John Molchon 2020 NFL Draft Profile

After redshirting, John Molchon immediately began making movement on the Boise State roster when he started three of seven games at right tackle his redshirt freshman season. He worked his way into a starting position at left guard the year after, and never looked back. Coming from nearby Las Vegas, he made a natural fit into the Mountain West Conference atmosphere, earning All-MWC honourable mentions in 2017, and first team all-conference in 2018 and 2019.

Molchon was a resilient starter for Boise State, able to dominate in a quick-moving MWC offensive system. He boasted the intelligence to learn across the offensive line, and continually improved. However, he never made the jump to dominate bigger defensive tackles one-on-one, a factor which may limit him in the NFL. Regardless, he has the traits and experience to work with as a backup offensive lineman prospect.

Strengths

Competitive drive and does not give up on plays;

Good at tracing defensive lineman down the line for an extra push;

Quick arrival to the second level;

Has a good anchor that equates to good hand fighting and positioning;

Efficient at pushing through on a pull.

Weaknesses

Shorter arms and legs simply allow bigger defensive tackles to out leverage him;

Will be pushed around by bigger lineman;

Struggles blocking outside of the frame if he cannot find an anchor;

Attempts to chase linebackers away from the play if he cannot find the first block;

May not match NFL athleticism on plays outside the box.

NFL Comparison: Joey Hunt

Projection: Seventh Round

Bottom Line on John Molchon

John Molchon has an incredible nose for football. He is an efficient guard and fit very nicely into the Boise State offense. To succeed at the NFL level Molchon will need to put incredible work in the weight room and on the track. He was athletic enough to succeed in an athletic college offense, but NFL defenders will match his athleticism while dominating him in strength. He needs to make up for a shorter frame that may just physically count him out if he is unable to refine his technique.

However, that does not mean he will give up or will not try on a play: Molchon is a competitive guard. That trait alone, in combination with fantastic anchoring fundamentals, means he is a guard worth working on. He should not go to a team needing an instant backup and may need a “redshirt” NFL year. In the right system, however, Molchon could turn into an athletic offensive guard who can learn the left or right slot.

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