NFL Draft Profile: McClendon Curtis, Offensive Lineman, Chattanooga Mocs
McClendon Curtis
Chattanooga Mocs
#52
Pos: iOL
Ht: 6056
Wt: 324
Hand: 1028
Arm: 3500
Wing: 8400
40: 5.24
DOB: 9/16/1999
Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
High School: Central
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Curtis is a long-term project with very attractive physical traits that he’s learning to maximize.
Evaluation:
Curtis primarily started at right guard for the Mocs, but he also has some experience at left guard and started several games at left tackle in 2022. The sixth-year redshirt senior has elite physical tools with arms expected to reach roughly 35 inches. With his massive, powerful frame, Curtis has the build of an imposing tackle. However, he’ll likely play guard at the next level. Besides his rare arm length and wingspan, Curtis has impressive core and upper body strength to torque and seal defenders. His anchor is sturdy enough to deaden power rushes. As a run blocker, the former two-star recruit offers terrific power and accuracy as a pulling guard. Curtis usually lands blocks as a puller because of his natural feel for angles. He has enough mobility for pulling duties. Curtis’ leg drive displaces defensive linemen downfield, and there are plenty of examples of him finishing defenders to the ground. Most importantly, the Tennessee native didn’t look overwhelmed or out of place when Chattanooga played Kentucky (2021) and Illinois (2022). Curtis appeared on Bruce Feldman’s 2022 Freaks List for The Athletic. Per Feldman, the hulking offensive lineman deadlifts 775 lbs. and power cleans 345 lbs. His body fat was at 23.7% over the summer. Despite being an older college prospect, Curtis doesn’t display a natural feel for his role. He allows linemen into his chest, frequently plays with an elevated pad level, looks uncomfortable with his footwork, and consistently places his hands too low on defenders. His clamp strength must improve to sustain blocks and protect his shoulders, which are too soft and easy to win. Curtis is a plodder in the open field, and his feet look heavy. Speed rushers beat him across his face. Curtis lacks the agility to mirror defenders and can’t recover with his athleticism after being beaten off the snap. He lacks the speed, agility, and footwork to operate on an island at tackle. Curtis’ heavy feet lead to a slow and labored kick slide. His lack of balance leads to a lot of time spent on the ground. The All-Southern Conference selection becomes off-balance and top-heavy as a run blocker, which allows his man to slip past. Curtis is still learning how to maximize his arm length. His spatial awareness is below average, and he’s frequently late to identify and respond to stunts. While Curtis rose to the occasion against Kentucky and Illinois, he doesn’t consistently generate significant displacement against a lesser-level competition.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Curtis McClendon is a returning starter for Chattanooga, where he started all 11 games at right guard. McClendon was a cornerstone piece in the O-line, helping the offense average 205.5 rushing yards per game, the highest average since 2016. His group tied a school record by limiting opponents to nine sacks for the season. In 2021, McClendon was first-team All-SoCon, along with being appointed to the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee Student-Athlete Connection Group, which he has been reappointed to for the 2022 season. Off the field, McClendon is a Dean's list and A.D. Honor roll member with a 4.0 GPA in the spring semester. A 3-star prospect, according to 247sports.com, playing for Cortney Braswell at Chattanooga Central.
