2020 Packers Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Lucas Niang
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Texas Christian University
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 315 pounds
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Athletic Profile
Lucas Niang has average height and weight for his position. His solid arm length allows him to consistently make an impact on first contact. Nothing detrimental about his size. Niang possesses great power at the line of scrimmage and point of attack when run blocking. He sets an impressive anchor in pass protection, rarely gets beaten by a straight bull rush or power move. Adds impressive agility that allows him to pull and be an effective lead blocker in the running game. Even while playing with a hip injury in 2019, he consistently impressed me with his flexibility.
Technique
Raw technique in a few areas, especially his footwork in pass protection. Niang is often guilty of taking false steps that take him off balance and open up an opportunity for the rusher. His hand/punch placement improved markedly from 2018 to 2019 film. Niang shows good awareness picking up and passing off stunts/twists. Impressive footwork when run blocking.
Why Niang for the Packers?
Lucas Niang has the skill set to be a successful starting right tackle very early in his NFL career. His run blocking is already polished and he has the athletic profile to be a great pass protector as long as he demonstrated an improved technique. Even if the Packers bring back Bryan Bulaga this offseason, his injury history and age make it realistic that they turn to the draft for his successor. Giving Niang a year on the bench to learn and improve without pushing him into the line of duty would be an ideal scenario for his development.
Thank you for reading this draft profile for offensive tackle Lucas Niang. Be sure to check out the plethora of 2020 NFL Draft content available on Full Press Coverage.
– Sam Thoma is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @S_Thoma97 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook.
– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @nyama_ks Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
