Wake up: Sleeper OT Tommy Doyle declares for 2021 NFL Draft

From the MAC to the 2021 NFL Draft, Tommy Doyle is ready for the next step

He really had no other option given his status of a Redshirt Senior at the University of Miami of Ohio. Offensive tackle Tommy Doyle has declared for the 2021 NFL Draft after the MAC cancelled their Fall season.

Doyle has become the fourth offensive tackle in this year’s draft class to opt out and declare, joining Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater, Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield and Northern Iowa’s Spencer Brown. Currently listed as this writer’s third ranked offensive tackle (well, fourth after watching Slater late in the game), with a ton of potential to keep his new quarterback upright with frequency.

Where Tommy Doyle fits in the NFL

More from With the First Pick

Listed at a massive 6-foot-8 and 326 pounds, Doyle is a massive human being with the potential to win in the phone booth at the next level. His ideal fit would be a team who is a predominantly pass-first team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who do not ask their offensive linemen to get wide or up the field frequently.

He has a smooth pass set and strong hands, proving to be a fun run blocker as well as strong pass protector. While he does not have the world’s most mobility or athletic ability, he will be a fit with any team not running a wide zone offensive system.

What is Doyle’s 2021 NFL Draft projection?

This writer is much higher on Doyle than the consensus seems to be, but the now-former Miami (OH) offensive tackle looks firmly like a day-two pick once the 2021 NFL Draft rolls around. A ton will ride on the NFL Scouting Combine after being left off the Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist (an event he could still make an appearance at) in regards to his draft stock.

Pro Football Network’s Andrew DiCecco says Doyle has what it takes to make it at the next level:

"“Doyle is still very much a work in progress as a pass protector, but he possesses the requisite awareness, lateral movement, foot speed, and football intelligence to solidify that aspect of his game. The reigning first-team All-MAC lineman is at his best as a run blocker, where his hand usage, explosion, and strength at the point of attack to drive defenders off the ball appears most natural.”"

Wherever he ends up, Doyle has the potential to be a longtime offensive tackle at the NFL level. From the MAC to the NFL, look out for the RedHawk sleeper to make waves this coming April.