Robert Hainsey 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Offensive Lineman
Height: 6’-4”
Weight: 306 pounds
School: Notre Dame
2021 NFL Draft Profile: Robert Hainsey
The first few rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft are sure to have plenty of offensive lineman coming off the board. Notre Dame brings its usual group of prospects to the event, and Robert Hainsey, former right tackle, looks to hear his name called this April. Hainsey, a three-year starter in South Bend, ended his tenure in 2020 with Second-Team All-ACC honors. The Pittsburgh native seems likely to enter the NFL as a guard project rather than at tackle. His size, coachability, and maturity should have teams looking his way for depth almost anywhere on an offensive line.
Robert Hainsey came to Notre Dame from IMG Academy as a Top 100 Overall recruit with a 4-star label. A lone start at right tackle in 2017 must have been enough to show coaches what they wanted to see, as he secured the starting job for the next three seasons. A full 13 starts in 2018 shows that Hainsey has the steadiness to endure a season in the trenches. 2019 however, he saw only eight starts after a fractured ankle ended his campaign. After a solid 2020 season earning Second Team All-ACC honors, Hainsey was invited to the Senior Bowl to showcase his talent before the draft.
Strengths
- Two-year captain – respected leader at Notre Dame;
- Loose hips when defenders bull rush;
- Top-heavy – controls his point of attack;
- Can play almost every position on the line;
- Square, power blocking fundamentals;
Weaknesses
- Lean legs – lacks power at the base;
- Not exactly athletic;
- Agility missing when sealing rushers on the edge;
- Struggles to adjust blocking strategy mid-game;
- Below average arm length;
NFL Comparison: Dalton Risner
Teams With Need at Position: Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line on Robert Hainsey
General managers looking for a coachable solution to their offensive line depth, meet Robert Hainsey. With a work ethic that doesn’t quit, the Notre Dame grad brings experience and leadership to whatever unit grabs him. Injuries seemed to be a huge topic in the NFL in 2020, and teams could benefit from the services of a lineman like Hainsey. Although he started at tackle throughout college, he should be expected to slide to guard as a pro. This shift should benefit his shorter arms and top-heavy physique. Lastly, and perhaps his biggest asset, is the ability to play anywhere on the line. An invitation to the Senior Bowl saw him winning one-on-ones at the center position. Versatility is highly coveted in today’s NFL, only benefitting Hainsey.
Hainsey has everything a coach would want in a player that isn’t measurable, however, his agility and athleticism is average. His foot speed and lack of length may be an issue against larger, speed rushers. Hainsey must develop awareness to adapt to the players he is blocking throughout a game. He showed promise as a guard at the Senior Bowl, but spin moves leave him wide open in gaps. A smaller bottom frame could have physical edge rushers bulldozing through him to the quarterback.
Despite size and speed concerns, the former Fighting Irish tackle is a solid day three prospect to have on your board. Hainsey will bring a collected presence and depth to an NFL line, many of which are transitioning. The Pittsburgh Steelers may move to grab the hometown player to improve a changing line. Whichever club snags the prospect gains a coachable, high character player who has the qualities to be a tenured career backup lineman in the NFL.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
