Colby Gossett

in our view

Though he may be limited to just the right guard position in the NFL, Gossett is one of the better "small school" senior offensive linemen in the 2018 draft. He performed well when pitted against top competition and possesses the frame, physical nature and good technique required at the next level, projecting as a potential starting candidate by the end of his rookie deal.

strengths

Gossett sports a powerful, well distributed frame with broad shoulders, thick limbs and a solid base. He shows good initial quickness off the snap, creating a surge at the point of attack with powerful hands and good leg drive. His experience shows when blocking at the second level, demonstrating very good anticipation and an efficient path to meeting linebackers, latching on to them with strong hands and the core flexibility, power and balance to turn and seal them away from the ball-carrier. Gossett shows very good coordination between his hands and feet in pass protection, shooting his hands from his hips to provide a powerful initial punch to opponents and shuffling his feet to mirror. He possesses the core strength and flexibility to handle bull rushers, playing with his knees bent and butt down. He is a very physical, competitive player who looks to knock opponents to the turf when he senses them off-balance. -- Rob Rang 1/11/2018

compares to

Daniel Kilgore, 49ers - As a fifth round pick out of Appalachian State, himself, Kilgore knows better than most how steep the jump in competition will be for Gossett. The comparison isn't just based on their similar background, however. Like the 6-3, 310 pound starting center for the 49ers, Gossett possesses a thick, well-distributed frame and plays with the tenacity and consistency which has helped both players start every game in which they've played the past four years.

weaknesses

More of a technician and grappler than a top athlete, showing functional quickness to get to the second level but lacking the straight-line speed and explosiveness to impress in workouts or - more importantly - handle a switch to any other position along the offensive line. Suffers from some lapses in technique, dropping his head on contact, occasionally, and leaving himself vulnerable to over-arm swim moves. Must continue to keep his feet chopping, losing his balance and getting knocked aside when he gets lazy, plants his feet and leans into opponents. Played against lower competition throughout much of his career... - Rob Rang 1/11/2018

Rated as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com

played both offensive tackle and defensive end as a prep standout

earned first-team all-region recognition as an offensive lineman and notched 42 tackles and three sacks defensively as a senior

2012 Chamber Bowl all-star game participant

coached by Blair Armstrong.

Full name is Colby William Gossett

born June 23, 1995 (22 years old)

son of Lisa Baldwin

enjoys fishing and hunting

majoring in management.