2018 Cardinals Draft Prospect: OG Will Hernandez -

2018 Cardinals Draft Profile

Position: Guard

School: University of Texas El Paso

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 340

Projected: 2nd round

Stats:

2017 (Senior): Started all 12 games; AP All-America Second Team
2016 (Junior): Started all 12 games; AP All-America Second Team
2015 (Sophomore): Started all 12 games; Phil Steele Postseason All-C USA Third Team
2014 (Freshman): Started all 13 games; All-C USA Freshman Team

Bio:

Will Hernandez is a large man. Standing at 6’3” and about 340 pounds, the offensive guard is difficult to miss. Hernandez started at left guard all four years at UTEP, starting in a total of 49 games. In 2017 and 2016, Hernandez found himself on numerous All-American and lineman award lists. Hernandez had multiple D1 offers out of high school but did not qualify academically. Once eligible, UTEP was his only option.

Team Fit:

Hernandez is a scary prospect. He transforms into a brick wall due to his size and strength. He is solid in both the run game and pass protection and would be an immediate day one starter for Arizona. On talent alone, he is an immediate upgrade to an inconsistent and often injured unit. He played left guard and would allow the Cardinals to cut or trade current left guard Mike Iupati. A good coaching staff can turn Hernandez into the best guard in the NFL in short order.

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Strengths:

If it were possible to have a bear play offensive line, Hernandez would be that player. His sheer size is undeniable and is his biggest asset. Hernandez has the power to move defenders wherever he wants them to go. He is the type of blocker who wants to put defenders into the ground on every play. Due to size and strength, it is difficult to find film where Hernandez is pushed around. While a bit raw with technique, a good coach has an All-Pro caliber guard to mold.

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Weaknesses:

Hernandez does struggle with his technique. Will need to keep his hands inside and ready to pop defenders in the chest. Size and strength hides lack of proper use of leverage and hand placement. Did not often pull in the run game and will need to show ability to do so at next level.

– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.