Clint Boling NFL Draft Scouting Report

Clint Boling
6'5, 308 pounds | Guard | Georgia

Agility: For his size, Boling possesses good agility.  He has fluid motions that allow him to get into good positioning.  Boling is able to use his change of direction skills to react to counter moves by the defensive lineman.  When climbing to the 2nd level, Boling is balanced and under control while sealing defenders from the football. 

Movement: Boling takes short and balanced steps which helps him absorb contact and move defenders off the ball.  When in space, Boling remains under control as he attempts to make a block.  He is both coordinated and balanced in all of his movements.

Pass blocking: Awareness, balance, and athletic ability are the keys to Boling's ability to effectively pass protect.  He constantly has his head up and on a swivel which allows him to identify the most immediate threat.  Boling is a natural bender with the ability anchor after contact.  He gets his arms extended and hands inside the defender allowing him to control.  Pass rushers have a hard time getting around Boling due to his quick and balanced mirror ability.  Overall, he possesses the strength and anchor to stop bull rushing attempts.  He also has the quickness and balance to stop speed rushes and react to counter attempts.

Quickness: Boling possesses deceptive quickness with the ability to climb to the 2nd level and get out in front when asked to pull.  He is able to quickly go from stance to set which gives him an advantage over most defensive linemen.

Run blocking: There is a nastiness to Boling's game as he loves to finish his blocks. He explodes off the ball and quickly gets his hands into the defender.  Boling packs a powerful punch that often jolts the defensive lineman backwards off the line.  He plays with a low pad level that allows him to maintain leverage and control the defender.  His balance is key to his ability to remain engaged.  Overall, Boling is a very effective run blocker with the versatility to fit into any system.

Strength: Boling doesn't possess elite strength but can more than get the job done.  What strength he has is enhanced by his balance and leverage.  The fact that he keeps his pads low and is able to get under the defender helps him overcome any shortcomings.  Boling has a strong leg drive which helps him move defenders off the line.

Technique: The only issue I have with Boling's technique is that he pass protects with his hands at his side.  This is a wasted motion which could allow pass rushers to get into his body.  In all aspects of his game,  Boling excels at keeping his pad level low while taking balanced and coordinated steps.

Final word: Boling looks to be a solid 2nd round selection and should be able to contribute at guard from day one.  He is a sound technician with the strength and quickness to both effectively pass and run block.  Ideally, Boling would add some more bulk to his frame but he possesses to proper technique to overcome.  Any team looking to improve their guard play would benefit from adding Boling to the mix.