Brock Huard’s NFL Draft preview: Western Kentucky OL Forrest Lamp
Apr 25, 2017, 5:04 PM
Each day, Brock Huard is profiling a different draft prospect that he considers an early-round possibility for the Seahawks. His draft previews continued with Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp. The audio is embedded above.
• Position: OL
• Height/weight: 6-4, 309
• Class: Sr.
• Hometown: Venice, Fla.
STATS scouting report: A four-year starter at Western Kentucky, Lamp developed into one of the most consistent left tackles in college football and performed extremely well against elite non-conference opponents like Alabama (2016) and LSU (2015) – Crimson Tide defenders Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson singled out Lamp as one of the best blockers they have faced.
A two-star offensive tackle recruit out of high school, Lamp was undersized and went overlooked by the bigger programs, committing to Western Kentucky. After redshirting in 2012, he earned a starting role immediately, starting the first three games at right guard before moving to left tackle for the final nine contests to earn All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention honors. Lamp started all 13 games at left tackle as a sophomore, earning a spot on the All-CUSA Honorable Mention team. He again started every game (14 starts) as a junior in 2015 to earn First Team All-CUSA honors. For the second straight season, Lamp earned First Team All-CUSA honors as a senior, despite missing two games (12 starts).
A physical, technically-sound blocker, he works hard to keep rushers in front of him in pass protection and rolls his hips as a run blocker to create movement. Similar to Zach Martin as a pro prospect, Lamp might be able to survive in the NFL at tackle due to his coordinated, square-blocking skills, but his lack of ideal length makes him better suited as an interior blocker. With his body control, core strength and stubborn mentality, Lamp has the necessary traits to make the transition to guard and start early in his NFL career.
STRENGTHS: Balanced movement skills with low hips in his shuffle. Resets well with lower body flexibility and lateral quicks to sit in his stance, stay square and mirror. Quick, efficient coil with the grip strength to lock out and maintain spacing between him and rushers. Aggressive hands to answer counter measures. Broad-shouldered frame with developed build. Proper kickslide depth to push speed rushers away from the pocket. Aware of his surroundings to pick up spins and stunts, closing inside rush lanes. Physical run blocker, rolling his hips at contact and creating movement. Blocks with a stubborn mentality and competes with the inner confidence required to face NFL linemen. Rarely ends up on the ground. Reliable playing temperament in both practice and games – voted a two-time captain. Strong preparation habits and knows his opponent. Four-year starter with 51 career starts (48 at left tackle, three at right guard), including 42 consecutive starts at one point.
WEAKNESSES: Adequate wingspan but below-average arm length. Looks to get a head start protecting the edge, setting too aggressive outside and late protecting inside moves. Hurries his technique vs. speed, leading to wild limb use. Average lower body mass and frame appears maxed out. Reliable square blocker, but can struggle with defenders on his edge. Limited starting experience inside at guard. Missed two games as a senior due to a leg injury (Sept. 2016) and was forced to sit out the Senior Bowl due to a high ankle sprain (Jan. 2017).
NFL COMPARISON: Zach Martin, Dallas Cowboys – While unfair to compare him to an All-Pro NFL lineman, Lamp has a similar square blocking style as a college left tackle with the technique and tenacity to dominate in smaller quarters.
– STATS