Dan Feeney isn’t the kind of blocker who can clear out defenders while protecting his quarterback’s blindside on the edge. He’s the kind of blocker who can anchor an offensive line from the interior.
Why Dan Feeney should be a long-term starter for the Chargers
The Indiana product adds bulk to the interior of the line.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana graduate doesn’t have the upside of some of the other members of his class, but his combination of size, strength, and experience makes him a low-risk pickup at the 2017 NFL draft. The Chargers made him part of their plans after selecting him with the 71st pick.
The two-time first-team All-American is one of the draft’s most accomplished players. Feeney came to Bloomington as an unheralded, three-star recruit and left as one of the most reliable athletes in program history. With the burly blocker clearing a path, the Hoosiers played in back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 1991.
What makes Dan Feeney an NFL-level offensive guard?
Feeney made an immediate impact at Indiana, starting 12 games as a true freshman and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten status. A foot injury robbed him of his 2013 season, but he put any health concerns in his rear view by playing better than ever upon his return.
He’s a durable and mean blocker who grades out well in both pass and run blocking. He has solid lateral quickness that keeps blitzers from shooting the gaps on him, but his strong upper body and use of leverage are his biggest selling points. He has good arm length and redirects rushers well; in the last three seasons, he allowed only two sacks while playing guard.
He’s useful in the run game despite just average speed. He identifies his targets after pulling and isolates them, taking linebackers out of the play at the second level. With great strength and discipline, he’ll be a locker room favorite for the coaching staff.
Why wasn’t he regarded as one of the draft’s premier blocking prospects?
The Hoosier interior lineman was much less effective when moved to the tackle position, and will be anchored to the guard position going forward. That limits his value in the NFL, though he’s still a valuable prospect.
His pass blocking is ahead of his work in the run game, thanks in part to a relative lack of straight-line speed. He’s going to have a tough time engaging a different breed of linebacker in the pros, and that means he’s going to have his share of whiffs as a rookie. He also needs to get his pad level lower and make better use of his lower body to clear space.
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