Ourlads' Profile:
2020 Guide: What Ourlads' Scouting Services said about LUCAS NIANG: TCU, 6060 315 5.35. Three-year starter, New Canaan, CT. Missed the second half of 2019 with a hip labrum injury that needed surgery. Earned second-team All Big 12 in 2018, the only season he started every game. His size looks excellent on paper but he has work to do on his body. As he continues to rehab from his surgery, he will need a sleeping bag in the weight room. Doesn’t play an aggressive game and will too often try to catch defenders rather than impose his will. There is a lot of natural talent to work with. He moves very well and produced based on athletic ability and size. If he can combine that with more consistent footwork and effort, he has starter-potential. Simply needs to apply himself in the weight room for a year and clean up other areas. Plus size and foot speed. Gets out of his stance in a hurry and can beat edge rushers to the point. Shows good balance and maintains good knee bend upon engagement. Keeps his hands inside, stays within himself. Will keep his base wide and shows the ability to quickly re-anchor with an identical set up. Recovers well if he is beat initially. Effective second level blocker, gets there in a hurry and will meet the defender with power and balance. Gets clean shots and his athleticism turns into usable power. Smart and savvy decision maker, won’t over-commit to his initial reads. Will get sloppy with his techniques, most notably his footwork. Inconsistent effort and desire. Doesn’t deliver a punch as often as he catches contact. Needs to be more aggressive. Doesn’t move defensive linemen in the running game. Needs more lower body power and pop. Coming off a hip labrum injury and surgery will make that a deeper issue. Medical exclusion at Combine. Fourth/fifth round. (A-34 1/4, H-10 1/2, BP-DNP, 10-DNP).