Tristan Wirfs | OL | Iowa
Elevator Pitch
Wirfs has all of the tools to be a high-end starting offensive lineman for years to come. From his brute strength to his impressive athleticism to his nonstop motor once engaged with a defender, his skill set has much to be excited about. Regardless of whether teams plan on playing him at tackle or guard, he should be an early pick in this year’s class.
Vitals
Height | 6-5
Weight | 320
Strengths
Wirfs garnered a reputation for being a weight room animal at Iowa, and when you turn on his tape, that’s not surprising to hear.
The three-year collegiate starter has a lengthy and muscular frame that is well-built with ideal proportions for an offensive lineman. His bulk translates to power on film, as he plays with powerful grip strength once he latches onto a defender. Wirfs has the raw upper-body strength to manhandle smaller defensive linemen and knock them off balance. Combining that power with a motor that runs high on every down, he has made his fair share of pancake blocks on the field.
Wirfs tested incredibly well at the Combine, leading all offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. That athleticism translates on tape. He has above-average lateral quickness in pass protection, showing flashes of dynamic explosion coming out of his stance to nullify speed rushers off the edge. He has also shown improvement in terms of his ability to get inside hand placement over the course of his collegiate career.
Weaknesses
While Wirfs has shown impressive athletic ability, he can stand to do so in a more consistent manner. His lateral quickness is superb on some plays, but there are also some downs where he struggles to change direction. Playing with better composure is an area where he can improve.
Wirfs’ hands can be a bit slow at times, as he can get better in regards to the quickness with which he counters pass-rushing techniques. He can also overset from time to time, leaving him susceptible to inside moves. His wingspan is also pretty short for an offensive tackle, making it a possibility he moves to the interior in the NFL.
