Hollin Pierce’s scouting report is equal parts intrigue and uncertainty. The Rutgers offensive tackle possesses an extraordinary combination of size, length, and power. Yet, his lack of small-area quickness could prove consistently problematic against faster NFL edge defenders.
Pierce’s steady improvement across five years with the Scarlet Knights provides reason for optimism, though. He’ll likely face more growing pains than the tackles who’ll come off the board early in the 2025 NFL draft, but his long-term upside can match the class’s top prospects.
The 23-year-old former walk-on is betting his work ethic will allow him to shine at the next level.
“Just my story alone just tells NFL teams how I’m a hardworking guy,” Pierce told 247Sports’ Kristian Dyer. “I’m always in the building, and I faced a lot of effort getting here, and that’s not something that scares me. So I’m just always willing to work. And that’s just how I am.”
Although there’s some risk associated with his overall skill set, he could end up being one of the 2025 draft class’s biggest steals when fans look back in five years.
Hollin Pierce 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Key Prospect Information
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6′ 8”
Weight: 341 pounds
School: Rutgers University
Strengths
- Uses his massive frame to create great leverage
- Length allows him to make quick first contact
- Consistently protects inner pocket by forcing rushers outside
- Clear improvement each of his four years as a college starter
- Great discipline; Committed just four penalties at Rutgers
Weaknesses
- Must improve frequently sluggish first step
- Often gets beat around the edge by speed rush
- Blocking in the run game comes and goes
- Middling athleticism may limit peak upside
Bottom Line on Hollin Pierce
Pierce is a lottery ticket. Yes, a team could land a 10-year starting tackle for a pick in the middle rounds, but that’s far from a guaranteed result. It’s possible he’s never able to fully keep up with the speed of the NFL game. If so, he’ll spend his career on the roster fringe.
Hollin Pierce is 6’8, 341lbs with 37” arms…
Utterly insane that he moves this well at that size. Started 50 games of OT at Rutgers after joining the program as a walk-on.
I have a 3rd round grade on him pic.twitter.com/hDRVPtMtkl
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 14, 2025
Yet, there’s enough evidence to think he’s worth a flier early on Day 3. The number of flaws, both in terms of technique and execution, is drastically reduced from when he arrived at Rutgers. It’s obvious he’s a player who’s constantly seeking guidance and trying to improve.
Hollin Pierce Team Fits
The New Jersey native makes a lot of sense for a contender where there will be no pressure to perform as a rookie. A team like the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or Philadelphia Eagles would be an ideal fit. He’d be a swing tackle and likely fourth on the depth chart in 2025.
Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
6’8” 341
36” arms
88.25” wing50 starts, 26 at LT, 24 at RT.
Didn’t play until his JR year of high school, was a 455 pound kid. pic.twitter.com/UE8R6lTcqP
— Steve (@AirRaidConcepts) April 12, 2025
Pierce would benefit from a season of NFL coaching and a chance to face high-end edge rushers in practice on a weekly basis. That would also give the staff about 16 months to see whether his flaws are fixable. A slow development plan is necessary with an eye toward 2026.
So, what’s the ultimate upside here? The 2024 Second Team All-Big Ten selection may not have the agility to become a Pro Bowl left tackle. He’s more likely someone who could grow into a long-term answer at right tackle.
#Rutgers LT Hollin Pierce has unreal potential
36" arms, tons of power, and unbelievable tools to work with
A coach's dream pic.twitter.com/A532VYePkb
— Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) March 2, 2025
Pierce’s size, steady improvement, and intangibles are impossible to ignore. He’s not a polished prospect, but he’ll never fail because of a lack of effort. He’s the type of nose-to-the-grindstone player every locker room welcomes with open arms.
2025 NFL Draft Projection: Round 4 pick
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
