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The Vikings spent a sixth-round pick in hope of bolstering their offensive line on Day 3 of the draft, landing G/T Colby Gossett from Appalachian State. Gossett has three and a half years as a starter at App State, most at right guard, although he played right tackle as well, and ended his career there with 46 consecutive starts.
Analyzing Colby Gossett’s Play
Gossett has played mostly right guard, although he has the measurables to play right tackle- 6’5”, 311lbs., with nearly 34” arms- and has played there as well. He was solid in the games against tougher competition, and showed well during Senior Bowl week. He’s got big hands, and benched 32 reps at the Combine. In general, his other Combine measures were comparable to the top prospects at guard and tackle in this draft class.
Gossett is also a good scheme fit for the Vikings, having played in a zone blocking system- which the Vikings use.
But Gossett isn’t a perfect prospect - as you would expect being drafted on Day 3. From a technique standpoint, he reportedly struggles with heavy feet and balance issues at times, and needs work timing and executing his punch. As a run blocker, he reportedly can struggle sometimes with smaller, more penetrating defensive tackles.
Still, he’s a very solid run blocker from the video I’ve seen on him- looking at the 2016 Miami game for example- he doesn’t have a problem making his blocks on the second level. And there are a couple plays where Gossett makes the key block to spring his RB for a long run.
Gossett did well in pass protection in this game as well, and I didn’t notice any particular issues with heavy feet or balance issues- but this is only one game. He did well to pick up a well-timed blitz one play as well.
I haven’t been able to find any video of him at right tackle, but for what it’s worth in 2015 he had the most snaps at right tackle (433) and also had his highest run, pass and overall season grade from PFF that year.
We’ll have to see how Gossett takes to coaching after he starts off-season workouts with the Vikings, but he looks like he’s got the potential to upgrade the right-tackle spot, or compete at right guard, but he really seems better built for right tackle. He looks to be pretty solid as a run blocker, but the key will be how well he stands up in pass protection.
Here’s some other video on Gossett: