One of my favorite times of the year is getting to write up these pre-NFL Draft scouting reports. I’ve already nailed it down with these notable Seattle Seahawks draft picks over the past few seasons: Byron Murphy II, Christian Haynes, Tyrice Knight, Devon Witherspoon, Zach Charbonnet, Olu Oluwatimi, Kenny McIntosh, Boye Mafe, Abe Lucas, and Riq Woolen, to name just a few.

Throughout the next few weeks we’ll be looking closely at a lot of players going from here until the NFL Draft begins. Today, we’re focusing on Kansas offensive lineman Bryce Cabeldue, who has a reported official visit with the Seahawks scheduled.

Let’s get to the Report!

Prospect Info

Name: Bryce Cabeldue

Jersey #: 77

College: Kansas Jayhawks

Position: OT

Awards: – All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (OL 2024)

Class: Senior

Style: Power

Comparison: A Stronger Austin Corbett

Projection: 6th round

Combine/Pro Day Results

HT 6’5

WT 306 lbs

Arms: 32’ 1/2”

Wingspan N/A

Hands 9’

40 yds 4,95

10 yd split 1,71s

Short Shuttle: 4,59s

3 Cone Drill: 7,71s

VJ 32”

BJ 9’ 6’’

Bench Press 30

RAS: 9.51

Background

Cabeldue was a three-star recruit out of Clovis High School in the class of 2020. Cabeldue played right tackle for Kansas and moved to LT in 2024. He has logged over 3,000 snaps in his five-year career, which included four seasons as a full-time starter. Cabeldue played the majority of his snaps at tackle, but projects as a guard at the NFL level.

By PFF metrics, the 2024 season was Cabeldue’s best. He allowed three sacks and only eight pressures on 344 pass-blocking snaps. Cabeldue would rank 27th in pass-blocking efficiency among 105 eligible tackles, and he was 22nd in run-blocking grade.

Here’s Cabeldue’s injury history:

Knee injury in 2020;

Sprained ankle in 2023;

He tore his ankle ligaments in 2023 and had to undergo surgery;

Evaluating the prospect…

Pass Protection

His arm length makes him vulnerable to long-arm attacks, he needs more hand counterattacks to protect his chest. He was able to reestablish his base quickly and that’s what made him “win” the snap.

Cabeldue has the movement skills to mirror pass rushers in pass protection.

He’s an aggressive OL, who typically uses less reactive and more proactive pass sets. Even with this adjustment, his shorter arms are still a limitation.

Because of his short arms, opponents end up having access to his chest, which makes him able to count on the outside of his shoulders and this can generate fouls. He has already made a lot of appearances at the college level (six in 2024) and in the NFL, where the rule is stricter, it will be something he will need to adjust to.

Run Block

He has a strong inside hand to drive defenders, with a good first punch capable of moving defenders.

Aggressive mentality to move defenders in the run game. He enters every snap wanting to take down his opponent, it is the type of mentality a guard needs.

His quickness translates into movement in open space, speed to execute lead blocks and long pulls. All are fundamental to Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme.

Initial explosion to execute down blocks, mobility for reach blocks and kick-outs.

Loses the leverage battle in the run game, defenders access his chest to stack their blocks, unable to create consistent vertical displacement.

STRENGTHS:

– Size / weight / length for the OG position;

– Athletic ability;

– Performs good reach and kick-out blocks

– Starts many games;

WEAKNESSES:

– Commits many fouls;

– Inconsistent kick-step;

– Short arms that allow easy access to the chest;

Final Thoughts

Cabeldue was the sensation of the Big 12’s joint Pro Day. In fact, he grew quite a bit down the stretch and was one of the standouts at the Shrine Bowl as well. He only has experience as an OT, but he will be a guard in the NFL. The Kansas player was tested in the role during the Shrine Bowl and looked quite comfortable. He still needs some refinement, but he has good athletic potential. The second half of the third day of the Draft is a great time to start looking for depth with potential.