2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois

Julian Pearl showcases solid lateral agility and good use of hands on the Illinois offensive line. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks down Pearl as an NFL Prospect in his report

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Julian Pearl, #54
School (Code)	ILUN
DOB, Class Yr	10/06/99, 6^th year senior
Height, Weight	6055, 315 lbs.
40 Yd Dash	5.19e
Arms, Hands	3500, 1018
Position/Depth	OT
Honors/Captainship	2022 All-Big 10 Honorable Mention, 2023 Preseason All-Big 10 3^rd team & 2023 All-Big 10 2^nd team.
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	Purdue, Iowa & Minnesota
Scout Name, Date	Justyce Gordon, 08-09-23

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	12 GP
2021	12 GP
2020	5 GP
2019	2 GP
2018	2 GP

Player Summary:

Julian Pearl is a 6^th year senior at Illinois and is an older prospect as he will turn 24 during the 2023 season. On the field he’s an impressive player to watch and by making both the 2023 All-Big 10 preseason 2^nd & 3^rd team he’s set to have eyes on him this year. Pearl possesses an elite wingspan and a very good frame for his position. Also possesses good athleticism and solid lateral agility. He shows a good initial punch in pass pro to alter the opponent’s path. Good hand placement when engaging in pass pro. Shows good ability to anchor deep in pass rush and defend bull rush well. Elite hand technique and good footwork at 1^st level in both Gap and Zone to move body’s and create lanes very well. Very good ability to locate at 2^nd level in Zone, shows overall good hand technique and footwork when engaging. Shows overall solid ability as a puller in Gap, can locate well to find blocks and seal lanes. He displays a very good ability to sustain blocks in both Man & Gap. Pearl demonstrates very good hip torch and finishing ability as a blocker, very good at sealing lanes and finishing his opponent to the ground. While his agility is solid his lower half is a bit stiff, and he does struggle getting depth in his kick slide and defending against speed rushers on edge. Plays with adequate footwork and balance in pass pro, often leans vs initial move which makes him vulnerable vs counter moves. Adequate awareness vs stunts/twists struggled keeping head up to protect his gap. Because of his heavy feet and stiff lower body, he’s a bit slow getting out of stance and across the line as a puller which leads to RB having to wait to hit the hole.

Scheme Fit:

RT in a heavy run/play action scheme.

Power Statement:

Julian Pearl is a talented player that possesses overall elite size/length and good athletic ability to play tackle. He is a very good run blocker who can play in either a Zone or Gap scheme, but I believe because of the stiffness in his lower body and the struggles shown to handle speed rushes, he best translates at right tackle at the next level. Pearl has tools and abilities to make an NFL roster right out of the draft and eventually develop into a quality starter at right tackle for a team and even kick inside to guard if he continues to struggle vs speed.