NFL Draft Profile: Silas Dzansi, Offensive Lineman, Virginia Tech Hokies
Silas Dzansi
Virginia Tech Hokies
#60
Pos: OT
Ht: 6040
Wt: 337
Hand: 1028
Arm: 3568
Wing: 8518
40: 5.25
DOB: 6/13/1998
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
High School: C.D. Hylton
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Dzansi has the strength to be solid in the run game, but his pass protection technique is painful to watch, and he needs to fully revamp his frame.
Evaluation:
A sixth-year senior, Dzansi is a wide-bodied tackle who possesses a box-like frame and is a tall glass of water for defenders to attempt to get around. His size, strength, experience and intelligence are all top-notch traits; he has been credited by the new coaching staff especially for his smarts. In addition, Dzansi has started at all four offensive tackle and guard spots. Blessed with great power, he is able to jolt pass-rushers with his arm jab and drives opponents back without surrendering leverage. His stance is unique (drop with the left with adequate bend) and allows him to get a minor start when initiating contact. The run game is where he thrives. For Dzansi, the biggest area of improvement needed when making the transition to the next level will be his pass protection, which is in need of refinement. He tends to let defenders get into his chest and can be caught out of position due to poor technique at times. Dzansi has only been playing American football since his sophomore year of high school, so he remains a bit raw. He lost his grip as a starter at various times throughout his career and has been benched in the past. However, he did finish up his collegiate career strong and his best football is ahead of him. Upon first glance, his frame might suggest that Dzansi could lack the speed or quickness to survive on the outside but he has proven to be capable and should get every opportunity to play right tackle at the next level. At worst case, he can be transited inside and provide value at guard. This is a developmental player worthy of late round/priority free agent consideration.
Grade:
7th Round
Quotes:
“He works his tail off. He’s the first one in the building, the last one out every day and like, my opinion? He didn’t get what he deserved in years past.” – Teammate Dax Hollifield on Silas Dzansi and his sporadic playing time
Background
NFL scouts will want to figure out why Dzansi has been an on again, off again starter during his tenure in Blacksburg. Previous offensive line coach Vance Vice had a reputation for rotating linemen, which cost the program several big time recruits who hit the transfer portal. He has also dealt with his share of minor injuries, along with coaching turnover and both staffs have noted that he has cramping issues in the past. Dzansi played in 49 career games at Virginia Tech, notching 34 starts. In 2022, he made 11 starts at left tackle. In 2021, played in 12 games, starting four games at right tackle, two at left guard and one at left tackle. In 2020, Dzansi played both right tackle and right guard, making four starts in eight games played. In 2019, he started the first eight games of the season at right tackle. In 2018, he primarily played at right tackle, starting the final three games of the season. As a freshman in 2017, he started the final three games of the season at right tackle and had one start at left tackle. Spent the 2016 season at Fork Union Military Academy playing for head coach John Shuman. Played for head coach Tony Lilly at C.D. Hylton High School. Son of Rhonda Sanderson and Richard Dzansi; has one sister, Jazmyn. Graduated with a degree in criminology. Minored in human development. Owns a massive wingspan, which is over seven-feet long. Last name pronounced: JAN-zee.
