BYU’s Blake Freeland turned the second former Cougars offensive deal with to be chosen within the NFL draft up to now three years. Andy Nelson, Related Press
Blake Freeland impressed scouts along with his efficiency on the NFL mix again in March.
Now, he’ll be attempting to make an analogous constructive impression at his new residence in Indianapolis, after the Colts drafted Freeland within the fourth spherical (No. 106 general decide) of the 2023 NFL draft on Saturday.
The 6-foot-8, 302-pound Freeland was a four-year starter for BYU, beginning in 41 of the 44 video games he performed in his school profession.
Freeland earned third group Related Press All-America honors in 2022 throughout a season during which he gave up zero sacks and was flagged simply twice for penalties.
He was additionally certainly one of three BYU gamers to play in and begin in all 13 video games final yr.
Through the NFL mix final month, his 37-inch vertical soar was the perfect mark for an offensive lineman on the occasion since a minimum of 2003. Freeland additionally recorded a 10-foot broad soar, a 4.98-second 40 and a 7.46-second three-cone time.
Freeland joins Brady Christensen in changing into the second offensive deal with out of BYU drafted up to now three years — Christensen was a third-round choice (seventieth general) by the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Previous to BYU, Freeland performed quite a lot of positions (tight finish, defensive finish and even some quarterback) at Herriman Excessive and was additionally a multisport athlete in highschool — he performed basketball and gained state in shot put and javelin in observe.
What specialists stated about Blake Freeland
“Freeland has the quickness to take the sting away from pace rushers, and he has all of the instruments to turn into an efficient go blocker on the NFL degree.” — ESPN’s Steve Muench.
“Freeland is a high-end athlete on the place who has a singular talent set to develop. That confirmed within the run recreation, the place he earned an 87.9 grade in 2022. He, sadly, has severe play-strength issues that confirmed up in an enormous approach on the Senior Bowl.” — Michael Renner, for Professional Soccer Focus.
“Freeland’s inexperience and the lesser developed facets of his recreation (leverage factors, play power, and so forth.) will probably be uncovered by NFL expertise, however he has the ft, size and upside to warrant being a midround draft decide. He's a piece in progress who ought to ultimately compete for an NFL group’s No. 3 deal with spot and doubtlessly extra.” — The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
What specialists stated in regards to the choice
“Freeland struggled in one-on-one pass-block drills on the Reese’s Senior Bowl, however his uncommon size and athletic traits make him a stable dart throw right here. The Colts wanted extra insurance coverage at deal with.” — Eric Edholm, NFL.com.
“Not able to play proper now however is an extended, supremely gifted athlete. Anchor is horrifying unhealthy proper now and never balanced. Suppose Kolton Miller or Brian O’Neill upside if he will get extra highly effective. I like addressing the OL for Indy.” — Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports activities.
BYU offensive linemen beforehand taken within the NFL draft, previous 25 years
12 months — Participant, Pos., Spherical, Choose No., Crew
2021 — Brady Christensen, OT, Spherical 3, No. 70, Carolina Panthers.
2005 — Scott Younger, G, Spherical 5, No. 172, Philadelphia Eagles.
2003 — Dustin Rykert, OT, Spherical 6, No. 204, Oakland Raiders.
2000 — Matt Johnson, G, Spherical 5, No. 138, Indianapolis Colts.
1999 — John Tait, OT, Spherical 1, No. 14, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
1999 — Joe Wong, G, Spherical 7, No. 244, Miami Dolphins.
1998 — Eric Bateman, OT, Spherical 5, No. 149, New York Jets.
1998 — Jason Andersen, C, Spherical 7, No. 211, New England Patriots.