Niki Prongos is a diamond in the rough at Palo Alto. The Stanford tackle has prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-7, 310 pounds. Prongos started his college career as a walk-on at UCLA, as did Browns rookie linebacker and Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Carson Schwesinger. Prongos started across the line for UCLA during his first three seasons with the team. Since transferring to Stanford, Prongos has lined up at left tackle. He's played well for the Cardinals.
Prongos' strength is what jumps out on tape. He has powerful hands. He can knock heads back at the point of attack. He also has incredible grip strength. If he can get his hand latched onto a collar, it doesn't leave until the echoes of the whistle. Prongos is more of an athlete than a football player at this point. He's a very raw prospect with top-notch traits. He doesn't play with good technique or consistency. He plays a little high, and he must improve his core strength. Prongos is a good pass blocker who can quickly stalemate pass rushers. In the run game, he struggles with sustaining blocks. Prongos has the tools to develop into the top tackle in the draft class. He'll need time and NFL coaching to reach his potential. Prongos must improve his footwork and leverage.
The league is desperate for offensive tackles, and in a weak class, Prongos stands out. Few draft-eligible tackles will measure up to him. Teams that prioritize size benchmarks will have Prongos near the top of their big boards. Prongos's size and strength set him apart from the rest of the class. He's a traditional offensive tackle. His work ethic, going from a walk-on to a starter, will impress teams. Prongos has continued to improve throughout the season. He still has a long way to go to reach his potential. His median outcome is a good tackle, with his top end being All-Pro-level. The tools and the work ethic are there. He needs time. He's a player worth betting on.
