A.J. Cann 2015 NFL Draft scouting report

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A.J. Cann

• Position: Offensive Guard (OG)
  
• Class: Senior
  
• College: South Carolina
  
• Ht/Wt: 6'3", 313 pounds
  

Scouting Report

A.J. Cann is a prototypical offensive guard prospect. His size, weight, and athleticism are just what you look for at the position. He has a strong core and combines that with a low pad level, allowing him to drive defenders out of running lanes effectively. He has a fighter's mentality at the position, blocking his guy down to the ground on some plays. He has the speed to pull across the formation, or to move a play up to the second level. His anchor's also effective, though not great. He can move around the formation with good fluidity.

Like many college linemen, Cann has some technical flaws to iron out. He sometimes struggles to engage defenders in space, often flat-out whiffing on players at the second level. He sometimes will bring his arms out too wide in pass protection, causing him to grab, which will lead to holding calls in the pros. He could also hold his arms a little tighter to his body and a little higher up when he enters his stance in pass protection. He usually carries them low, and it makes him late to engage.

Grade

Cann isn't the best offensive guard in this class; that title probably goes to guys like Brandon Scherff or La'el Collins, who could play offensive tackle but are being projected as guards. He's still a good one, and with his combination of size, athleticism, and work on the field, I don't see any reason why he can't be a good starter for many years. The only downside with him is a lack of positional versatility. I'd pick him in the second round, and I like him better than Laken Tomlinson due to that fluidity that helps Cann move around the field better.