Nick Ford Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report

 

Center, Utah Utes #55

 

Measurements

6”5/317

40 time: 5.1

 

Nick Ford NFL Draft Player Profile 

Nick Ford grew up in a football loving family, his dad Michael Ford played at California in the 80’s. Ford is from San Pedro, CA, and played football and ran track and field for San Pedro H.S. He was a two way player and was named Marine League Defensive Player of the year and CIF-LA City Section Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior in 2016.

On defense, he recorded 56 tackles, 26 TFL, 10 sacks, 2 pass break ups and a forced fumble. While on offense, he recorded 25 pancake blocks and helped his team have over 4,000 offensive yards and 43 touchdowns. Coming out of high school, Nick was a 3 star recruit per ESPN and had numerous offers from schools like Washington, California, Arizona, BYU and Oregon State.

He knew he wanted to stay in the west to be closer to his family, so he chose to redshirt with Utah in 2017. Since then, he has started every game since 2019 at all positions on the line. Ford played mostly at the center position this past year. The last two years he has been named PAC-12 All Conference first team. He is currently a junior and has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.

 

Nick Ford Strengths 

 

Versatility 

Ford is one of the most versatile linemen in the country and has shown that he can not only play center, but can play both guard and tackle on both sides of the line. He has been very effective at all positions with his skill sets being a positive in both run and pass games. Being able to play any of the positions on the line will give him a huge advantage at the next level. NFL teams always have linemen moving to different positions based on injuries.

 

Leadership

 

He has shown that he can be a true leader on the offensive line. Ford has taken on more responsibility with blocking calls at center and by playing any other position on the line. It’s clear that he has the passion every play and it rubs off on his fellow offensive lineman. He has a competitive nature and always has a positive attitude which coaches love to have on their team.

 

Run Blocking 

His strength as a lineman is definitely his run blocking. I watched him sustain and finish practically every run block that I watched on film at every position. He is a mauler type lineman who can dictate where his blocks go. He has a fantastic reach block to solidify the hole behind him, or set the outside. Ford posseses an excellent down block technique, which is perfect for the offense that Utah runs. He also has a very smooth pull down the line to take out the defensive ends and other defenders in space. Ford has fantastic technique as well. He is extremely stout at the point of attack and always keeping a wide base to help sustain blocks. Ford finds defenders with his hands and finishes with power.

 

Size/Build 

Ford has the ideal build for a lineman, standing at 6”5 and weighing 317. He is large in his lower body, with a long upper body including long arms that are key to have on the offensive line. He uses his size/build every play. This makes it very tough for defenders to get by, or to shed his blocks in the run.

 

Footwork/Quickness 

I noticed immediately that Ford is very quick off the ball getting to his blocks both at the line of scrimmage and at the 2nd level. He has the ability to adjust quickly to how he needs to block his defenders, whether in a pile or in space. His footwork is very good while blocking, always moving and pumping which always allows him to sustain his blocks.

 

Nick Ford Weaknesses 

 

Leverage/High Pad Level 

I noticed that Ford can sometimes play at a higher pad level and can be beaten with leverage. This could be concerning when going up against NFL defensive linemen. Though this is a fixable skill with coaching, it was noticeable when watching his film. It especially happened against power rushers who were lower than him. Luckily, he does have the ability reset his feet very quickly to help stop the defenders before it’s too late.

 

Nick Ford Draft Stock 

 

I believe that Ford can go in the first round, no later than the second round. He has played mostly center this past season, but I can see him playing guard as well at the next level based on his skillset. His versatility of being able to play every position will certainly give him an advantage over other offensive line prospects. Whatever team drafts Ford is getting a starter, future pro bowler and a leader. I see him immediately contending for a starting position for an NFL team.

 

Final Thoughts on Nick Ford Scouting Report

Nick Ford is a wonderful young man with the qualities that any franchise would die to have. His passion for the game is noticeable. He plays for his brother and is motivated by him. Ford’s story, passion, leadership and skill set will allow him to succeed at the next level. I see him as a high quality starter in the NFL, and with his mentality, maybe a Super Bowl champion as well. He will be a day 1 starter and only get better and better each year playing. Ford already has a varied skill set including his run blocking, technique, footwork, and hand play to help him succeed early in his career.

 

NFL Comparison 

Ford reminds me of Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly. Based on both his size and build, as well as his type of play at the center position. Though I believe Ford has the potential to be even better than Ryan Kelly after getting more experience against the NFL defenses.

Nick Ford scouting report by Keith Libby.