Sherrone Moore builds his perfect Michigan offensive lineman in viral interview
In a recent interview with new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, he was asked a series of questions to create his perfect Wolverine offensive lineman. With Moore’s background coaching the position, it presented a unique opportunity to isolate different qualities that makes an offensive lineman successful. The questions centered around five qualities: size, strength, football […]
In a recent interview with new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, he was asked a series of questions to create his perfect Wolverine offensive lineman. With Moore’s background coaching the position, it presented a unique opportunity to isolate different qualities that makes an offensive lineman successful.
The questions centered around five qualities: size, strength, football IQ, toughness, and agility. Coach Moore did not limit himself to just players he had coached. The list was a good mixture of recent standouts, as well as some of the better lineman Michigan has seen since the turn of the century.
This is Coach Moore’s Frankenstein of Michigan offensive lineman. It would make for a pretty impressive combination.
Size
When asked about size, Coach Moore quickly named former All-American left tackle Jake Long. He was selected first overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2008 NFL Draft, making four Pro Bowls with the team, and was named All-Pro once. At the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, Long measured in at 6-7 and 313 pounds. He also had 35 ¾ inch arms, as well as 11-inch hands. That is a massive human being. There wouldn’t be many Michigan fans willing to argue against Long, who has been one of the program’s top overall players since 2000.
Strength
The next category that Coach Moore was asked about was strength, which he selected current New England Patriots star Mike Onwenu to represent. After starting all 35 of his games at offensive guard for Michigan, Onwenu has spent some time at right tackle and guard for the Patriots during his career so far. The 6-3, 350-pound behemoth cashed in with a new contract this offseason, signing a 3-year, $57,000,000 deal with the team. A big reason for that is his brute strength, which isn’t quantified well enough with his 26 bench reps at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.
2025 NFL Mock Draft features a historic run on cornerbacks and high-upside EDGE defenders
With football just over the horizon, it is never too early for a 2025 NFL mock draft. This first round includes a historic run on talented cornerbacks and high-upside pass rushers.
Football IQ
Here’s where the recent examples come in, choosing offensive guard Trevor Keegan, an unheralded player that was a big reason the Wolverines ascended to championship level the last two seasons. It also is a selection that makes a lot of sense. Keegan was not known for his incredible physical skills, but for his mental approach and consistency. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Keegan may be overlooked by some, but clearly not by his former position coach.
Toughness
Coach Moore selected former Tennessee Titan Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan, who he could have honestly selected for several different categories. He was also a massive player, measuring in at 6-7 and 309 pounds with 33 ¾ inch arms. Lewan was also a stellar athlete, running an absurd 4.87-second forty-yard dash time. Instead, Moore wanted to highlight the toughness of Lewan. For people that didn’t follow his career, Lewan had to fight through a slew of injuries in his past. That included everything from concussions, back issues, and a knee injury. Despite that, he still managed to put together a nine-year career in the NFL. This was a nice selection.
Agility
Selecting Drake Nugent for the agility section was probably the most surprising. While going undrafted and signing with the San Francisco 49ers, the former Stanford standout was known as an undersized center who made up for it with his movement skills. Nugent verified that with a 4.60-second short shuttle time at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, which is a fantastic time. He also recorded a 7.33-second three-cone, which is also pretty good. It feels like there could have been better options, perhaps someone like Mason Cole, or even going back to a Pro Bowler in Steve Hutchinson. Still, Nugent certainly was quick, and agile.
