The Colts are going a good job of finding offensive linemen they can develop and eventually surround the soon-to-be richest QB in history with. It helps that Haeg has endured the pressures of protecting the blindside of his team's star QB.
--Mark Dulgerian
6'6" Height
33 3/4" Arm Length
304LBS. Weight
9 5/8" Hands
Overview
Every draft since 2010 has seen at least one offensive lineman from a non-FBS school drafted in the top 100. Haeg is this year's best candidate, as the 2014 (AP, AFCA) and 2015 (AP, Walter Camp) All-American hopes to follow in his former teammate's shoes; tackle Billy Turner was drafted in the third round by Miami in 2014. This former walk-on received the Top Collegiate Offensive Lineman award from the FCS Athletic Directors Association in 2015, as well. Haeg, a two-time first team All-Missouri Valley Conference pick, started 60 of a possible 61 games (29 at right tackle, 32 on the left side after Turner went to the NFL).
Pro Day Results
Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
Analysis
Strengths
Athletic build with potential to add more bulk to his frame. Four-year starter who comes from winning program. Has played both tackle spots. Plays with good posture in his pass sets and uses his length effectively. Can get to the perimeter quickly and seal the edge when asked to short pull around the corner. Agile with lateral quickness. Drives his feet up and along line of scrimmage to maintain leverage in zone engagement. Doesn't panic against spin moves in pass rush.
Weaknesses
Gets caught on the balls of his feet in pass pro rather than sitting down to throw his punch. Needs more knee bend in pass sets. Core strength looks like a major concern. Wasn't challenged by premier athletes on the edge. Timing on combo blocks needs work. Shows better athletic ability laterally than when asked to find targets in space. Zone scheme only lineman. Leans and pushes rather than driving with his lower body. Struggles to sustain and control his blocks even when he wins early in rep.
Draft Projection
Rounds 4 or 5
NFL Comparison
James Hurst
Bottom Line
While the pedigree and the body type look the part, continued tape study begins to uncover core strength issues that permeate several facets of his game. As a run blocker, his inability to drive and sustain blocks is a concern while his pass protection shows a good, initial pass set that turns into leaning to make up for his lack of anchor. While Haeg has the athletic traits of a zone blocking tackle, it won't matter without better functional power.
