NFL Draft Profile: Juice Scruggs, Interior Offensive Linemen, Penn State Nittany Lions
Juice Scruggs
Penn State Nittany Lions
#70
Pos: iOL
Ht: 6026
Wt: 301
Hand: 1028
Arm: 3328
Wing: 8168
40: 5.22
DOB: 1/19/2000
Hometown: Ashtabula, OH
High School: Cathedral Prep
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liners
A player with experience at both center and guard, Scruggs could be a versatile backup at the next level.
Evaluation:
On film, the best way to describe Scruggs is that he does his job. Whether at guard or center, he got the most out of his natural ability. Scruggs has above average play strength. He did a very good job anchoring down again bullrushes. Scruggs handles stunts and twists with ease, showing off good reaction time. In the run game, Scruggs flashed solid grip strength and when his hand placement was tight, he was able to finish defenders. His hand timing needs work in both the run and pass games, as defenders were able to predict his punch and beat him with a counter. Scruggs has the tendency to overset and lunge at defenders. This in combination with being a waist bender, led to too many losses in pass protection. The better defensive lineman were able to win quickly against Scruggs and his lack of athleticism prevented him from recovering. In pass protection, part of Scruggs’ problem are his sluggish feet. His below average foot quickness, left him “stuck in the mud,” hurting his ability to push defenders who beat him outside the pocket. Scruggs' poor athleticism showed up on the move as well. This season, Penn State didn’t ask him to get to the 2nd level very often but he wasn’t effective at sealing off linebackers. His lack of foot speed made it easy for linebackers to avoid his block or dip under him. Overall, Scruggs has two years of experience in the Big Ten at guard and center. That is valuable but there was a lot left to be desired on his film. His better position at the next level will be guard and he could help out at center in a pinch. He also looked very good at the Shrine Bowl. Scruggs doesn’t have starter upside but his versatility and experience could help him make a roster for a few seasons.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Juice Scruggs is a returning starter for Penn State. He started all 12 games at center this season, being named the coaching staff's Offensive Player of the Game following Auburn (9/17). Some awards include being elected All-Big Ten third team by the coaches, All-Big Ten honorable mention by the media, and being named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. In 2021, Scruggs made 13 starts on the offensive line and was one of 13 Nittany Lions to make their first career start. His honors for the 2021 season include All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media, Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten third-team honors, and he earned the team's Dick Maginnis Memorial Award, recognizing the most outstanding offensive lineman. In high school, Scruggs was a consensus four-star prospect by all three major recruiting outlets – 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals.
