The 2019 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. The Game Haus will be doing scouting reports on some of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. Washington State offensive tackle has helped the potent Washington State offense over the last few seasons and is now headed to the NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gduDLEbnGM0
Position: Offensive Tackle
Class: Redshirt Senior
2018 Stats: All-Pac-12 First Team
Size: 6-foot-5, 315 pounds
Dillard is one of the most experienced offensive tackles in the draft class after playing at Washington State early in his career. He will now hope that experience that he gained as a Cougar will get him selected relatively early in the 2019 NFL Draft.
He was redshirted his first year on campus, but was able to break into the starting lineup at the end of his freshman season at left tackle. Since that point, he has remained at left tackle for the Cougars. As a sophomore, he made the All-Pac-12 Second Team. He was an honorable mention All-Pac-12 as a junior, but was able to make the All-Pac-12 First Team as a senior. His play helped Washington State to some of their most successful seasons in history, as they compiled a 36-15 record over the four seasons he saw the field.
Now that he has helped Washington State to be one of the more consistent programs in the Pac-12, Dillard is headed to the NFL. Dillard will likely be selected within the first couple of rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Dillard has some of the best mobility out of an offensive lineman in the class. This was displayed at the 2019 NFL Combine, but also shows up on tape. He can get out to defend rushers from getting around the edge. Dillard can also pull if asked to in the running game. His solid footwork will help him at the next level.
In terms of pass reps over a college career, Dillard probably has the most out of offensive linemen in this class. Playing at Washington State, Dillard blocked for a pass-heavy offense and in doing so is now likely prepared to handle pass blocking in the NFL He displays a good base for teams to work with and develop.
He has a solid football IQ that was displayed over the last few seasons of starting at Washington State. When defensive linemen stunt or twist he knows how to pass off his assignment or handle it. His recognition and awareness should allow him to learn quickly.
He has the mobility, but his power is a weakness. Dillard could have trouble with power rushers and maintaining blocks in the run game because defensive linemen will have the strength to shed his blocks. He struggles with defenders who can effectively use his hands.
Dillard had a lot of reps in the passing game, but was not afforded the same opportunity in the running game at Washington State. He isn’t a big body mover and doesn’t have the necessary power to hold blocks at different times. With more reps and time with an NFL strength coach, Dillard could turn himself into a decent run blocker.
His hands could get better for the next level. If he works on his technique, he should be able to improve the timing and placement of his hands. With improvements in his hand fighting, he will be able to limit how effective defensive linemen are at fighting with their hands against him.
Projected Draft Range: First round-Second round
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
