Today we are focusing on Tristen Hoge from BYU as a prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft. Hoge is a 6’5″ 310lbs, senior Right Guard. Hoge originally committed to Notre Dame as an Offensive Tackle. He is a prototypical run blocking Right Guard that would fit best in a power run scheme in the NFL. The film I watched to scout Hoge was @Navy (2020), vs. USC (2019), and @Tenn. (2019).
Pros:
Hoge is a run blocker and I don’t see him playing anywhere else but Right Guard, but that’s alright as he is really good at run blocking. He does a great job of getting under the defender and engaging his hands on the shoulder pads, allowing him to steer the defender and thus creating huge running lanes off his backside. Hoge is a Wall in both pass and run blocking, it’s not often defender will get through him. He does a great job at finishing plays as well as they usually end in a pancake or him tossing a defender like a rag doll. His powerful punch can also knock any sized defender off balance.
Cons:
Hoge’s weaknesses start with his mobility issues. He is often caught flat footed, which at the NFL level could hurt him more than it does now as speedy defenders will blow by him. He can pull block but, he lacks long speed to make calling that play worth it. His flat feet combined with lack of quickness often result in Hoge trying to reach block, which if he misses can be catastrophic. All around, his footwork needs work to be able to keep up with quicker players in the NFL. Last year’s leg injury could be a concern going forward as well.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that Hoge is a powerful bruising run blocker who is also a solid pass blocker if not facing a quicker defender. He has a good base skill set that could get him immediate playing time in the right system, but there are areas he needs to work on, which all mainly focus on his mobility. He could raise his draft stock if he can show more mobility and even some potential to possibly play Right Tackle. Overall, Hoge is a wall of a Lineman that is hard to get through but going around him might be the key to nullifying his game. I gave him a 5.7 prospect grade which is equivalent to a mid 4th round pick.
