Justin Rogers, IDL, Auburn
Size:
Height: 6’2.5”
Weight: 330 lbs
Arm Length: 33”
Hand Size: 10 1/8"
Accomplishments:
5-star recruit • Preseason Fourth-Team All-SEC (2022)
“Justin Rogers is an interior defensive lineman who has the strength and center of gravity advantage to be an effective two-down defender.”
Strengths:
Low center of gravity
Outstanding vs. run
Multi-lane closer
Scheme/positional versatile
Concerns:
Pass-rush ability
No third-down value
Limited wingspan
Film Analysis:
Justin Rogers is an effective run defender. He plays with good functional strength to stack blocks and close gaps. He reliably handles two-gap/lane responsibilities by squeezing the blocker into one and occupying the other. Rogers has a strong lower body equipped to anchor and hold up at the point of attack versus the run. He has heavy hands and lands punches well. He can displace blockers with his functional strength and power well.
I appreciate his ability and knowledge to strike and stonewall reach blocks on zone runs. Rogers makes his linebackers’ life easier because of how effective he is at occupying blocks. He keeps them clean and limits IOL climbing to the second level of the defense. His linebackers can scrape and flow freely to the football, and fill running lanes.
Rogers is not a three-down defender. His lack of athleticism, twitch, and pass-rush maneuvers does not create a path for success. Although his arms measured in at a solid point, issues still show up on tape when he has to quickly defeat blocks and showcase counter moves. In addition, Rogers’ wingspan limits his ability to tackle from his position at the point of attack, despite being able to flash his colors and force the RB to pivot from his designated lane.
Overall, Rogers projects as a depth interior defensive lineman who can align as a nose tackle or 5-tech in off-fronts. His best attribute is defending the run and improving that area of the defense. He offers very little upside in the pass-rush category.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Alabama (2023), Georgia (2023), Ole Miss (2023), LSU (2023)
