When you start at left tackle for Alabama as a sophomore, you’re bound to be on the NFL’s radar.
Cyrus Kouandjio 2014 NFL Draft scouting report
Once considered an early first-round pick, Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio has become one of the enigmas of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Cyrus Kouandjio first started appearing in games for the Crimson Tide as a redshirt freshman, and became a full-time starter during his third year on campus. His movement skills were always evident, but Kouandjio also developed in other areas of his game as time passed.
The biggest lingering issue is his injury history, dating back to his freshman year, which ended with a knee injury. Kouandjio was flagged by doctors at the NFL Scouting Combine for having an arthritic knee. While the knee affected him a bit the last two seasons, the concern is more long-term at this point.
Injuries aside, Kouandjio is a talented prospect, but one that never stacked up to the best offensive tackles in his conference.
Agility/movement
Kouandjio has plus movement skills, especially when his size is taken into consideration. Not many players have the ability to carry 330 pounds like Kouandjio can and still be as quick with footwork. He changes direction well and is able to use his feet to recover when he gets beat. Kouandjio also moves well in space and is asked to pull on occasion.
Pass blocking
For the most part, Kouandjio was solid in pass protection at Alabama. He anchors as well as any offensive tackle in his class and has enough length to make up for some of his technical flaws. That being said, other tackles in this class have much better technique than Kouandjio does. His knee may have affected him in this area, but he has a choppy kick slide and tends to over-stride at times, making it easier for pass rushers to beat him on inside moves. Kouandjio also has slow hands at times and has a bit of a tendency to lunge at pass rushers, though he does show good bend. His length and athleticism will only get him so far in the NFL.
Run blocking
While nobody will mistake Kouandjio for a mauling run blocker like Auburn's Greg Robinson, he does push the pile in the ground game often. He fires off the ball well and plays with solid pad level. Kouandjio is also fairly comfortable moving in space and that helps his ability in the running game.
Strength
Strength shouldn’t be an issue for Kouandjio when transitioning to the NFL. He’s well-built throughout his lower and upper half and has the prototypical size and strength of an NFL offensive tackle. When using proper technique, Kouandjio’s long arms are an asset in pass protection, where he shows off a ton of strength. Watching him anchor against bull rushers should ease any strength concerns about Kouandjio.
Technique
As mentioned above, Kouandjio has a few technical flaws in his game that could make his transition to the NFL a tough one. He needs to work on both his kick slide and punch to be a bit more consistent in pass protection. The hope with Kouandjio has to be that his technique becomes more smooth with a healthy knee. But again, his knee may be his biggest question mark at this point.
Final word
In a vacuum, Kouandjio grades out as a first-round pick. However, the issue of his knee will continue to come up between now and the draft. Kouandjio will also be dealing with significant competition at offensive tackle, with as many as four other players at his position having a shot at being taken in the first round. Kouandjio has been passed over by Greg Robinson and Taylor Lewan, and it shouldn't surprise anyone if he doesn't end up getting drafted in the first round. Still, teams like the Saints and Panthers are likely going to take a long look at Kouandjio if he's still on the board late on Day 1.
See More:
