You go in to the draft with a glaring need, you simply can't get too cute.
This zero-star recruit was All-American at FCS, then moved to power 5 and got off to a great start as a G, particularly noteworthy he was literally leading the way for 5 rushing TDs vs an Auburn team that hadn't given up that many total in 2 years. Moved to C and was named All-Big 10.
He's 23 depite 4 seasons playing in 6 years (missed a redshirt season building weight and missed a COVID season where his team did not play) but the Steelers need someone ready to play now, so it's not like he's a developmental cat. He was the talk of the Shrine Bowl and, if hadn't gotten hurt there, likely would have been the talk of Indy, too. Reportedly a great tester, Ivy League degree: smart, mobile, and strong... the SMS of playing Center in the NFL. Here are some scouting notes from others:
Lance Zeirlein had him as the 3rd best center prospect and the 14th best OL overall in the class:Pros: Meaningful experience playing left tackle, right tackle, left guard, and center, penalized three times in the past two seasons, massive 10.75-inch hands, 33 1/8-inch arms, 79 3/8-inch wingspan, arm length advantage shows up on tape, explodes out of his stance, natural leverage advantage, strong punches to deter interior rushes, strong enough to pull defenders down and pancake them, polished and powerful trap move, heavy hands, strong clamp, stout anchor with a sturdy base/lower half, dominated Ty Hamilton (2023), diagnoses second level blitzers, can execute reach blocks, enough juice to pull on gap runs, works to the second level on combo blocks, gets outside the hashes on screens, surprising straight line speed off the line, flashes of generating displacement with large frame and leg drive
Need, meet prospect. With the 84th pick in the 2024 SteelerFury Board Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:Broad and powerful with thick hips and adequate length for the position... not only possesses NFL-caliber core strength, technique and body control, he also had quality performances against his toughest Big Ten competition (dominated vs Illinois in particular)... has the feel and footwork for all run-blocking schemes and is strong enough to deal with a 0-technique lined up over him. While he’s strong on impact, he needs to be careful about playing too far out over his skis in order to keep from whiffing. His punch and anchor are where they need to be, but the Ohio State game showed he has work to do with twist recognition and response... has early starter ability at center.
Strengths
Quick-sets pass rushers with early hands in their chest.
Maintains extension and feel for rusher through mirroring.
Firm jab followed by a firm anchor to withstand a charge.
Fits up angle blocks with inside hands and running feet to finish.
Power to displace and push blocks vertically on inside zones.
Pad level and power help stabilize the nose before climbing to linebacker.
Athleticism to find positioning as zone blocker and get out in front when pulling.
Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfWVOXdM4So
