Analysts Like Max Scharping Potential
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2824345-max-scharping-nfl-draft-2019-scouting-report-for-houston-texans-pick
Published on State of the Texans
With the 55th pick in the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected Max Scharping, a tackle from the University of Northern Illinois. This was the second offensive lineman that Brian Gaine selected in this draft after choosing Tytus Howard in the first round. With these two picks, Gaine and the Texans hope to plug the major hole in the offensive line and finally prevent Deshaun Watson from getting sacked. Entering the draft, Brian Gaine had the goal to completely fix the offensive line after failing to sign any strong offensive linemen that could protect Deshaun Watson. However, by drafting both Scharping and Howard, the Texans have been able to greatly improve their offensive line, with both Scharping and Howard expected to immediately start.
NFL.com writer Lance Zierlein remarked that Scharping is an “ascending tackle prospect” that has a great combination of both athletic ability and size. This means that he will be able to better cover rushers and can easily recover and block defensive linemen if he gets beaten early. In addition, Scharping is a versatile player as he can play both left and right tackle, both of which were concerns for the Texans last season. His ability to mirror defensive linemen and his upper body power makes him able to press edge rushers. His length and skills, in general, can help neutralize the moves made by defensive linemen. However, his “inconsistent footwork and balance” is very clear and he is often unfocused and hurried against speedy edge rushers. In addition, his pass protection fundamentals need improvement and his run blocking abilities and skills also need some honing. Lance Zierlein remarks that Scharping would be a better fit at right tackle and, through honing on his skills and fixing his mistakes, has the potential to become an “above-average starter”.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report stated that Max Scharping has a very rare combination of both size and athletic ability, making him very fluid and able to move in space. In addition, Scharping has a high football IQ, making him an easy player to teach and expect positive results. IN addition, his core strength allows him to be a great run blocker at right tackle and is able to mirror and match speed rusher. With more technique to develop, Miller predicts that Scharping has a high ceiling in front of him. However, one weakness that Scharping is that he is often unbalanced and his faulty footwork can often create openings for interior pass rushers. In addition, Scharping often struggles with his hands and is “slow to process stunts and twists”. All in all, though, Miller believes that Scharping is a developmental project but can enter the lineup due to his elite size and athleticism. With a further focus on his techniques, the Texans can really capitalize on Max Scharping’s potential
Joe Marino from The Draft Network establishes that Scharping has great run blocking skills by forcing “his frame to seal rushing lanes”. Marino states that Scharping’s best quality is his experience as a four-year starter in college. This experience explains his versatility at both left and right tackle. However, Marino criticizes Scharping’s feet as his biggest weakness which leads to a lack of quickness and lateral mobility. With these limitations, Scharping has difficulties blocking in a zone scheme and isn’t consistent as a drive blocker. However, Marino notes that through development, Scharping has the upside to be a great starter in the NFL, which would greatly help the Texans.
Many experts would agree that similar to Tytus Howard, Max Scharping is a developmental pick that has great upside. With proper development, Scharping could become a great starter in 2-3 years.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/max-scharping?id=32195343-4808-3616-ff9b-04768d49e58e
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2824345-max-scharping-nfl-draft-2019-scouting-report-for-houston-texans-pick
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/max-scharping