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Zion Nelson Scouting Report: Prospect Report

Left Tackle, Miami Hurricanes, #60

Measurements

6′ 5″ / 316 lbs

40 time: The Athletic reported him running a 4.8 in high school but he has gained 80 lbs since. We will be watching for a more updated time.

Zion Nelson Draft Profile

Zion Nelson has become a hot name in the scouting community and in NFL Draft circles. Although he is garnering a lot of attention now, coming out of high school you could say he was almost under the radar. 247 sports had him ranked as a three star recruit, and the OT 114, but teams weren’t jumping to sign the 6-5, 240 lb tackle. As a matter of fact, he originally committed to Appalachian State who looked like his only suitor.

Miami came knocking late, but with it being his only power five option, Zion bit at the opportunity to become a Hurricane. After a short time on campus, Nelson bulked up to about 270 pounds. He would be tested early as he started all 13 games at LT his freshman season. It would be safe to say he was learning on the job. He allowed 38 pressures that season and even registered a pass blocking grade of zero against Florida. Yikes.

He seems to be a quick study though, as he played in ten games and started seven as a sophomore. He allowed only 12 pressures that season and looked like a star in the making during the second half of the season. To begin this season, his junior, he had to return from injury and face Alabama early. Although he didn’t receive high grades in that game, I thought he looked good on film. With a long season ahead only time will tell how good he can get prior to the NFL Draft. It remains to be see where he will rank among other top offensive tackle  prospects. Lets dive into the Zion Nelson scouting report below.

Zion Nelson Strengths

Athleticism

Zion Nelson is an athlete at the tackle position. His quick first step allows him to kick out and get in front of edge rushers. He also has great burst to get to the second level early on running plays. As mentioned earlier he ran a 4. 8 in high school, but with the additional weight he has put on he probably won’t do that again. Most sources expect him to run around a 5.1 at 316 lbs. This number will emphasize his athleticism.

Size and Length

I see some scouts question this because he was so slim just a few years back, but the reality is he has added bulk and weight and now has what I call prototypical LT size. He reminds me of Terron Armstead of the Saints physically. He even has the long arms allowing him to get into defenders and keep them off his body. As Zion continues to learn how to use his length he should have zero issues with hand leverage while battling at the line.

Blocking

miami hurricanes lt zion nelson

Miami LT Zion Nelson.

During his 2020 campaign he didn’t allow a single sack. He mirrors rushers well and uses that afore mentioned kick step to cut off outside rushers before they can get a line on the quarterback. Zion keeps his head moving and does a good job picking up the extra block when he has no work left. Pre-snap he does a great job of identifying the blitz or stunt, and is prepared for what comes next.

Run blocking is where I love what he can do. He uses his hips to turn defenders, easily allowing the ball carrier to find a nice hole to run through. His quickness to the second level allows him to find the defender before they can get a read on the ball. A run blocker like Nelson turns 4 yard runs into 8 yard runs by taking the linebacker out of the play.

Developing Feet

Zion Nelson of Miami Hurricanes

Miami OT Zion Nelson.

I believe he has a bit to work on here, but the ability is there. Zion has incredible feet. From his quick kick step, to his ability to quickly shuffle without crossing his feet to catch a speed rusher off the edge, Nelson possesses the ability to be elite with his footwork. With more experience and coaching I am excited to see just how good he can be.

Areas for Iprovement

Balance

Zion Nelson does a good job of keeping his pads low and has great knee bend, but as a result he leans too far sometimes. This throws him off balance and makes him susceptible to being tossed to the ground. I saw the same thing with Evan Neal of Alabama. Once again a coach can help this, but none the less it is currently an issue.

Strength

Zion is just a couple years removed from weighing only 240 lbs. Yes he added weight, but I question if he has elite strength yet. He holds up against most collegiate competition, but we all know the NFL is a whole other level. I will be watching to see his combine numbers, but I’m more concerned with his 3-5 rep max as I want to see what his brute strength is.

Lacking Nastiness

This isn’t necessarily a weakness to many scouts, but it is something I personally want to see if I’m building a team. I like the dogs in the trenches, the guys who want to hit somebody just because. I don’t see that mentality in Nelson as much as I’d like. I love watching Trent Williams of the 49ers and lets just say he doesn’t block with the same tenacity as Trent Williams.

Zion Nelson Draft Stock

Miami LT

Miami LT Zion Nelson

Zion Nelson came into this season with a lot of positive attention. I know a few people have started to cool down on him, but I really like his potential. He is far from a finished product, but the player he could become is worth taking. It is still early in the season so this may change but I have a second day grade on him. Even though I think there is a deep tackle group in the 2022 NFL Draft class, I don’t think it holds the same top end talent as the 2021 Draft. Because of that we will see a few tackles go on day 1 that should be day 2 picks. Nelson could be one of them.

Final Thoughts on Zion Nelson

Nelson is one of the harder players to gauge at his position this year do to the fact I see him as so raw. I think he is far from the player he can be but who he could become is very impressive. I’m usually the safer analyst that doesn’t like risk, boom or bust picks, but Nelson has my attention. I will be keeping an eye on him the rest of the year. With no elite teams left on the schedule for Miami I need to see Zion dominate the rest of the way. He can not afford any regression if he intends to come out this next April.

Zion Nelson NFL Comparison: Terron Armstead, not just the size, athleticism combo but I think they could have similar career trajectories.

Zion Nelson scouting report by Ken Noble