2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Braylen Nelson, OT, Fresno State

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Braylen Nelson, 75
School (Code)	Fresno State (CAFR)
DOB, Class Yr	N/A, SR
Height, Weight	6060, 320
40 Yd Dash	5.19e
Position/Depth	RT, Starting
Honors/Captainship	2022 Fall Academic All Mtn West, 2024 Preseason 2nd team All Mtn West
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	@INPU, @WYUN, @UTST, IDBO
Scout Name / Date	David Howard, 8/16/2024

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	13 GP, 13 GS
2022	10 GP, 6 GS
2021	7 GP, 6 GS

Player Summary:

True SR with 25 GS in 30 GP, with the last 19 GS at RT in a vertical passing scheme with quick passes, designed to spread the field and open up running lanes. He also started 6 games at LG in his 2021 Freshman year. He has good height and very good weight with a thick muscular build and proportional length between his upper and lower body to provide a good center of gravity. Displays good overall athleticism with very good speed; good agility, flexibility, and foot quickness for read step; solid balance, COD, and recovery quickness. He is very good in pass protection overall with a very good read step, pad level, and body positioning; a good initial punch to get his hands on defenders first; solid hand placement and anchor against bull rushes. His hands are always up and his head is on a swivel looking for disguised blitzes and stunt rushes, and displays the ability to diagnose and react quickly. Adequate secondary hand-fighting technique that allows defenders to occasionally get their hands inside, allowing them to pull down on his collar and inside shoulder to throw him off balance and create separation to put pressure on the QB from the outside. Did not allow a sack against projected 2025 1st-round draft pick Nic Scourton (Missouri) who had 10 sacks in 2024. Also, no sacks allowed when facing Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State) who had 12.5 sacks in 2024. He is a solid overall run-blocker with good speed and execution when pulling to the left side, displays very good speed to get to the 2nd level, and good one-on-one strength at the point of attack. Solid hand placement, steering, and control of defenders, but occasionally over pursues, getting caught out of position on his assigned run block. Adequate aggressiveness to drive defenders back when he is in position and has the momentum to continue to push them out of running lanes or take them to the ground. He shows very good awareness to participate in initial chip blocks at the line before moving to the 2nd level to his assigned block. He shows very good competitiveness as he plays through the whistle on every play and performs well late in close games when it matters the most. 

Scheme Fit:

West Coast, heavy zone-blocking

Power Statement:
Braylen Nelson is a good overall Right Tackle and a very good pass blocker who performed well against NFL-talented pass-rushers in 2023. He should improve on his counter-move blocking and hand-fighting techniques in his Senior year at Fresno State. He is a solid run-blocker who can do enough to get the job done in the running game, but has the potential to improve in this area with proper technique coaching and improved lower body strength. If he builds on his performance from 2023 he should receive mid-late round draft interest and have a good chance at making a roster as a developmental Right Tackle.