University of Alabama offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio is set to join Washington after being taken with the No. 112 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Kouandjio was a multiyear starter for the Crimson Tide, including 27 straight games at left guard in his last two years.
NFL Draft picks 2015: Arie Kouandjio to Washington in 4th round
Washington landed offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
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At 6’5, 310 pounds, the lengthy guard prospect has the raw measurables NFL teams look for in a blocker. Kouandjio has more than functional strength and plenty of experience having played for Nick Saban’s Alabama football machine. He was a member of Saban’s last two national championship-winning teams, though not as a starter.
Kouandjio’s strength is in the run game. He moves quickly enough to be used as a pull guard and is always looking for more work at the second level. Kouandjio also possesses long arms and can keep defenders from getting into his chest.
As far as deficiencies go, a lack of athleticism is sure to hurt his chance to succeed at the next level. In addition, he has to prove he’s more than just a name that benefited from playing in the SEC. At Alabama’s pro day, he ran a lackluster 5.46 40-yard dash, and there will likely be questions about his health due to several knee surgeries.
Still, his NFL size and pedigree have earned him an opportunity to earn a spot in the league. His brother, Cyrus Kouandijo, was a second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2014, and the brothers have trained together to help Arie prepare for the next step in his career.
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