2021 NFL Draft: 4 O-lineman who could be steals on Day 3

Robert Hainsey, G, Notre Dame

Coming from Notre Dame, Hainsey knows what it’s like to play in big moments. Hainsey is a three-year starter for the Irish and spent two of those seasons as a team captain. His leadership is unquestionable and he’s been one of the rocks of the Irish defense since 2018. He’s as big a reason as any that Notre Dame has had such an explosive run game.

Hainsey is a strong player that uses that strength to bully opponents off the line. He can adjust to a changing defensive scheme quickly, picking up where pass rushers are coming from. Even though he can see this, he doesn’t always get there in time.

But he can communicate with his teammates to ensure someone else notices to pick up the slack. He improved his pass blocking during his time in South Bend and became someone that can be depended on in both passing and rushing situations.

He doesn’t have exceptional speed or quickness, nor will he be the most athletic guy on the field. But where he lacks in those departments, he makes up for with his old school, smash-mouth style of play.

Hainsey will never fly off the tape as someone you can’t take your eyes off of, but you know what to expect with him and consistency is difficult to find at times. He’s easily coachable and can learn quickly under the right tutorage. Hainsey might not become a superstar in the NFL, but he definitely has value in the league.