Oregon v. Arizona State: 5 2020 NFL Draft hopefuls to watch
By Seth Steere
Several prospects taking the field on Saturday in the match-up between Oregon and ASU have a solid shot to be drafted in the top 100 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Last year’s game was certainly a doozy between the two PAC-12 schools; the Ducks came away with the win (31-29), but nothing about that game screamed easy for Oregon. Many will be watching to see if ASU can perhaps knock Oregon out of the playoff race, but that’s not the only reason to watch this game; each team will field some impressive and intriguing prospects in the 2020 draft class.
Shane Lemieux, Guard, Oregon
The anchor of Oregon’s interior offensive line, Shane Lemieux is an absolute mauler. He is one of the best finishers in college football and the NFL will love him for it. When scouting offensive lineman, one key trait that scouts and general managers look for is a lineman’s ability to finish and Lemieux will get nasty and take you all the way to the ground.
Besides Penei Sewell — Oregon’s left tackle — Lemieux is there best prospect along their offensive line. He is great at getting to blocks on the second level as well as pulling; he has great mobility for his size (6’4″, 316 pounds). Starting with his get-off he is quick to get to the second-level; you’ll want this guy out in front of you on screens if you’re receiving the ball.
Where Lemieux can sometimes struggle is in the passing game. He doesn’t have the best anchor and looks to “catch” his opponents on their rush, which doesn’t make for the best combination. Despite having a strong initial punch with his hands, he doesn’t always use it to his advantage in the passing game.
Lemieux is one of the more experienced offensive lineman in the draft playing every year since his redshirt freshman year when he played on 79% of Oregon’s of their offensive plays. Teams will love his nastiness and come 2020, we may see the Duck’s guard drafted somewhere in the top 100.