2020 NFL Draft: Matt Peart Has Starting-Caliber Traits

Connecticut offensive tackle Matt Peart is a talented prospect that has a chance to be one of the top tackle prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Peart is a 6-foot-7, 303-pound redshirt senior that has provided the lone bright spot for an otherwise disappointing start to the Huskies’ season.

He faced a tough matchup against UCF over the weekend and Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy officially put him on the Draft Twitter radar.

When you dig into Peart’s tape, it’s not hard to see why Nagy is so high on his talent.

He has a NFL-caliber build and possesses the length to stick on the outside at the next level.

Peart is a really good athlete for the position and will likely test well in agility drills at the Combine. He’s a scheme versatile prospect, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a zone-blocking team given his movement skills.

He has natural bend and does a nice job winning the leverage battle. Peart has flashed the ability to get underneath his assignment and generate push at the point-of-attack, but he needs to continue to strengthen his lower half before he does so consistently at the next level.

Peart is explosive off of the line-of-scrimmage and displays tremendous quickness. He’s an effective combo blocker and consistently executes his assignment when he gets to the 2nd level. Peart gets his hat across on the move and does a nice job establishing effective body positioning, especially when playing on the weak-side.

For as skilled as he is as a run blocker, Peart also displays ability as a pass protector.

He still needs to refine his footwork, specifically when he drops into a vertical set, but the tools are there.

Peart consistently widens the pocket on the right side and he displays the ability to recover vs. counter moves. He fires his hands off the snap and, when he latches on, Peart makes it nearly impossible for his assignment to impact the play.

Peart could have some issues early in his career vs. the bull rush, but time with a NFL strength and conditioning program will go a long way in solidifying his anchor.

UConn’s schedule doesn’t possess any sure-fire NFL edge rushers, but Tulane junior Patrick Johnson and Temple junior Quincy Roche both will test Peart during their matchups later this season.

It’s still early, but Peart’s NFL Draft stock is already on the rise. Given the demand at the position and his skill set, Peart has a real opportunity to earn a Top 100 selection in April’s Draft.