LSU IOL Scouting Report for Garrett Dellinger in the 2025 NFL Draft

As college football programs across the nation prepare for the next wave of NFL talent, LSU has a notable prospect emerging from their offensive line—Garrett Dellinger. A versatile and powerful player, Dellinger has steadily developed into one of the top interior offensive line (IOL) prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. This scouting report will break down his strengths, areas for improvement, and how his skill set projects to the next level.

Dellinger’s journey to becoming an NFL prospect is rooted in his ability to adapt and perform across multiple positions along the offensive line. His position versatility, combined with his athleticism, power, and technical prowess, makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth. Below is an in-depth look at what Dellinger brings to the table as an IOL prospect.

Overview of Garrett Dellinger’s College Career

Garrett Dellinger has been a consistent presence on LSU’s offensive line since his freshman year. Originally recruited as a four-star prospect out of Clarkston, Michigan, he quickly adapted to the physical demands of SEC football. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 315 pounds, Dellinger has the ideal frame for an interior offensive lineman at the next level.

During his time at LSU, Dellinger has demonstrated versatility in playing multiple spots along the offensive line, including both guard and center. His ability to shift between positions and maintain a high level of play has been a significant asset to the LSU offense. Throughout his career, Dellinger has showcased the traits of a player who can contribute both as a pass protector and a run blocker, with a strong foundation in the physical aspects of the game.

In 2023, Dellinger was one of LSU’s most reliable linemen, playing a major role in the protection of the Tigers’ quarterback and creating running lanes for LSU’s stable of running backs. His solid performances against top SEC defenses helped solidify his draft stock and make him one of the most intriguing interior offensive linemen for the upcoming draft.

Physical Attributes

Garrett Dellinger’s physical profile is one of the main reasons he stands out as an NFL prospect. At 6-foot-5 and around 315 pounds, he boasts an ideal size for a professional interior offensive lineman. His combination of length and bulk gives him the ability to hold his own in both the run game and pass protection, with the physicality to handle powerful defensive tackles and the agility to engage defenders on the move.

Dellinger’s frame is well-suited for the NFL, where the interior line positions require both power and balance. His broad shoulders and thick lower half make him a tough matchup for defenders looking to drive through him. Additionally, his body control allows him to move effectively in space, whether pulling to the second level in the run game or protecting the pocket on passing plays.

While he does have an imposing build, Dellinger is also fairly athletic for a player of his size. He moves with a level of fluidity that helps him keep up with quicker defensive tackles and is capable of getting out in front as a pulling guard. His physical tools, combined with his impressive movement skills, make him a versatile and well-rounded prospect for NFL teams.

Strengths

1. Versatility

One of Dellinger’s most significant strengths is his versatility. He has experience playing at multiple spots along the interior of the offensive line, including both guard positions and center. This versatility is a huge asset for NFL teams, as it provides depth and flexibility. A team can feel confident that Dellinger can step in at multiple positions if needed, making him a valuable asset in terms of roster management.

Dellinger’s ability to play multiple positions, especially at such a high level in the SEC, highlights his football IQ and adaptability. At the next level, this versatility could make him a prime candidate for teams looking for offensive linemen who can rotate through different positions as injuries or matchups dictate.

2. Pass Protection

Dellinger’s ability to protect the quarterback in pass protection is one of his standout attributes. He has quick feet and shows solid technique in maintaining a stable base against bull rushes, which is critical in the NFL, where defenders will test an offensive lineman’s ability to stay anchored and mirror their movements.

Dellinger’s hands are active and effective in engaging and disengaging from defenders. He shows the ability to reset his hands quickly after initial contact, which helps him stay on his blocks during extended pass protection sequences. He’s also patient in his approach, maintaining his positioning while looking for opportunities to redirect defenders as the play develops.

Against SEC pass rushers, many of whom have the size and athleticism to dominate, Dellinger has shown the ability to hold his ground. His strong core and lower body help him anchor against power rushes, while his lateral quickness allows him to react to speed rushers who are attempting to work around the edge.

3. Run Blocking and Power

Dellinger is at his best when he’s driving defenders off the ball in the run game. His upper and lower body strength are impressive, and he uses that power to create significant movement at the line of scrimmage. Whether it’s in short-yardage situations or working to establish a physical presence on the ground, Dellinger can use his hands to latch onto defenders and finish blocks with authority.

He shows good initial punch at the line of scrimmage and consistently works to sustain his blocks throughout the play. Dellinger is also effective when it comes to creating lanes for running backs, particularly when executing combo blocks and working to the second level. His ability to take on multiple defenders and create running lanes, especially on inside zone runs, makes him a strong fit for teams with a power-based running game.

4. Football IQ

Dellinger’s football IQ is another key strength that helps him succeed at the college level and will serve him well in the NFL. His understanding of blocking schemes, defensive fronts, and the general flow of a play makes him an asset in both the passing and running game. He does a great job recognizing defensive alignments and adjusting his technique accordingly. This awareness allows him to be effective when diagnosing defensive shifts and identifying blitzes.

His intelligence also shows in his ability to stay poised under pressure. Whether he’s facing an elite pass rusher or a defensive tackle looking to disrupt the pocket, Dellinger’s mental toughness helps him stay focused on his assignment, even in chaotic situations.

Areas for Improvement

1. Pad Level

One area where Dellinger could stand to improve is his pad level, especially when it comes to sustaining blocks against power defenders. While he does a good job of anchoring in pass protection, there are times in the run game where he allows defenders to get under his pads and disrupt his base. Lowering his pad level and staying more consistent with his leverage in the run game will help him avoid losing his balance against stronger opponents at the next level.

2. Hand Placement and Timing

While Dellinger has active hands in pass protection, there are moments when his hand placement and timing need refinement. Sometimes he can be a bit late with his punch or miss on his target, which leaves him vulnerable to defenders who can swim or swipe his hands away. Improving his hand placement and being more aggressive with his initial punch will help him better disengage from defenders and maintain control during critical moments in the play.

3. Consistency in Combos

Dellinger is capable of executing combo blocks, but at times his ability to smoothly pass off defenders or work to the second level can be inconsistent. Improving his timing and fluidity in these situations would help him be more effective when executing double-teams and engaging defenders downfield in the run game. As a center or guard in the NFL, this will be critical for helping open up lanes for running backs and keeping the pocket clean for the quarterback.

NFL Projection and Fit

Garrett Dellinger’s versatility, power, and solid technique make him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. His ability to play multiple positions along the interior of the offensive line is a trait that many NFL teams value, particularly when it comes to building depth on the offensive line. Dellinger projects as a starting-caliber player, especially if he continues to refine his hand placement, pad level, and timing.

In terms of fit, Dellinger would work well in a variety of offensive systems. Teams that utilize a zone-blocking scheme could benefit from his agility and ability to move in space, while teams that rely more on power concepts could benefit from his strength and ability to drive defenders off the ball. His experience in both pass protection and run blocking makes him a well-rounded prospect who can contribute immediately as either a guard or center.

Potential Landing Spots

Some NFL teams with a need for offensive line depth or upgrades along the interior may be particularly interested in Dellinger’s skill set. Teams with young quarterbacks or teams looking to establish a more physical running game could see Dellinger as a key piece to their offensive line puzzle. His experience in the SEC, playing against some of the top defenses in the country, gives him a strong foundation to make the transition to the NFL.