Dillon Radunz 2021 NFL Draft Profile Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 301 Pounds
School: North Dakota State
Dillon Radunz 2021 NFL Draft Profile
In recent years, North Dakota State and its dominant FCS football program have risen to prominence in the national media due to fantastic play at the quarterback position. From former second-overall selection Carson Wentz to soon-to-be first-round selection Trey Lance, the Bison have proved they can produce dominant signal-callers year in and year out. However, another prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft has scouts flocking to Fargo in search of a dominant offensive lineman. This prospect’s name is Dillon Radunz.
Radunz’s Career As A Bison
For those who haven’t familiarized themselves with Radunz’s story, the Bison originally never wanted him to play offensive tackle. In fact, the coaching staff wanted to see him shine on the defensive side of the ball, officially listing him on the team’s roster as a defensive end. However, upon seeing Radunz’s impressive blocking skills and unique dominance over opposing players, the idea to move him to tackle seemed like a no-brainer. Entering his first year with the Bison, Radunz opted to redshirt and work to build up his frame, seeing as how he entered off-season workouts at just 265 pounds.
However, in 2017, Radunz got his chance to shine, competing with fellow offensive linemen for a starting role on the unit. Unfortunately, it took just fifteen snaps to end his season, with the young linemen suffering a torn ACL. Normally, an ACL tear would leave a negative stain on a player’s resume, but Radunz didn’t let his injury hold him back.
In 2018, Radunz started all fifteen games for the Bison, helping lead his team to a national championship. His play throughout the 2018 season put Radunz on the map as a potential elite-level tackle. However, Radunz’s 2019 season blew his previous years out of the water. In 2019, Radunz didn’t allow a single sack while also tallying 63 knockdowns. His impressive play during North Dakota State’s 2019 campaign earned Radunz plenty of much-deserved notoriety and awards. While Radunz was reportedly intrigued about entering the draft at this point in his college career, he ultimately decided to stay in school and work on his draft stock.
COVID-19 And A Reduced Season
Unfortunately for Radunz, COVID-19 presented a totally different problem than anything the NCAA had even seen prior and ultimately forced NDSU to play a one-game exhibition to substitute for their regular season. In his one game of action in 2020, Radunz played well and showed scouts exactly why he’ll become a successful offensive lineman at the next level. Now, with his career as a Bison coming to a close, Radunz has officially declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Plays tough and physical at the point of attack;
- Very fundamentally sound and plays with great body positioning;
- Shows explosiveness and a nasty attitude when firing off into opposing blockers;
- Can turn and take defenders completely out of a play;
- Possesses impressive awareness and versatility up and down the offensive line.
Weaknesses
- Should improve his balance blocking;
- Struggles with his footwork off the edge;
- Worrisome injury history.
Teams With Need At The Position: Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans.
NFL Comparison: Terron Armstead
Projection: Late First Round – Early Second Round
Bottom Line on Dillon Radunz
When looking at Dillon Radunz from a physical standpoint, he seems to possess all the skills necessary to become a dominant offensive lineman at the next level. His impressive body control coupled with his incredible ability to latch onto defenders and control them through the block makes Radunz one of the most intriguing tackles in the entire draft. While he may not go as high in the draft as other offensive linemen, such as Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slator, the small-school tackle bring’s great versatility and dependability to whichever team drafts him.
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