From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#74 Liam Eichenberg/OT Notre Dame – 6’6/1 302
The Good
– Impressive size and seems to have good length
– Quality athlete, explodes out of stance and gets to his spot quickly
– Good feet and overall mobility, able to mirror and seal speed rushes upfield
– Plays with tight, controlled hands and shows power on his punch
– Good balance overall, not often on the ground
– Sound base in pass pro most of the time, great knee bend and sinks hips in pass set
– Overall, feet/hands work together throughout his slide
– Shows nasty demeanor, desire to finish blocks in run and pass game
– Great leg drive, makes up for lack of innate strength, and creates movement with effort and finish
– Good eyes in stunt/blitz recognition and pickup
– Tons of starting experience
The Bad
– Lacks elite strength as a run blocker
– Feet will go dead on his punch, making him vulnerable to losing the edge or allowing inside rushes
– Will struggle most with bull rushes and pass rushers who play with power
– Good quickness out of stance but isn’t particularly fleet of foot downfield on screens and out in space
– All starts came at LT, doesn’t have much versatility
– Graduate senior, older than typical prospect
Bio
– 37 career starts for the Fighting Irish, all at left tackle
– Turned 23 in January
– All-American 2nd Team Selection in 2020
– Four-star recruit out of HS, had 15 offers, chose Notre Dame over Alabama, Florida State, and Ohio State, among others
Tape Breakdown
Eichenberg is in that Tier 2 class of tackles, fighting to be the next one off the board after the likes of Oregon’s Penei Sewell and probably Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater.