2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michigan OG Zak Zinter

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, I’ll be profiling Michigan guard Zak Zinter.

#65 Zak Zinter Guard Michigan – 6057, 309 lbs. (Senior)

Senior Bowl/NFL Combine

MEASUREMENTS

THE GOOD

— Experienced starter with over 2,500 snaps
— Uses straight-line speed as an effective puller
— Cerebral blocker who switches well and picks up free rushers
— Correctly places his hands inside the defender’s pads to control the point of attack
— Finishes blocks with second effort
— Tons of run-blocking reps will be able to slide in immediately in a gap scheme
— Solid, pure strength and power to seal blocks
— Delivers high-impact pancake blocks
— Longer arms as an interior blocker
— True competitor who finds work when he’s given open space
— Offensive captain with high-end intangibles and leadership skills
— Elite competition level and winning experience

The Bad

— He can lunge at his hips instead of bending his knees
— Below average flexibility with upper body stiffness
— Overall balance is questionable and may get exposed by stronger defensive tackles
— Poor lateral mobility leads to cross-body losses
— He has trouble blocking in space
— Leg injury caused him to miss the entire draft process

Bio

— Turns 23 in April
— 2,514 career college snaps
— 42 career college starts
— Zero sacks allowed, five pressures allowed in 2023
— Three sacks allowed, 36 pressure allowed in college career
— Broke his fibula and tibia late in 2023 and is still recovering
— Led a group of Michigan players that would go to a local high school and create care packages for a Michigan Army National Guard unit stationed in Iraq
— Two-star prospect out of Grand Rapids, Michigan
— 76.