NFL Draft Profile: UCLA Football OL Scott Quessenberry

Up next in Go Joe Bruin’s NFL Draft profiles for all draftable UCLA Football Bruins, we shift our focus to the offensive line. More accurately, the center of it.

If you’ve paid attention to my writing then you know I’ve been critical of UCLA Football center Scott Quessenberry in the past. I haven’t always been happy with his production but I will admit he’s improved his play over the past two seasons.

As the center of the offensive line, Quessenberry’s position typically acts as the linchpin of the unit. Typically your center is in charge of making the protection calls based on pre-snap reads. Not only does he have to have a high football I.Q., he has the unenviable task of snapping the football and then has to be quick enough to get his head up and take on some of the largest men on the field.

Quessenberry has played multiple positions across the offensive line but as the center of an offensive line that struggled to produce anything in the run game over the past two seasons and allowed star QB Josh Rosen to take a beating in his sophomore and junior seasons. He has the attention of the NFL so far but let’s put his play under a tighter lens.

Scott Quessenberry/OL/6’3/310lbs

Positives

Quessenberry has a good build for the position. Doesn’t carry much, if any, bad weight. Moves his feet well. Very athletic and demonstrates it when he pulls. Has a good initial punch and can stun defensive linemen with it. Not afraid to slug it out with defensive linemen. Keeps his head on a swivel during pass protection and chops his feet as he looks for pass rushers. Gets to the second level consistently. Shows a good use of positioning his body to seal off would be tacklers. Has been a four year starter for the UCLA football program. Has played guard in addition to playing center. Scheme versatile and shows an extremely high football I.Q.

Negatives

Not an overwhelming physical presence inside. Struggles to move his man off the line even in double team situations. Occasionally the lack of power will show up when he takes on linebackers and is unable to win initially. Can re-anchor but will give plenty of ground before he does. Will struggle to maintain his blocks. Occasionally will duck his head before contact. Allows his pad level to get too high negating natural power. Missed the 2015 season recovering from surgery on both shoulders. Frame might be maxed out and could struggle to put on more weight.

Next: UCLA Football: Projecting the starting lineup for 2018

Projection

Quessenberry was one of the most valuable linemen the past two seasons given how little depth was behind him. He couldn’t afford to miss snaps or games and his toughness cannot be undersold especially following shoulder surgery. He’s improved during his time as a UCLA Football Bruin but in my opinion, remains a low ceiling, high floor prospect. Quessenberry will follow his older brother into the NFL and can carve out a long career but lacks the physical tools to be a game changer at the next level. The NFL seems to be looking at him as a guard and given his ability to pull and lead block I’d say it will be his best fit. His play reminds me a good deal of former Houston Texan Chris Myers who was able to stick with the team for the better part of a decade. I wouldn’t anticipate Quessenberry being taken before the fourth round.