From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#74 Ben Bredeson/OG Michigan – 6’5 325
The Good
– Sturdy build with length, well-built frame who looks like an NFL linemen
– Strong upper body who anchors well in pass protection, tough to run through with bull rushes
– Strikes with impactful initial punch with proper hand placement and often able to win early in the rep
– Creates movement on his first level blocks, able to wash defenders on down blocks
– Impressive grip strength, doesn’t lose block once he secures it, thanks to proper hand use, placement, and overall leverage
– Plays with sound base, normally doesn’t get tall nor bend over at the waist
– Mirrors well in pass protection, keeps his base, works feet before hands, and doesn’t lunge or get out infront of himself, makes up for athleticism
– Good football IQ to pick up blitzes, free rushers, active eyes and looks for work
– Tons of starting experience, durable and didn’t miss time with injury
– Regarded as a leader by teammates
The Bad
– Average athleticism who will struggle reaching defensive linemen or getting to spot on pulls, can be late and force RB to slow up in order to stay on track or outrun his blocker
– Slips off combo blocks at the second level
– Average foot speed and won’t be an asset on screens/perimeter plays
– Will occasionally give up his chest and get upright on bull rushes when he can’t keep his hands tight
– Position-limited, almost all work came at one spot
Bio
– 45 career starts, all coming at left guard
– Named 1st Team All-Big Ten senior year, second-team junior season
– Voted team captain in 2018 and 2019
– Named team’s toughest player in 2018
– Four-star recruit coming out of high school, named Joe Thomas Award Winner for top Wisconsin offensive linemen senior year of HS
– Brother Jack is a pitcher for the Wolverines’ baseball team
Tape Breakdown
Bredeson is a throwback to a different era. A strong, sturdy, physical linemen who isn’t a great athlete but tough and reliable. All the linemen cliches associated with draft season, I know, but they fit him well.
Let’s start with the start. He’s a tone setter. This is the first snap of the game in 2018 against Nebraska. Check out the finish on this play. Just lets the opponent know he’s in for a long day. He’s the LG in all these clips.
And check out the brute strength on this pancake against Ohio State later in the year.
But he is a limited athlete. Not awful but works better in a man heavy scheme though even then, trying to work Duo blocks and climbing to the second level will produce inconsistent results. Asking him to pull may be an issue too. Hard to stay on the same path as the running back. Runner probably needed to be more patient and let it develop but Bredeson lacks a great burst out of his stance to cover ground needed on these pulls.
Lack of versatility won’t help him out of the gate either. Sure he can be taught to play right guard but since he’ll likely begin his career as a backup, being limited to just that left guard spots means playing anywhere else is starting basically from scratch. And it isn’t as easy as just flipping him to the other side. Footwork, punch, what you ID and aim for, everything changes.
Bredeson works best in a man-heavy scheme where he can win with strength and physicality. He’ll be a good pass protector who will be technically sound but likely overwhelmed by the most quick and agile interior defensive linemen. Lacks a high ceiling but a relatively high floor too who should stick in the league in some capacity. Reminds me of Mark Glowniski, who had a rough start to his career but found a home with the Colts.
Projection: Mid Day Three
Games Watched: vs Nebraska (2018), at Ohio State (2018), vs Iowa, vs Florida, Senior Bowl
