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UCLA Football: NFL Draft Profiles-OT Connor McDermott Selected 211th By New England Patriots

By Michael Chavez

Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora on the sidelines against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. The Sun Devils defeated the Bruins 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora on the sidelines against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. The Sun Devils defeated the Bruins 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the 6th round, with the 211th pick in 2017 NFL Draft the New England Patriots have selected OT Connor McDermott from UCLA. What are Patriots fans getting in the offensive lineman from Westwood? Go Joe Bruin breaks down the pick for you.

BOOM! With 211th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selcect UCLA Football’s OT Conor McDermott.

Last year wasn’t the best offensive year for the UCLA Football team and the offensive line was an easy target.

However one of the shining spots on that line last year was Connor McDermott. How does he impact the Patriots and how much can we expect him to play in 2017? I’ll let you know.

Positives:

McDermott is long, athletic offensive tackle. He has a smooth kick slide and his huge wingspan allows him to strike defensive ends before they’re in range to strike back. He’s effective in the run game and shows plenty of effort on run plays. He also has the frame to add another 10-15lbs to help his anchor.

Next: UCLA Football: Draft Day Profiles-Jayon Brown selected 155th by Tennessee Titans

Negatives:

He really needs that 10-15lbs because there’s very little sand in the pants. McDermott can have issues handling power but his biggest concern is his inability to handle inside moves well. This is something that can be fixed with coaching but is still a concern early in his career. Has long arms but will sometimes allow rushers into his chest.

Breakdown:

This needs to be a redshirt year for McDermott before the team should feel comfortable with him out there. New England believes QB Jimmy Grappolo can be their Tom Brady Replacement but Connor isn’t ready to protect either one at this moment. New England will change that.