Former Rutgers offensive tackle Hollin Pierce shocked many with his measurements at the NFL Scouting Combine. Many fans and analysts even compared the Scarlet Knight’s stats to a video game character.
Hollin Pierce Has Transformed Into One of the Draft’s Most Imposing Linemen
Rutgers Scarlet Knights offensive tackle Hollin Pierce had a huge 2024 campaign, which has made him a bit of a sleeper among the OT class heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
His combined measurements are extraordinary, as he fits into the 97th percentile for height, 95th percentile for weight, 94th percentile for arms, and 99th percentile for wingspan.
That 88 1/4-inch wingspan is the second-largest of any tackle prospect since 1999, and those physical gifts have caught the eyes of many around the NFL.
Just because it’s hilarious…
OT Hollin Pierce Combine measurementsHT: 6083 (97th percentile)
WT: 341 (95th percentile)
Arms: 36 (94th percentile)
Wingspan: 88 1/4 (99th percentile)Second longest wingspan of any tackle prospect since 1999
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 2, 2025
Pierce’s journey started with him being an unranked high school athlete weighing 450 lbs, shedding weight, and then walking on at Rutgers back in 2020. That dedication to dropping to the 340-lb mark has turned him into one of the best offensive linemen in the Big Ten. Many even think teams may be sleeping on him.
In 2021, he started 12 games at right tackle, improving quickly before moving over to left tackle in 2023, where he was an Honorable Mention for the All-Big Ten honors. In 2024, Pierce was named to the Second-Team All-Big Ten, which is remarkable after beginning at Rutgers as just a walk-on.
The 6″8 OT allowed just 15 sacks in over 3,100 snaps and committed just four penalties, which is seriously impressive with many tackles, even at an elite level, struggling with holding calls. He was a key part of Rutgers’ O-line that finished third in the Big Ten for rushing yards, averaging 175.3 yards on the ground per game.
That transformation is a huge testament to Pierce’s work ethic but also his ability to learn and mold himself into a genuine NFL-caliber OT.
Hollin Pierce’s NFL Draft Outlook
Pierce’s inclusion in this position is tremendous, and he was a huge part of one of Rutgers’s best offensive seasons for over two decades. Being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine just shows how much his stock has risen and that scouts are taking notice of a potential long-term starter who can fall into the late rounds of the draft.
You can’t teach Pierce the physicality he has, but he knows how to use it. Making sure he stays on the right side of the line with penalties is huge when looking to protect your quarterback. In the run game, his sheer size and power can make defensive linemen look small and throw them to the floor.
Another huge upside is that he has experience on both sides as a tackle, and that is massive for teams. Too often in the NFL, you see a tackle have to switch over due to injury, and it’s like they just freeze and forget everything they do well. Pierce is exceptional on either side of his quarterback.
HOW ELSE DID PIERCE MEASURE? SEE HIS FULL NFL COMBINE STATS
The only downside to his physique is that he can be caught lacking athletically, especially against speed rushers. If he is beaten, he lacks the necessary recovery speed to get back and make a second block to protect his QB.
CFN’s seven-round NFL Mock Draft sees Pierce go to the New England Patriots with the 69th overall pick. A team firmly in a rebuild but with Drake Maye firmly behind center, adding a blindside protector in Pierce would add a nice bit of continuity for a team looking to get back to their best.
New head coach Mike Vrabel relied heavily on Derrick Henry during his time in charge of the Tennessee Titans. If the Patriots can establish a nice run game, then Pierce will benefit, along with relieving some pressure on the shoulders of young Maye at quarterback.
There is the possibility that Pierce is very well-liked by a team and goes in the second or third round; however, the overall feeling on many boards is that he will find himself dropping into the fifth or even sixth round due to concerns over his ability to work in a passing offense.
Overall, Pierce’s transformation is quite sensational. He is built like something out of a video game. Those measurements might have caught analysts’ eyes, but he remains a definite sleeper in this draft class.
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