/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69137175/1171863867.0.jpg)
One of the Huskers most experienced offensive lineman, Matt Farniok finished his Husker career as a three year starter playing both right tackle and guard in addition to a spot start at center. Farniok’s Husker career had plenty of ups and downs but blessed with prototypical NFL size and a strong performance at the Pro Day he’s looking to make his mark in the NFL. Here are my Brenden Jaimes or Dedrick Mills Scouting Reports you missed them previously.
Measurables
Height: 6’5
Weight: 311
Hand: 9 5/8”
Arm: 33 1/4“
Wingspan: 79 3/4“
Grading
Trait Grade: 6.2/10 (Average)
Projection Grade: 6.0/10 (Depth Player)
Projection: Undrafted Free Agent
Team Fits
New England, Las Vegas, Buffalo, New York Giants, Baltimore, Detroit, Atlanta
Strengths
- Position versatility having experience playing tackle, guard and center
- Strong hands that allow him to lock onto defenders and hold the point of attack
- Lateral agility to cut off defenders or to slide with in pass protection
- Shows the power to steer defenders into position so he can seal them off in the run game.
- Good awareness to see defenders stunting, looping or linebackers blitzing
Weaknesses
- Can get a flat footed at times which allows defenders to beat him with second reaction moves
- Will get too high in his stance which cause balance and anchor issues
- Balance can be an issue where he is caught lunging at defenders
- Feet can stop during blocks which can allow defenders to slip off blocks
- Can get a little too passive in pass protection and catch defenders rather than attack
- Not great in space and will struggle to find defenders or be able to make contact.
Summary
Matt Farniok is a well put together NFL draft prospect who’s 6’5 311lb frame is ideal for the NFL. Farniok is much better playing inside a phone booth, so moving inside to guard was good move for him. At guard Farniok can use his lateral agility and length to get into defensive tackles and lock him up with his strong hands. As a run blocker Farniok isn’t a mauler but shows good strength to steer and seal defenders allowing the running backs to get by.
Nebraska RG Matt Farniok lifted up the DT and moved him down the line #NFLDraft #Huskers pic.twitter.com/BXNQDlVfre
— Brian Johannes (@Draft_Brian) November 25, 2020
Farniok’s biggest weakness is his balance where he’ll play too high at times and then lung at defenders. This leaves Farniok vulnerable to second reaction or counter moves which allows the defender to get by and Farniok would stumble.
Projection
Farniok projects to be a solid swing lineman that could come in and be a valuable backup at all three interior line spots with the ability to move out to tackle if needed. Wouldn’t shock me if he developed into a starting caliber center but look for Farniok to go undrafted but should be able to catch onto an NFL team as a developmental lineman with upside.