Kilian Zierer 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• ESPN and 247sports rate him the No. 1 Juco prospect nationally

• Started playing football at age 16
• Two-sport athlete (football and soccer)

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Multiple with spread concepts
• 2022 projected role: Starting RT

Pros: Auburn’s swing tackle is a massive human being! Kilian Zierer is a solid mover for an OL of his build and size. He uses his reach similar to a box that jabs his opponents to keep them outside of his frame. This comes in handy on short sets to cap the wide rusher’s path to the quarterback. His long reach allows him to recover if speed rushers effectively stress his outside shoulder, allowing him to wash guys around the arc or stonewall them to regain leverage. He plays with physical intensity—I like his approach. Zierer generates a good pop out of his stance to engage his opponent. He identifies late or delayed rushers pre-snap. He shows good movement and athleticism to climb vertically and reach second-level defenders. He’s a reliable puller on outside power run calls. In 339 snaps, he did not allow a sack with four hurries, two QB hits, and six pressures. He showed promise and flashes to offer optimism in a larger role. Last season, Trevor Penning (with a similar skill set and physical traits) worked his way into the first round of the NFL Draft. That should be the blueprint for Zierer!

Cons: Kilian Zierer needs to tone down his aggression. Sometimes, he will miss the blocking target entirely. His aggression also causes balance and connective issues between his upper and lower body—his body will lose symmetry and become unhinged. There are moments Zierer is caught bending at the waist instead of with his hips and knees. With limited full-time experience, his punch technique is a bit raw. He is overzealous and throws a tick too early, which throws off his timing with the following punches. Explosive speed rushers can threaten his gate (hips), making him susceptible to inside counters and spins.

Kilian Zierer NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson