Sean Welsh, Iowa: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Iowa’s Sean Welsh is a barrel-chested offensive guard who is very physical at the point of attack.
Sean Welsh excels at opening holes in the running game and moving defenders off the line of scrimmage. He has a solid first step that helps him initiate contact and deliver a jolt. His commitment to inside hand placement allows him to control the action.
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Welsh does a great job keeping his legs moving once engaged to the defender. This is someone who would excel in a power offense that wants to feature the ground attack.
He isn’t someone who should routinely asked to work to the sideline by pulling. The most movement Welsh should be asked to do is climbing to the second level. He shows a natural feel for peeling of his block and reaching the linebacker.
Welsh just isn’t a good enough athlete to consistently reach his block while on the move.
However, he does show the ability to hold up in pass protection. Welsh plays with a wide base which helps him anchor after contact. He keeps his head on a swivel and does a solid job identifying the most immediate threat.
The biggest concern with his game is that he lacks lateral quickness. This impacts his ability to mirror in pass protection and keep quicker defensive linemen from penetrating the pocket.
Welsh may have his shortcomings, but also features enough talent to be a long-time starter in the league. His combination of strength, power and toughness are what evaluators look for in a guard prospect.
He just won’t be a fit for every team which could hurt his overall draft range. Welsh is just one of those interior offensive linemen who quietly carves out a very successful career.