SLEEPER SUNDAY: OT Rob Havenstein
Offensive linemen, in my experience, are some of the hardest position to predict when it comes to which round or day they will be drafted. Look no further than Vikings lineman Antonio Richardson for an example of how different projections can be from reality.
Wisconsin offensive tackle Rob Havenstein could potentially go as high as the third round, especially if Arif Hasan’s consensus Big Board is any indication (he’s #100), but I also see him as a guy that potentially falls well into Day Three.
Most people are plenty familiar with Wisconsin’s dominant run game last season, with Melvin Gordon stealing all of the hype and accolades as the benefiting running back. Gordon is certainly deserving of his status among the best backs in this year’s class, but the offensive line that paved his way every Saturday should not be ignored, including Havenstein.
Havenstein stands at 6′ 7″ and went from weighing 390 pounds when he started playing at Wisconsin down all the way to 321 pounds at the NFL’s Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. I can’t decide whether Paul Bunyan or Babe the Big Blue Ox is the better comparison for his scouting report, but the dude is a lumbering giant.
His size is deceptive, however, as he possesses quick feet that are unique for someone of his stature. In fact, at right tackle, I’d go so far as to say he would be able to compete with Phil Loadholt as a blocker of speed rushers as a rookie.
His bread and butter comes in the form of run blocking, however, where his powerful driving force combined with sound punch technique allow him to win most matchups. Melvin Gordon gained a lot of yards due to Havenstein’s ability to not only move the line of scrimmage, but then dynamite a tunnel on the second level.
The knocks on Havenstein mostly have to do with his massive frame. He’ll never be the most athletic guy on the O-line depth chart, and he is obviously going to struggle moving from side-to-side, but sound technique has been able to secure his role as a three-year starter for the Badgers.
Havenstein is widely praised for his football intelligence and the leadership abilities he displayed at Wisconsin. Speed rushers will easily be able to out-quick this guy, but they’re going to have their work cut out for them as it isn’t easy to run around a guy of his size and arm length (33.5″ arms).
I think a team like the Vikings could certainly find a spot for Havenstein. He has qualities that suggest he could eventually be an NFL starter at right guard or right tackle. He’s also got apparent limitations that might make teams hesitate to select him, but at some point even a projected backup (if that’s how he is ultimately viewed by front offices) becomes a value selection on Draft Weekend.
The key is for the right team to select him when the value is just right. For the Vikings, I really do not think that will be the third round, but if he is still on the board when the fifth roles around I could certainly see the selection being made with an eye on the future. Phil Loadholt is not going to be our right tackle forever, and he probably will not get much cheaper.
Havenstein had a terrible Combine performance in pretty much every aspect of the on-field drills and tests. That shouldn’t have surprised anyone, in my opinion, but I’d gladly see him fall to the Vikings at a slot where Rick Spielman sees the value in adding this mauler to the competition for backup lineman.
