Tristan Wirfs is considered by many the best offensive tackle in the draft and he shouldn’t last on the board too long. Coming out of high school in the class of 2017 Wirfs was a four-star recruit and was ranked 33rd among offensive tackles.
College Career: Wirfs was the first player to start as a true freshman under Kirk Ferentz which is quite the accomplishment in itself. He did run into a little trouble before the 2018 season as he was charged with DWI. He was suspended for the season opener, but he still had a lot of success throughout the rest of the season. During his junior year, he was named second-team Associated Press All-American and was also named the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year.
Pros: Wirfs has really light feet and he is also really quick which allows him to be a great pass protector. He also does a great job of putting his hands in the right place and readjusts them quickly if need be. The biggest pro for Wirfs is it doesn’t feel like we have even scratched the surface with how good of a player he can be. He also is versatile and can play many different positions along the line. Depending on what team drafts him, they can choose what spot they feel is best.
Cons: Wirfs needs to become more consistent in being a nasty blocker. Wirfs too often doesn’t show that nastiness in the run game. At times when he gets to the second level he misses on his assignment and some of that might come down to a lack of concentration. Wirfs at times won’t hold onto his blocks long enough and if that continues NFL defensive tackles will attack that.
Projected Teams: The Miami Dolphins have a boatload of draft picks and have the capital to move around the first couple of rounds. After trading away Laremy Tunsil they need offensive line help, and bringing in Wirfs would make a lot of sense.
The New York Jets offensive line last year was flat out terrible and getting Wirfs in and helping right away would be a big boost.
The Arizona Cardinals who select number eight would also make a lot of sense.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
