2016 NFL Draft Profile: Jake Brendel of UCLA

Go Joe Bruin profiles former UCLA center Jake Brendel who is preparing for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Plano, TX

The Upside

A four year starter at center, Jake Brendel has paved the way for the likes of Johnathan Franklin and Paul Perkins while protecting both Brett Hundley and Josh Rosen. A cerebral player, Brendel wins with technique and effort instead of pure strength.

Has some athleticism but also has more than enough functional strength to create holes in the run game. Has room to grow to perhaps 305 lbs. Can handle power (Danny Shelton, Star Lotulelei). Pulls very well and is an effective lead blocker on the move. Played 92% of the available snaps. Has a little nastiness to his game.

The Improvements Needed

Is undersized. Weighed in under 290 lbs. for the combine to help with his times but plays around 295. Doesn’t have a lot of sand in his pants and often gets jacked back due to high pad level. Has short arms leading to him reaching more often than not.

Went through a period as a sophomore and junior where he struggled with shotgun snaps. Might be a center only given his shorter arms and therefore limits his value to teams.

UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

Vital Stats

Position-Offensive Center
Height-6’4
Weight-293lbs
Arm Length- 31”
Hand Size-8 ¼”

Combine Stats

Grade-5.13
Bench-25 reps
40- 5.01 secs
Vert-28” (UCLA pro day)
Broad Jump- 108”

2015 Stats

13 games started at offensive center. 4 year starter and three year co-captain. 2^nd team all PAC-12 in 2015.
NFL Draft Projections

Walterfootball.com-Round 4 Selection #124, Seattle Seahawks

Final Analysis

Brendel anchored the UCLA offensive line for 4 years despite coaching changes and offensive philosophy changes. Never one to be outworked or back down from a fight in the trenches, he’s a blue collar kind of player.

Does have size limitations though and would perhaps fit best in a zone scheme that won’t ask him to blow his man off the line. Played some guard at the East West Shrine game and didn’t look out of place, leading me to believe he has the potential to play some guard and increase his value to teams in the later portion of the draft.

Next: Sports Illustrated Has 3 Bruins Going In The First 3 Rounds

Final Grade: Late 5^th round.