Veldheer is a small school prospect drawing a lot of attention and it's not hard to see why. At just over 6'8" and 312lbs with the athleticism to place among the top OTs in the 40, bench, vertical/broad jumps, 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle Veldheer turned heads at the combine. He's not all freak size and athleticism though, Veldheer was a 4 year starter at LT for Hillsdale, dominating D-II competition. Veldheer stood out to scouts at the Texas vs The Nation game (the same place D-III product Pierre Garçon showed off great skills).
Veldheer (#66) sets up to take on his man
Beyond level of competition, the concerns with Veldheer are some of the shortest arms in the LT class, pass pro technique still being a bit raw and not getting great push in the run game (though filling out that 6'8" frame more could help with that).
Mocking the DraftIt's hard to judge Veldheer as a top talent considering the extremely low level of competition he faced. What he looks like, though, is a strong developmental tackle with solid athleticisim. Definitely a project.
Dominating size and athletic ability at left tackle.....Dominating size and athletic ability at left tackle.....Frame will allow him to get even bigger.....Demonstrates good flexibility for such a large body.
Has been able to dominate on strength alone in D-2; may need some time to adjust to next-level defender's speed.
Excellent athleticism --- Nimble feet --- Able to slide laterally and mirror --- Superb Balance --- Quick and Agile --- Excels in pass protection and can handle speed off the edge.......Terrific mobility and range --- Smart with superb awareness --- Competitive and always gives max effort --- Hard Worker --- Durable --- Big Upside.
Will be making a huge leap in competition --- Short Arms --- Has some issues when it comes to leverage --- Isn't a natural knee bender --- Not real powerful --- Doesn't get a dominant push in the run game
Veldheer is usually projected from the mid 2nd round to the late 3rd. With the jump in competition he's unlikely to be a day 1 LT, but with his tools and experience he could possibly contribute at RT or G early. He's a project, but has the athletic tools of a pro-LT and the frame to be a massive mauling RT.
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