Garrett Dellinger NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for LSU IOL

Garrett Dellinger, an interior offensive lineman (IOL) for LSU, is one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing around 310 pounds, Dellinger has the size and athleticism that scouts covet in modern offensive linemen. This scouting report will analyze his strengths, areas for improvement, and what makes him a promising prospect for the next level.

Background and College Career

Garrett Dellinger has been a versatile and key component of the LSU Tigers’ offensive line. Originally coming in as a highly-touted recruit from Clarkston, Michigan, Dellinger was known for his strong fundamentals and ability to play both center and guard. Over his time at LSU, he’s showcased adaptability, playing multiple positions along the interior line, which is a valuable asset for NFL teams looking for linemen who can move around based on need.

Dellinger was a mainstay for the Tigers, earning consistent starting roles and playing in a high-powered offense under a variety of offensive coordinators. His experience in the SEC, against some of the most elite defensive fronts in college football, has provided him with significant exposure to top-tier competition. As a result, his tape has been closely followed by NFL scouts who are eager to see how he translates his success at the college level to the pro ranks.

Physical Traits

Dellinger possesses ideal size for an interior lineman at 6’5″ and 310 pounds. His height allows him to leverage his long arms, giving him an advantage in both pass protection and run blocking. His weight is well-distributed, and while he has good functional strength, there are areas where he could add more muscle to his frame, particularly in the lower half, to improve his anchor and leverage in tight situations.

His athleticism is another standout trait. Dellinger is light on his feet for a player of his size, with impressive lateral mobility and the ability to get to the second level in the running game. His movement skills make him a natural fit for outside zone schemes, but he’s also versatile enough to fit into multiple offensive systems. His agility and ability to redirect defenders are top-tier for an interior lineman, and these traits have earned him praise for his overall potential at the next level.

Strengths

1. Versatility: One of Dellinger’s greatest strengths is his ability to play multiple positions along the interior offensive line. Throughout his time at LSU, he’s played both guard and center. This versatility is a huge selling point for NFL teams looking for linemen who can provide depth and contribute at multiple spots, particularly if injuries strike during the season. His experience at both center and guard allows him to provide flexibility in a rotation-heavy NFL offensive line.
2. Footwork and Movement: Dellinger’s footwork is a major strength. He shows quick and controlled movements, which help him in both pass protection and the running game. His ability to slide laterally and mirror defenders in pass protection is excellent, especially when he’s dealing with pass rushers who can move laterally or change direction quickly. His agility is not limited to lateral movement; he also displays good mobility in getting to the second level, often picking off linebackers in the running game. His ability to get to the second level is especially valuable in zone schemes and pulling plays.
3. Hand Placement and Punch: Dellinger’s hands are another asset. His hand placement is typically accurate, and he has a quick, powerful punch that can neutralize defenders in pass protection. He uses his long arms well to extend and control defenders, and his punch is strong enough to disrupt the timing of pass rushers, even those with a burst off the edge. This ability is critical in an era where pass rushers are constantly looking for ways to get around offensive linemen quickly.
4. Football IQ and Awareness: Dellinger displays a high football IQ, consistently making pre-snap reads and adjustments to stunts and blitzes. He has an innate understanding of leverage and is excellent at reading the defense’s alignment, allowing him to set himself up for success in both run and pass blocking situations. His awareness extends to his ability to recognize and react to movements along the defensive line, often adjusting his positioning to ensure that he’s in the right place at the right time.
5. Competitive Toughness and Motor: One of Dellinger’s most noticeable traits is his relentless motor. He plays with a tenacity and competitive edge, never taking plays off. This is important for an interior lineman who often engages in physical battles with defensive tackles and linebackers on every snap. His desire to finish blocks and keep pushing defenders downfield shows that he is a gritty player who doesn’t shy away from contact. His competitiveness is a hallmark of his game and one that will endear him to NFL coaches and scouts.

Areas for Improvement

1. Lower Body Strength and Anchor: While Dellinger has good upper-body strength, his lower body strength is an area that could use further development. On occasion, he can be overwhelmed by stronger, more powerful defensive tackles when they engage him low. His base can sometimes get wider than it should, causing him to lose his balance and leverage, especially when handling bull rushes. Improving his core strength and lower half to better anchor against these types of defenders will be important for him at the next level.
2. Finishing Blocks Consistently: Although Dellinger shows flashes of being a dominant force in the run game, there are times when he can be more consistent in finishing blocks. At times, defenders can slip off of him before he’s able to completely drive them out of the play. While his initial contact and positioning are often good, he can do a better job of sustaining his blocks throughout the entirety of the play. This is particularly important in the NFL, where defenders are much more skilled at shedding blocks and making plays in tight spaces.
3. Handling Speed Rushers: Dellinger’s ability to handle power rushers is solid, but there are moments where he can be more susceptible to speed rushers, particularly those who try to get around him with a quick burst off the line. His quickness and agility generally help him handle these rushers, but he can sometimes be a step slow in recognizing the rusher’s intentions, allowing them to get around him. Working on his reaction time and overall awareness when dealing with speed rushers would help solidify his pass protection.
4. Consistency in Hand Placement: While Dellinger generally has solid hand placement, there are times when his hands can get too wide or not engage defenders in the most effective manner. This can leave him vulnerable to counter moves or allow defenders to disengage more easily. Refining his hand placement and punch timing would make him a more well-rounded pass protector and increase his ability to sustain blocks.

NFL Projection and Scheme Fit

Garrett Dellinger has all the tools to be a starting interior lineman in the NFL. His versatility, athleticism, and football IQ make him an ideal candidate for offensive lines that prioritize zone schemes and require linemen who can get to the second level and work in space. Dellinger’s ability to play multiple positions along the interior gives him flexibility, which is a premium trait in today’s NFL. His technical skills, combined with his high motor and work ethic, make him an appealing prospect for teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth.

Teams that run zone-heavy schemes, such as those employed by the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, or Cleveland Browns, could particularly benefit from Dellinger’s skill set. His quickness, mobility, and ability to move laterally are key assets in these types of systems. However, Dellinger is also capable of fitting into more traditional power or man-blocking schemes if necessary, though he may require additional development in his lower body strength to handle some of the more physically imposing defensive tackles at the next level.