Weaknesses:
Summary: The 2015 NFL Draft features a strong group of offensive line prospects, and Scherff is a favorite to be the first lineman selected. He played left tackle at Iowa, but most are projecting him to move to right tackle or guard in the NFL.
Scherff has been excellent for Iowa over the past few seasons. The senior was a force for the Hawkeyes in 2014 despite having minor surgery on his knee in the early portion of the season. Scherff showed his toughness and didn’t miss a game. He was a road-grading run-blocker all year. In pass protection, Scherff was reliable, although he had some issues with speed rushers. That was apparent from Scherff’s awfulr performance against Maryland. He allowed a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Scherff was beaten for one sack, but easily could have allowed another handful. After that performance, he rebounded to finish the year strongly.
At the next level, Scherff could be one of the top guards in the league. Moving to the inside would hide his issues with speed rushers as well as his lack of length and short arms; all while making him a better pass-blocker.
Scherff is an absolute beast in the ground game. He is extremely powerful and consistently blasts defensive linemen out of their gap. He can ride them around the field and rag-doll defenders. Scherff showed so much power that he would occasionally drive blockers with one arm. Scherff also is quick to fire to the second level and hit blocks, pull or lead blocks downfield. He is a devastating run-blocker who is a force in the trenches for the ground game. His raw power is extremely impressive, and he sustains his blocks through the whistle with a bullying attitude.
Sources tell WalterFootball.com that Scherff interviewed extremely well at the Combine and impressed teams with his character. He has well-developed technique, and is ready to start right away at guard. Some teams could also consider playing Scherff at right tackle, but if he moves to guard he could be one of the best at the position quickly in his NFL career. At right tackle, Scherff might need some tight end help when defenses move their best speed rushers to go against him.
Scherff is worthy of being selected in the top 20 of the 2015 NFL Draft. He should hear his name called quickly on Thursday night.
Player Comparison: Logan Mankins. Moving to the inside, Scherff looks similar to the balanced and efficient style of play that Mankins has featured in the NFL since 2005. Mankins (6-4, 310) is similar size to Scherff with the ability to push around defensive linemen. Mankins is very well-rounded as he is equally effective in the ground game as he is in the passing game. Both players have unique combination of power and mobility. I think that moving to the inside will make Scherff a better pass-protector than he is on the edge. Mankins was the last pick in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and if it was redrafted, he would have gone a lot higher than pick No. 32. It looks like Scherff will be a top-20 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
NFL Matches: New York Giants, St. Louis, Cleveland, San Francisco, Miami, Houston, Kansas City
There are a lot for teams that could target Scherff in the top half of the 2015 NFL Draft. The Giants could make sense as the first team to potentially draft the Hawkeye standout. New York has to improve its offensive line in front of Eli Manning, and Scherff could start immediately for the Giants.
The Rams seem like a very logical landing spot for Scherff. St. Louis must keep Sam Bradford healthy to have any shot at making a run at the playoffs in the rugged NFC West. Joe Barksdale could be upgraded at right tackle, and Davin Joseph isn't a long-term starter at right guard. Scherff looks like a fit for the Rams.
Cleveland could use help at right tackle and right guard, so Scherff would make a lot of sense for the Browns if he gets to their pick.
The 49ers appear poised to lose Mike Iupati in free agency, but they did draft Brandon Thomas last year. Perhaps San Francisco will want to maintain a power running offense and take Scherff to replace Iupati since Thomas remains unproven.
The Dolphhins made a big improvement in their offensive line last year, but they still have room to get better up front. If Scherff is available, he could be the best option for Miami.
The Texans could easily pull the trigger on Scherff if he gets to their pick. Right tackle Derek Newton is a free agent plus Houston Texans could use an upgrade. Scherff would be a good fit for Bill O'Brien, but if the Texans fall in love with him, they may have to move up to get him.
Like Houston, Kansas City would probably have to trade up to get Scherff. The Chiefs need a lot of help on their offensive line, and Scherff could start right away for them.
RELATED LINKS:
2015 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's
2015 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
