2025 NFL Scouting Report: Seth McLaughlin

Prospect Summary:

McLaughlin took over as the starting center at Alabama during his sophomore season in 2021. To start out 2022, McLaughlin was a backup, but he was then inserted in the starting lineup and started the final eight games. In 2023, he blocked well but had some issues snapping the ball for the Crimson Tide. After the season he transferred to Ohio State. The Buckeyes coaches Chip Kelly (current Raiders offensive coordinator) and Justin Frye (current Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach) did a tremendous job coaching up McLaughlin in 2024. His snapping issues were resolved, and he was much more effective at the point of attack in both phases. Unfortunately, McLaughlin tore an ACL in November to end his season before the Buckeyes playoff run.

McLaughlin was a quality pass protector during his collegiate career. He is a smart interior blocker that reacts quickly to stunts and games. He can slide and mirror speed rushes, but is not an exceptional athlete to recover when a speed rusher gets on his edge. He also can be beat by power rushers on occasion, so adding some strength in the NFL is necessary. McLaughlin should be reliable, but not dominant as a pro pass protector.

In the ground game, McLaughlin can contribute to opening holes at the point of attack. He is quick to the second level and has good technique to fire into blocks on linebaker. McLaughlin does not have overwhelming power or heavy hands to blast defenders out of their gap off the snap. He is better at getting to a spot and hitting combo blocks at the point of attack.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, McLaughlin was on his way to being a sure-fire second-round pick before the torn ACL. After the injury, he still might go in round two but could easily come off the board in round three.