Evaluating Andrew Zeller vs Ohio State

Lions undrafted free agent Andrew Zeller out of the University of Maryland measured out as the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft. Athleticism isn’t everything though and a player needs to also be evaluated based on their tape and technique. Zeller’s toughest opposition this past year was Ohio State. This stellar defensive unit included six players drafted that would go on to be drafted in the 2016 draft. 1st round picks Joey Bosa, Darron Lee & Eli Apple as well as 2nd round pick Vonn Bell. 3rd round pick Adolphus Washington and 4th round pick Joshua Perry.

1st Quarter

Initially Zeller looks comfortable in both run and pass blocking and gets to the second level quickly. He does seem to be slow engaging defenders at the second level once he gets there. He doesn’t show the aggressiveness to attack the defender at the second level and instead hesitates. This hesitation can be him trying to line up the defender but sometimes it stops him from making the play in time. For all of these gifs Zeller is playing right guard (immediately right of the center)  wearing #66. The player highlighted is Joey Bosa as I had to use his tape to find tape on Zeller.

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Despite a somewhat low bench press of only 19 reps Zeller is impressively strong on tape. He’s not easily bull rushed and stands his ground well giving the quarterback time to throw a long touchdown pass.

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His tape definitely reflects his athleticism as he shows great ability when coming across the line on pulling plays. He shows amazing quickness for an offensive lineman.

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2nd Quarter

He continued to resist power rushing but still seemed lost in the second level once there. He works effectively in double teams helping keep Joey Bosa in check on this play.

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He also switches blocks very effectively and in this case it led to springing QB loose for a long gain before the end of the half and did enough on the next play to open up space for the TD.

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3rd Quarter

He continued to switch blocks effectively in the 3rd quarter but he had his first big mistake. He missed a block that could’ve ended in a sack if not for a quick release by the quarterback.

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Having showed great ability to stop defensive linemen from bull rushing him he also looks effective at dealing with speed rushers, keeping them in front of him at all times. Though not crucial to the play Zeller again showed great effectiveness moving from a double team on Bosa to a block in the secondary and showed an aggressive mentality I didn’t see in earlier moves to the secondary.

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Again he showed great run blocking skill but on a broken play he hesitated to engage in a block which would’ve given the quarterback more options had he taken the defender out of the equation. Instead the quarterback ran past him and was eventually tackled out of bounds.

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4th Quarter

For the first time in the game Zeller is power rushed easily which confines the quarterback and a sack follows. This was the first play I had seen where it looked like he lacked strength when dealing with rushing player.

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He finished the game on a somewhat effective block on Bosa. He allows Bosa to move forwards but keeps him in front of him and pushes him wide but the pressure forces the quarterback to make a rash throw ending in and interception. This was possibly more on the quarterback than on Zeller as Bosa was never close enough to make a play on the quarterback.

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Conclusion

Despite facing one of the most talented defenses in college and the lack of a strong supporting cast, Zeller held his own. He looks efficient at run and pass blocking with his athleticism working to his advantage on pulling plays and when getting to the second level.  He does seem to lack some awareness when at the second level and possibly needs to show a more aggressive play style more often. Zeller is definitely one of the more intriguing undrafted free agents signed by the Lions. I think he has the talent to make the practice squad if not the roster. Having watched his tape a long with tape of 5th round pick Joe Dahl and fellow undrafted free agent Chase Farris I was most impressed with Zeller’s tape, though it was in limited supply. He has the tools to be a good NFL offensive lineman and is very versatile having played each position on the offensive line at least once in his football career so far and from what I’ve heard hes a really nice guy which is good for the locker room. We will have to wait to see what the Lions will do with Zeller. What do you think they will do?

Next: Detroit Lions Offensive Lineman Joe Dahl: A Study in Intrigue