2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Hunter Nourzad, OC, Penn State

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Hunter Nourzad, #64
School (Code)	Penn State University (PAST)
DOB, Class Yr	11/26/1999, rSr
Height, Weight	6031, 320
40 Yd Dash	5.17
Position/Depth	OC/OG
Honors/Captainship	Second Team All AFCAThird Team Phil SteelePhil Steele all Ivy League Offensive Lineman of the YearAll-Big Ten Honorable mention by coaches and media
Season Viewed (Yr)	2022, 2023
Games Watched	10-15-2022 Penn State @ Michigan10-29-2022 Ohio State @ Penn State09-16-2023 Penn State @ Illinois
Scout Name / Date	Brinson Bagley, 10-03-2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023 (4Games)	GP 4, GS 4
2022	GP 11, GS 8
2021	GP 10, GS 10
2020	DNP due to COVID-19
2019	GP 10, GS 10

Player Summary:

Hunter boasts a bulky, sturdy frame that includes good height and weight for his current position of Center, and his mesomorphic frame has room to grow. He excels in maneuvering tight spaces with a quick burst after snap. He lines up low and rises to the nose of the IDL. His good foot movement propels the lateral quickness that moves him across the IDL’s body or allows him to quickly crash. He has fast hands and solid hand placement right at the chest of the defender giving him great initial effectiveness, as he tactically and hurriedly moves across the line for pulls. In pass pro, this speed combines with a solid COD as he extends his arms and uses his hands to initially stall and mirror a rusher. His technique is rooted in a good anchor with a sturdy lower body that restricts bull rush effectiveness. He plays with good awareness, excelling in short areas, and is an intense competitor to the whistle. The centerpiece of the line, he makes timely blocks and positions everyone in place. He will struggle with generating a push in the run game. In short situations, his explosiveness off the snap is met with no movement as the IDL can hold firm against his efforts forcing the runner to another hole. Additionally, he struggles with grip strength and often requires latching on to a defender in run or pass pro, and once the arms are over-extended or his hands are moved, the defender is easily able to work around his block. This leads to significant issues when blocking in open spaces, or when executing a combo block beyond the LOS, as his initial grip on the LB is weak and easily dismissed. This particular setback increases the further out he expands, and in screens, he at best, can get his hand on the defender.   

Scheme Fit: 

Zone run scheme, quick pass scheme, can run spread with occasional assistance from Guards in Pass Pro 

Power Statement:

Hunter is an IOL who sees an increase in his effectiveness with the decreasing of radius responsibility. He can compete for a backup roster spot at the next level as a Center