2019 NFL Draft Player Preview: Trey Adams





  • Trey Adams, 6-7/334

  • Left Tackle

  • Washington


  • Trey Adams 2018 Preview
    By Charlie Campbell

    Career Recap: Adams broke into the starting lineup for the Huskies at left tackle in 2015. The freshman started nine games on the blind side before missing the final two games of the season with an injury. Adams was improved in 2016, becoming an All-Pac-12 First-Team selection. The sophomore started all 14 games at left tackle and contributed to a prolific Huskies offense that led Washington to a spot in the college football playoff. Adams finished that season with a quality performance against Alabama, and some team sources said they were impressed with how he played against a bunch of Crimson Tide edge rushers who went on to be early-round picks.

    In 2017, Adams had a mixed start to the season against Rutgers before playing better in the weeks after that. However, his season ended in October when he tore an ACL. That injury led to Adams returning for his senior year even though he still could have been a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.



    2018 Season Outlook: Unfortunately for NFL evaluators, Adams doesn’t appear to have many elite pass-rushers on his 2018 schedule. Auburn, Stanford and Utah should provide some tests. The best pass-rusher who Adams may face is Oregon’s Jalen Jelks, who will take on Washington in mid-October. Jelks is an early-round prospect who will be a good test for Adams.

    Skill-Set Summary: Having a rock-solid left tackle to protect the quarterback is a necessity for any successful aerial offense given the importance of the passing game in the modern NFL. While defenses move their pass-rushers around, having the cornerstone of a standout left tackle makes the rest of an offensive line’s job easier by making double-team help an option for other blockers. Edge protectors are always in demand, and Adams could be the top left tackle candidate for the 2019 NFL Draft.

    Adams shows serious athletic ability for a big-bodied offensive tackle. He is quick, agile, and very athletic playing in space. According to data from NFL team sources, they have Adams arm length at 34.25 inches with a hand size of 10.13 inches and a wingspan of 81.13 inches. All of those numbers are very good, and even more surprisingly, teams project his 40-yard dash time at 5.10 seconds, which is excellent for a 6-foot-7, 334-pound offensive lineman. From a measureables and athleticism standpoint, Adams has the makings of a first-round offensive tackle.



    Adams uses quick feet and length to neutralize speed rushes with an impressive ability to get depth in his drop. He does a nice job of keeping his feet moving and is able to play the typewriter while gliding with edge rushers. Many tall tackles struggle to bend at the knee, but Adams shows some ability there. He doesn’t get caught in concrete all that often and does a nice job of moving with defenders so he doesn’t have to reach after them coming around the corner. Adams also has enough strength and size to stonewall bull rushers and hold his ground. With his speed and athleticism, Adams looks like he could become an asset to neutralize fast edge rushers in the NFL.

    As a run blocker, Adams can create a push at the point of attack. His size overwhelms some defenders at the point of attack, and he is able to knock defenders back to open holes in their gaps. Adams’ speed and athletic ability can be seen as he is surprisingly quick to get out for blocks on perimeter runs. He has a burst to the second level and uses his agility to hit blocks in space. On screens, Adams is superb to get out from the tackle box while getting in position to hit blocks downfield.

    During the fall of 2017, one college scouting director said they had a higher grade on Adams than they did on Garett Bolles in 2016, who was the first tackle taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. Some team sources weren’t as high on Adams and felt he was a better fit as a right tackle in the NFL. Regardless, Adams has the look of a future NFL starter.





    2019 NFL Draft Expectations: If Adams plays at the same level in 2018 as he did in 2016 and in flashes of 2017, he should be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has a chance to be a high first-rounder as one of the top offensive tackles in the draft.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2019 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2019 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2019 NFL Draft Player Previews








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