By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: North Dakota State has turned into a very reliable program for NFL talent, and Radunz will join quarterback Trey Lance as a pick in the top half of the 2021 NFL Draft. Radunz was a multi-year starter for the Bison, helping them to win National Championships and doing a good job of protecting Lance while opening holes in the ground game.
As a run blocker, Radunz fires out of his stance and quickly engages defenders. He leans into his blocks and does nice job of knocking defenders backward. Radunz sustains his blocks well and keeps his hands locked onto the edge rushers. Radunz won’t be an overpowering run blocker at the NFL level because he is not a true road grader. He does not have that kind of size and strength to overwhelm pro defensive linemen. Radunz, however, could be a decent run blocker as a pro who is not a weak link on the line.
As a pass blocker, Radunz shows quality hand placement and an ability to bend at the knee. When he sets up well, Radunz can shuffle his feet and keep edge rushers at bay, but he also will have some plays where he lunges and gets his weight over his toes, which is problematic for blocking NFL defenders. Radunz has some stiffness laterally, does not have great length, and his athletic ability is average. Hence, he does not recover well when speed rushers get a step on him.
Radunz might be a better fit at guard in the NFL given his body type. He has barely enough height for a typical left tackle, but his height, weight and length would be better suited to guard. Moving to left guard could maximize his ability for the next level.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlen wrote that scouts questioned Radunz’s practice habits. That is an alarming weakness considering Radunz is coming from a small school and about to face a massive jump in talent with NFL competition. In the 2021 NFL Draft, Radunz looks like a second-day pick who probably won’t go higher than the second round and most likely won’t slip to Day 3.
Player Comparison: Joe Haeg. Radunz reminds me of another North Dakota State product in Haeg. Haeg (6-5, 298) is slightly taller and longer, but they are similar athletes. Haeg has been backup/fringe starter for the Colts and Buccaneers during his career. I think Radunz could be similar, although he would have a better shot at being a full-time starter and better pro if he plays left guard exclusively.
RELATED LINKS:
2021 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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