Since Ben Roethlisberger was taken in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, just seven Miami Redhawks have been drafted to the NFL. Miami offensive tackle Tommy Doyle looks set to add to that number in the 2021 NFL Draft. Could he be the highest player drafted out of the Mid-American Conference this year?
Tommy Doyle NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- School: Miami (OH)
- Current Year: Redshirt Senior
- Height: 6’8″
- Weight: 320 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Tommy Doyle Scouting Report
Positives: Tall and fluid offensive tackle who was a starter the past three seasons. Stays square, effectively uses his hands, and blocks down well or engulfs opponents altogether. Patient in pass protection, keeps the defender in front of him, and blocks with proper pad level as well as leverage.
Quickly gets into blocks, shows ability at the second level, and plays through the whistle. Quick enough and strong enough to turn defenders from the action as a run blocker and keeps his feet moving.
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Negatives: Tends to get tall as the play proceeds. Lacks quick, fluid footwork off the edge. Must add bulk to his frame and power to his game and learn to finish blocks.
Analysis: Doyle is a physical specimen who entered the season with high grades from scouts, yet plays like a last-day pick more often than not. He has incredible upside and is a developmental prospect who could move into a starting lineup on Sundays if he completes his game.
Tommy Doyle Player Profile
Growing up in Edina, Minnesota, there was every chance that Tommy Doyle could have been headed to the NHL, not the 2021 NFL Draft. Minnesota is often seen as the epicenter of ice hockey, and the Miami offensive tackle grew up on the ice. He lettered in hockey at Edina High School. However, he also began to develop a talent on the football field.
A linebacker who later transitioned to defensive end, he would lead the team in sacks as a senior in 2015. Demonstrating leadership qualities, he was also a team captain as a senior. Impressing enough on the field, he earned an invite to the Minnesota All-Star Game.
Doyle was a three-star recruit coming out of Edina. Despite playing defense his entire high school career, he did not receive attention as a defensive prospect. Deemed as being too slow to play defensive end in college, but clearly possessing the ideal frame, coaches recruited him as an offensive tackle. The 16th ranked player in Minnesota attracted multiple small school offers before deciding to become a Miami Redhawk.
Tommy Doyle’s college football career at Miami (OH)
Tommy Doyle arrived in Miami in 2016 as a shadow of the man who heads to the 2021 NFL Draft. He describes himself as a “skinny dude” when he arrived, compared to the 326-pound mountain man when he left. During his first two years where he redshirted and then played just five games due to a combination of injuries, he had plenty of opportunities to bulk up.
The Miami offensive tackle began to shine in the 2018 college football season. He started 10 games at right tackle for the Redhawks. Meanwhile, the offensive line allowed just 20 sacks all season. Their run blocking performance allowed Miami to average 159.8 rushing yards per game.
His breakout year came in 2019
Doyle transitioned to left tackle for the Redhawks in 2019. Both player and the team benefited as a result.
The offensive line allowed on average just 2 sacks per game while limiting the opposition defense to less than 6 tackles for loss per game. Doyle received First Team All-MAC honors and was named a Team Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Miami was crowned MAC Champions for the first time since 2010.
With the uncertainty of the 2020 college football season, Tommy Doyle originally opted out and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. However, when the MAC announced they’d play a shortened season, the Miami offensive tackle returned to play three final games against Ball State, Buffalo, and Akron.
Tommy Doyle’s Best Fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
The best way to view Miami offensive tackle Tommy Doyle is as a developmental left tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, as Tony Pauline alludes to, with some technical refinement he could became a starter in the NFL. Additionally, his experience playing right tackle at Miami would indicate that he could make the move across. At worst, he would make a serviceable backup/swing tackle.
There are multiple teams that could benefit from addressing the offensive tackle position with Tommy Doyle in the 2021 NFL Draft. Teams with clear offensive tackle needs include the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Los Angeles Chargers.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.