It’s been 10 years since Colorado Buffaloes offensive tackle Nate Solder was a first-round draft pick of the New England Patriots. Since then, two more — David Bakhtiari and Arlington Hambright — have made it to the NFL through the annual selection event. Can Will Sherman add his name to that list of Colorado offensive tackles at the 2021 NFL Draft?
Will Sherman NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: Colorado
- Current Year: Junior
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 310 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Will Sherman Scouting Report
Positives: Three-year starter who lined up at both left and right tackle. Athletic, agile college tackle who projects as a zone-blocking guard in the NFL. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and blocks with leverage. Fires off the snap, quickly gets to the second level, and can hit a moving target. Displayed a nasty attitude last year and attacked assignments. Rarely off his feet, looks to hit multiple defenders, and works his hands throughout the action. Anchors in pass protection, easily adjusts to pick up the blitz, and covers a lot of area.
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Negatives: Must make better use of blocking angles. Struggles handling bigger, stronger opponents. Must be more consistent placing his hands into opponents.
Analysis: Sherman caught my eye off his redshirt freshman campaign, and he really elevated his game in 2020. He lacks the size and skills in pass protection to stay at tackle, but I believe his movement skills and ability to adjust in motion make Sherman the perfect zone-blocking guard.
Will Sherman Player Profile
Will Sherman emerged as a high school sophomore blocking for future first overall NFL Draft pick Kyler Murray. They played on the same Allen High School team that won a Class 6A Division I Championship in 2014. He would describe the semifinal and championship game as the best of his career.
During his three years at Allen, the Texas native would help the team to a 44-2 record. Although they wouldn’t win another state title during his time there, he had some personal success. As a senior, he was named the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year and received Second Team All-District honors. As well as excelling on the football field, he was also accomplished in the shotput and discus.
The three-star recruit was ranked as the 43rd best offensive guard in the 2017 class. Colorado was the first team to make an offer. However, multiple offers came from teams including California, Houston, Navy, and Mississippi State. Even after committing to Colorado prior to his senior season, he received an offer from Baylor. However, he stuck firm to his commitment to the Buffs.
Will Sherman’s college football career at Colorado
Although he suited up for multiple games as a freshman, he ultimately took 2017 as a redshirt year. After a season spent on the sideline, he became an integral part of the Colorado offensive line from there on out.
Despite being recruited as a guard, he made nine starts at offensive tackle for Colorado in 2018. With 14 knockdown blocks and 11 touchdown blocks, he earned the Buffs’ Offensive Trench Award. Furthermore, he received an All-Pac-12 honorable mention.
Displaying versatility that will improve his NFL Draft stock, Will Sherman switched sides to right tackle for 2019. Starting in all 12 games, he also demonstrated longevity by playing more offensive snaps than any other player on offense.
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Earning the Offensive Trench Award for the second consecutive season, Sherman logged 67 knockdown blocks and 13 touchdown blocks. His performance against Arizona State also saw him earn Colorado Offensive Player of the Week honors.
He switched back to left tackle for his junior season. In what was possibly his best season for the Buffs, he allowed just one sack and was penalized just once in six starts. As Colorado had their most successful season since 2016, their offensive tackle earned Second Team All-Pac-12 honors.
Following the season, Will Sherman opted to forego his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Will Sherman’s best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Colorado offensive tackle Will Sherman offers a team an experienced and versatile prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was a high school guard and has seen substantial playing time at both left and right tackle. Sherman could become a reliable swing tackle in the NFL, with the potential to develop into a starting guard.
He could prove to be a high-value pick early on the third day of the draft. Teams that have multiple holes to fill on the offensive line include the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, and Arizona Cardinals.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.