Northern Iowa OT Trevor Penning demonstrates ‘nasty streak’ at Senior Bowl

Nasty streak is practically an understatement when it comes to the gritty approach of Northern Iowa left offensive tackle Trevor Penning. The overpowering 6-foot-7, 329-pound blocker engulfed defensive linemen this week, slamming them to the ground and then piling on with his full weight to ensure they couldn’t get up to make the tackle.

Trevor Penning has a “legitimate mean streak’

Large and mobile with a lot of muscle to shove people around, Penning is a first-round NFL Draft prospect who utilized the Senior Bowl all-star game to make a hefty statement about his NFL potential.

“That guy has a legitimate mean streak, and he can flat-out play,” an AFC national scout said of Penning. “He’s for real. I would definitely want him on my team. Sign me up for a tough guy like that. He’s a little bit raw in terms of technique, but we can teach that and make him even better. He’s got a great future in the NFL ahead of him.”

Penning is regarded as a target in the second half of the first round on several teams’ draft boards. Penning, who has been training in Frisco, TX, with offensive line specialist Duke Manyweather of OL Masterminds along with Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal and Mississippi State offensive tackle Charles Cross, is expected to be a hot commodity for NFL teams with his controlled violence at the line of scrimmage.

“Honestly, that’s passion,” Penning told Pro Football Network at the Mobile Convention Center. “It’s fun. There’s nothing better than legally assaulting a guy across from you.”

Penning models himself after Titans starter Taylor Lewan

Penning patterns his game after Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, who plays the game with a similar style.

“We were watching NFL film and trying to learn how to do wide-zone and watched Taylor Lewan and Rodger Saffold a lot,” Penning said. “They were mauling people. It was really fun to watch.”

A three-year starter, Penning can block on the move at the second level. He’s also a powerful drive blocker who has bulked up and added nearly 100 pounds since enrolling in college as a freshman.

Lofty goals are well within reach

His ambition is simple: be a first-round draft pick.

“It’s definitely my goal and a possibility,” Penning said. “It’s been a really awesome experience. I’ve got to keep improving every day to get there. It’s been good. I just keep playing my game. I’m not worried too much about feedback. I just ball out.”