NFL Draft Profile: Jovaughn Gwyn, Interior Offensive Lineman, South Carolina Gamecocks
Jovaughn Gwyn
South Carolina Gamecocks
#54
Pos: iOL
Ht: 6017
Wt: 297
Hand: 0978
Arm: 3168
Wing: 7700
40: 5.12
DOB: 3/18/1999
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
High School: Harding University
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liners
An undersized interior offensive lineman, Gwyn has the position versatility to intrigue teams on day three.
Evaluation:
Even though he is undersized, Gwyn has a stout lower half. He is built like a bowling ball type of player. Gwyn has above average foot quickness and agility that both show up in pass protection. He was able to handle counters and some of the more agile interior defensive lineman he went up against. Gwyn isn’t a loose athlete and he doesn’t have great knee bend but he was able to handle bendier rushers by playing really low. In the run game, Gwyn is at his best working laterally on zone run plays, where his short area explosiveness and foot quickness are on full display. He isn’t overly powerful but Gwyn is able to get to his spot and drive defenders out of the play to create running lanes for the ball carrier. In pass protection, Gwyn excels at handling stunts and twists and his football IQ showed up often on film. He is a smart player, who understands where to be and he is rarely late to react. Gwyn gets into trouble with his lack of length and size. He can get overwhelmed by bigger and longer defensive tackles at guard. His lack of length prevents him from being able to reach defenders, allowing them to control the rep. Gwyn’s length issue can also cause him to overset and not reach his landmark in the run game. Gwyn isn’t an overly physical player and his power is below average. He isn’t very effective on double teams. Gwyn isn’t a great athlete and as he gets further downfield, there is noticeable strain on his film. Overall, Gwyn’s lack of size and length make him a prime candidate to switch to center at the next level, with guard versatility. He doesn’t have impressive traits but he has very good football IQ and experience. In a weaker interior offensive line class, Gwyn is a candidate to be selected and compete for a roster spot.
Grade:
7th Round
Background:
Jovaughn Gwyn, from Charlotte, North Carolina, was the 17th-best Offensive Guard in the country and earned First Team All-State by the Associated Press for his success with Harding University High School. In his first year with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Gwyn missed most of the year with a foot injury that needed surgical repair. In 2019, Gwyn was elevated to starting Right Guard in week two, where he remained for the rest of the season. In 2020, with Gwyn starting, the Gamecocks had a Running Back surpass 1000 rushing yards for the first time since 2013. In 2021, he became a team captain for his consistency and leadership. After his final season with the Gamecocks, Gwyn registered 46 consecutive starts and earned an All-SEC 4th team nomination in 2022. Academically, Gwyn was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and graduated with a degree in information science.
