PSO Scouting Report: OT Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)

PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: Natural Physical Tools, College Game Film, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.

Bio

Pos: OT

Hometown: Mount Vernon, IA

School: Iowa

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height: 6’5″ (57%) | Weight: 320 lbs (75%)

Hands: 10.25” (70%) | Arms: 34” (63%)

Bench: 24 reps (45%) | 40-YD: 4.85s (98%)

Facts to Know

Big Ten OL of the Year (2019)
First true freshman to start at either OT spot under HC Kirk Ferentz (since 1999)
85+ PFF grade in all facets — run blocking, pass blocking, zone, gap, and true pass sets
4th-highest overall grade among all FBS OTs in 2019 (91.3)
Iowa state champion in wrestling, shot put, discus

Physical Tools

Pros

Incredibly fluid and agile
Good hand size (10.25″)
Adequate length (34” arms)
Physical speciman — 135.6 SPARQ score (99th percentile)
Combine record-holder for vertical (36.5″) and broad jump (121″)
Broke Brandon Scherff’s Iowa hang clean record at just 20 years old
Iowa state champion wrestler, thrower (shot put, discus)

Cons

Underwhelming bench testing (24 reps)

Grade: A

Game Film

Pros

Devastating punch and great extension
Incredibly mobile for his size — easily advances to the 2nd level
Quick and balanced feet — maintains body control very well
Quality hand usage, could improve timing
Potential to be a legitimate road-grader
Solid natural anchor ability but technique still needs work

Cons

Sometimes allows defenders to push him back and pressure the QB despite him staying in front
Tendency to over set and allow inside counters
Should build upon natural anchor ability, longer power rushers gave him some problems

Grade: A-

Production

Pros

Big Ten OL of the Year, 1st-Team All-American (2019)
4th-best overall PFF grade among FBS OTs (91.3)
90.2 PFF run blocking, 88.7 pass blocking grades
85+ PFF grade in zone, gap, and true pass sets as well
Plenty of pass blocking reps

Tremendous improvement from freshman year (59.3 to 91.3 overall)
Pass blocking improvements — 2 sacks, 7 total pressures allowed in 2019

Cons

Struggled mightily in pass protection early in career (33 total pressures allowed before 2019)

Grade: A

Risk

Pros

3-year Big Ten starter — OL of the Year, All-American Honors
Tremendous year-over-year improvement
Off-the-charts athletic profile — potential goal line offensive threat?
NFL-style scheme and coaching staff
Natural strength and balance
Could very well become an elite G if T doesn’t work out

Cons

Will likely be asked to transition to LT where he didn’t have much experience
Had some issues with longer power rushers
Must adjust to wider splits and less TE help considering the rise of spread offenses
Some technical refinements to improve upon natural ability

Grade: B+

Overall

Tristan Wirfs already looked like a surefire 1st-rounder during the 2019 season, but then the Iowa native essentially broke NFL Twitter with an record-setting performance at the Combine (see above). With a SPARQ rating in the 99th percentile and a terrific 3-year career that culminated in Big Ten OL of the Year honors, there’s no reason to overthink his projection. Sure, there are plenty of technical adjustments and refinements to improve upon with his natural abilities, but the unreal athletic profile and top-tier production make for an incredibly high ceiling. He simply needs to be taught how to effectively utilize his immense physical gifts.

Pro Comp: OT Trent Williams (Washington Redskins)

Projected Round: Top-15 Pick

Prime Destinations: NYG, LAC, CAR, ARZ, CLE, NYJ

OVERALL Grade: A-