Nicholas Petit-Frere Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report

Offensive Tackle, Ohio State Buckeyes #78

Nicholas Petit-Frere Measurements

6’5” / 315 lbs

40 Time: TBD

Nicholas Petit-Frere NFL Draft Player Profile

Coming out of Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida, Nicholas was the consensus top-ranked offensive tackle prospect in the nation. In fact, ESPN (#13), Rivals (#11), and 247Sports (#7) all had him as a top 15 recruit nationally. Nicholas would earn a first-team All-American nomination from MaxPrep after his senior season. He would also play in the Under Armour All-American game, where he would win a strength competition amongst the game’s participating lineman.

After arriving at Ohio State, Nicholas would finally earn a starting spot in 2020 as the Buckeye’s starting right tackle. That season he would help the offense finish seventh nationally in yards per game (519.4 yards) and eighth in rushing (256.8 ypg). Nicholas would move over to the left tackle spot prior to the 2021 season and was named to the Outland Trophy watch list before the season began. Through 11 games this season, the Buckeyes lead the country in yards per game (559.5 yards) and points per game (47.2) while sitting sixth in passing (362.3 ypg). According to PFF, Nicholas has only allowed pressure on 0.5% of pass attempts. That ranks as best amongst all Power 5 teams).

One interesting note on Nicholas. During the summer of 2019, he spent time at the WWE headquarters in Orlando, Florida learning the ins and outs of the professional wrestling industry.

Nicholas Petit-Frere Strengths

Moves well

I would describe Nicholas as light on his feet. There are times he almost seems to easily bounce on his toes as he sets himself in pass protection. When you watch him in the running game, he shows zero issues getting where he needs. He easily has the athleticism to get out wide or up to the second level as needed.

Solid in Both Pass and Run Blocking

While he doesn’t exactly blow me away in either category, Nicholas still holds up well on both ends. Pass protection wise, he can be a brick wall at times. If he keeps the defender in front of him, he can literally bring them to a complete stop. Run blocking wise, he does a nice job of using his footwork to position himself between the defender and the running lane. Nicholas is pretty quick off the snap, and shows the ability to get in position before the defender really has time to react.

Nicholas Petit-Frere Weaknesses

Not a Fan of His Kick-Step

I would like to see Nicholas change up his kick-step a little bit. His tends to be more horizontal along the line of scrimmage (it reminds me of Charles Cross). I would love see him get more of a vertical step, to help him get into pass pro position a little better. This horizontal step, leaves him open to speed rushes around the outside. Once he starts to overcompensate, he ends up getting burnt by defenders crossing his face and getting inside of him. Luckily he has the athleticism to recover, but I don’t know how well that will translate to the NFL.

Plays Top Heavy

When it comes to his run blocking, it’s all about how he carries his weight. I mentioned earlier that he moves well. Nicholas doesn’t have any issues with getting out in front of his runners, whether out wide or up to the next level. I noticed that there are times he doesn’t look like he’s in control of his momentum. It’s like he gets his shoulders too far out in front of the rest of his body and gets out of control. Much like his kick-step, this leaves him open to defenders changing direction quickly to beat him.

Nicholas Petit-Frere Draft Stock

Nicholas wasn’t a name that I remember hearing much about before the season started. Which is understandable for someone moving from right to left tackle. As the season has progressed, he’s a name that is getting brought up more and more. Most mocks now have him as a late first round projection.

Final Thoughts on Nicholas Petit-Frere

Nicholas was a player that I was excited to get a chance to look at in more depth. Unfortunately, the players I get excited about looking at end up disappointing me. Considering the stats that this Buckeye offense was putting up, I expected to see the cream of the crop at the left tackle position. When watching I see small samples where I understand some of the first round projections. However, there are far more times when I’m thinking there’s no way this guy goes in the first round… NFL defenders would eat this kid alive. I would take the potential of Evan Neal or Trevor Penning at this moment in time over Nicholas.

Still, I think he was given time, he could 100% develop into a NFL level starting left tackle. He has all the tools that you would look for, but he still needs time to perfect his craft. If he decides to come out in the 2022 NFL draft, I wouldn’t take him in the 1st round. Maybe mid-2nd round at best. Honestly, I think that he would do well to stay enrolled at Ohio St., and use his last year of eligibility to get better. Ohio St. has more than enough talent to make another run of the College Football Playoff in 2022. If he honed his craft for another year, he could position himself as one of the best offensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Pro Comparison: TBD

Nicholas Petit-Frere Draft Prospect Report / Scouting Report by Brandon Claburn