By Adam Aniba
University of Maryland left tackle Jaelyn Duncan is our first pre-draft evaluation of the year and he packs a punch! The Terrapins lineman has been one of the most impressive offensive lineman in the Big 10 over the last two seasons.
Jaelyn Duncan
6'6" 320 lbs | OT | UMD
Draft Proj 2nd Rd
2023 Received Senior Bowl Invite
2022 Athlon & Lindy's Sports and Pick Six Previews' Second Team Preseason All-Big Ten
2022 Pro Football Focus Third Team Preseason All-Big Ten
2022 East-West Shrine Bowl 1000
2x Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2020 & 2021)
2021 Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten
Background
Duncan grew up in New Carrollton, MD and attended St. Francis Academy where he led his team to the MIAA A Conference Championship during his senior season. He was rated 3rd overall in the state of Maryland by ESPN and was named to the 2017 Under Armour All-American Team.
As a 4-star recruit Duncan was in high demand and received scholarship offers from Maryland, Florida, LSU, MIchigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Tennessee just to name a few.
Although Duncan didn't see the field as a true freshman, in his '19 redshirt season he played in all 12 games. Duncan led the way for running back Javon Leake, who averaged 7.2 yards a carry, which was the fourth-highest yards per rush average in the nation. The left tackle was part of a Terps offense that scored over 40 points three times on the season as well.
Fast forward to '21, in which Duncan appeared in all 13 games (11 starts). That season the Terps tackle blocked for quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who set a program record with 3,860 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 328 completions, a 69.2% completion percentage with seven 300-yard passing games.
It's also noteworthy, he didn't allow a sack from Wolverines star pass rushers Aidan Hutchinson ('22 1st Rd Lions) and David Ojabo ('22 2nd Rd Ravens) in the Terps '21 matchup vs Michigan.
During the '22 season, Duncan displayed tremendous growth as a pass blocker with run blocking being his strength. He also made strides when asked to be a pulling blocker this season.
Duncan's Senior Bowl invite came as no surprise to scouts and evaluators. Many believe if he can trim down a bit, it'll improve his overall draft stock and his ability to immediately contribute in year one. Considering he'll be facing some of the best pass rushers in the world, being physically prepared will give him a leg up for the offensive line needy team that drafts him.
PROS
Natural knee bender with impressive athleticism
Ability to get depth in his drops with an effective kick slide
DIsplays above average strength and had success stonewalling bull-rushers
A mauler who displays a mean streak with a finisher mentality
Plays under control while displaying textbook bend/technique, rarely lunges at the defender
Is an asset when asked to pull, displaying quick feet and consistently seeking out multiple targets to block
CONS
Can struggle at times with speed-rushers who have the ability to bend the edge
Needs to be more disciplined because can get grabby leading to untimely holding penalties
Length only average for his 6'6" frame and could be moved inside to guard if it doesn't work out at tackle
Overall pass protection is a work in progress
Improving his core strength is something to watch during the draft evaluation process
Final Thought
Although Duncan played left tackle at Maryland, it's not out the question that a move to right tackle or guard is in his future. It makes sense that coaches could try Duncan at a variety of spots during the Senior Bowl, which should help his overall stock if he has a good week and displays position flexibility.
His ability to pull will appeal to run based teams, who lack an imposing anchor. At this point, Duncan ranks steady with a 2nd round grade after his film evaulton, but a good week in Mobile, AL and during the NFL Combine should propel him into the 1st round.
*GAMES PLAYED- 9/24/22 vs Michigan, 10/1 vs Michigan St., 10/8 vs Purdue, 10/22 N.Western, 11/5 Wisconsin, 11/12 Penn St., 11/19 Ohio St. & 11/26 vs Rutgers
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