NFL Draft: Top 25 prospects from the Big 12

Dane Brugler of The Athletic ($) says  Dru Samia is projected to become an early NFL starter. A rugged four-year starter for the Sooners, Samia proved to be a consistent, dominant force on the Oklahoma offensive line. In addition to being named to the All-Big 12 First-Team, Samia was also named the Big 12’s Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2018.

Samia shines in pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, Samia only allowed six quarterback pressures on 414 pass-blocking snaps. Where he struggled, though, and needs to show improvement in the NFL is in the running game – he finished the season grading out as the 170th overall lineman in run-blocking success.

With a smaller-than-average body for a guard at 6-foot-5, 303 pounds, Samia uses his athleticism to attack blocks instead of overpowering rushers. Samia also played significant time at the tackle position and served as the backup center during his career in Norman, which provides the flexibility NFL teams enjoy having in offensive linemen.

The combination of Samia’s durability, athleticism, leadership and positional-adaptability could tempt teams to reach for him on day one of the draft, but he’s likely to be selected on day two. Either way, Samia should become a rock for many seasons to come.