From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Illinois OT Julian Pearl.
#54 Julian Pearl/OT Illinois – 6054, 314 lbs. (Senior)
East/West Shrine Game
MEASUREMENTS
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Julian Pearl | 6054/314 | 10 1/8″ | 35″ | 85 3/4″ |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
The Good
– Thick lower half, wide base, and excellent length
– Creates torque as a blocker, powerful hands who can jolt defenders with his punch
– Shows leg drive and desire to finish
– Engulfs and bullies smaller defenders, routinely put EDGE players into the ground
– Good ID and recognition of stunts and blitzes
– Capable puller and able to hit a target in space
– Able to use length to seal
– Effectively washes defenders on down blocks
– Tons of starting experience with versatility
The Bad
– Inconsistent game overall
– Hands are too wide and he struggles to consistently strike, opens up chest and vulnerable to catching too many blocks
– Plays with forward lean as a blocker, bends at the waist and tends to lunge, reducing power on punch and causing him to fall off
– Trouble redirecting and changing direction against inside counters, knocked off balance and easily beat
– Average foot speed and lateral quickness, twitchy and athletic edge rushers will win the edge
– Can play too tall as a run blocker
– Tends to be late off the ball in pass protection
– Poor cut blocker
– Will be one of the draft’s oldest prospects
Bio
– 39 career starts (last 24 at left tackle, four at right tackle in 2020, five at right guard in 2021)
– Spent six years in college, turns 25 in October of 2024
– Two-star recruit from Danville, Illinois, only other FBS offer was Northern Illinois (originally committed there before flipping two months later)
– Listed at 245 pounds as a high school senior
– Played center for high school basketball team
– Two brothers played college sports (one D3 football, one D3 basketball)
– Played offensive line and defensive line in high school
– Lived in three different cities by the 8th grade
Tape Breakdown
Julian Pearl was a relatively small-time recruit coming out of college.