars against the USC Trojans on November 27, 2021, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Blake Freeland Looks Awkward Blocking

November 23, 2022 | Daniel Kelly | Articles

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That’s the one word I would use to describe Blake Freeland and how he looked on his 2021 game film – – awkward.

The BYU left tackle (LT) tries hard, but he has a lot working against him.

He is a decent player at his level of competition at BYU, who will have a whale of a time going into the NFL and finding the same type of success against even better pass rushers.

Freeland is just too inconsistent.

Freeland’s footwork is a problem in pass protection

The position of LT in the NFL demands excellent foot speed and technique, and Freeland has neither.

He’s a mauler who gives a good effort.

Freeland plays too high and he is somewhat rigid looking in his movements.

All of these factors leave him extremely susceptible at the front and back door of the pocket.

Consistently, his body got turned sideways toward the back edge (back door) of the pocket.

Granted, he chased, battled and did what he could, but it looked downright awkward at times.

Pass rushers were also able to get through the inside gap too often.

Limited area run blocker

Freeland is best in a limited area and especially when he has a positional leverage advantage.

He shoves and his natural strength helps, but he also has a tendency to waist bend and clearly shows he has trouble sustaining blocks.

There is inconsistency connecting and blocking at the second-level of the defense (where the linebackers reside).

Another sign that he lacks the kind of athletic ability that’s needed in the NFL, is he ended up on the ground a lot alone.

Surprising first-round grades

None of this has stopped Sports Illustrated, CBS, Bleacher Report, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network from putting first-round grades on Freeland.

After being around the game for 40 years, this is not a first-round prospect on game film.

His footwork, hand technique and athletic ability are nowhere near what NFL teams need to win with.

I can’t even see him going in the first five-rounds, and I don’t like the idea of him projecting to guard either.

Freeland looks like an overgrown tight-end trying to be an offensive tackle.

This is exactly the type of prospect who will end up bouncing around to three-four-five-six teams in the NFL, but he will never stick.

#71 Blake Freeland 6-foot-8, 305 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Grade: Sixth-Round – Fall 2022 Report

First Round Mock Big Board: TBD

Projected by 7.9% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of November 23, 2022 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

2021 game film reviewed: Baylor, Washington State and ASU (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Level of competition: High

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Street-fighting mauler with length, strength and long arms who is inconsistent in pass pro and run blocking. Looks too upright and lacks natural bend. Does his best to use his frame and long reach to shield the perimeter. Average lateral footwork and lateral foot speed. Can cross footwork. Consistently susceptible to opening the backdoor of the pocket. Chases and gives it everything he has to give, it just doesn’t look pretty. Gets out of control looking too often. Vulnerable to giving up pressure through the inside B gap. Best at controlling run blocks with leverage. Tough and physical player who was inconsistent down blocking and getting out to the second level successfully. Tendency to waist bend and can miss altogether. Below average sustain. Flashes aggressive streak. Not a player an NFL team can win with as a starter.

What to watch for during the 2022 college football season:

How does he look when challenged at the backdoor of the pocket in pass protection?
Giving up pressure inside?
How does he look run blocking in space?
How is he doing sustaining run blocks?

Freeland looks like a camp guy who ends up on a practice squad.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.