Will Hernandez was a four-year starter for UTEP and became the most decorated UTEP offensive lineman in program history. Does he stand out as a guard of the future for the Chicago Bears?
Will Hernandez finished his college career with 37 starts, a hand full of All-C-USA honors and a second-team All-American nod. After a strong Senior Bowl, his momentum amongst draft standouts has risen. With a possible chance to see Hernandez on the board in the second round, does he fit what the Chicago Bears are looking for?
Measurables
Age: 23
School: UTEP
Strengths
Hernandez is a well-built individual with great playing strength and the physical size to hang around in the NFL. He is a vicious power run blocker who excels at finishing blocks and pushing lineman into the second level. Hernandez also brings good technique, and has had success with combination blocks, getting to up field, and pulling. Watch how he is able to read his block below, get to his spot, and seal off the run into the open field.
The combination of quick feet, understanding, and power is a great base when thinking of a draft prospect.
Weaknesses
Hernandez may not have the most height or longest arms. Players can certainly overcome these deficiencies, but an offensive lineman with great reach is a major plus. Being without it puts him at a disadvantage. The key is to get your hands on the defensive player before he can get his on you. With proper placement and technique, you own the matchup from there. Hernandez had the lack of reach means slower players can still their hands on him and make the push.
It causes Hernandez to attempt to burst out of his stance to quick. This causes him to miss players and also lose out on leverage due to getting out of his stance at times.
Fit for Chicago Bears
Some think Hernandez will rise into the first round with a strong combine. That may be true, but it would be tough to argue that multiple guard sneaks into the first round of any NFL draft. It is a more rare occurrence than not due to the positional value.
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So, a debate that could be worth discussing in Chicago as we lead into the NFL draft is whether Quenton Nelson at pick eight or Hernandez in the second round is a better value. We know Nelson is a better prospect, he might be the best prospect in the NFL draft. However, how much is the top guard in a particular draft worth? Bradley Chubb is more valuable, even if Nelson grades out higher.
This makes Hernandez an excellent consolation prize, and a future fit to fill in for either the oft-injured Kyle Long or the aging Josh Sitton. It will depend on how the board breaks, but Will Hernandez could be a better draft fit with the Chicago Bears than Quenton Nelson.