NFL Draft Profile: Nick Saldiveri, Offensive Lineman, Old Dominion Monarchs
In this story:
Nick Saldiveri
Old Dominion Monarchs
#64
Pos: OT
Ht: 6060
Wt: 318
Hand: 1028
Arm: 3328
Wing: 8138
40: 5.21
DOB:8/14/2000
Hometown: Waxhaw, NC
High School: Parkwood
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Saldiveri is a small school right tackle who offers decent athleticism and power, but he’s not elite in any area and doesn’t jump off the screen despite facing lesser competition.
Evaluation:
Saldiveri has played almost exclusively right tackle for the Monarchs since joining the program in 2018. He took snaps at left tackle in two games as a freshman and partially played right guard in three games over the past two years. Saldiveri has a sufficient wingspan and arm length to play tackle, but he will likely take snaps at guard at the Senior Bowl and kick inside full-time when he reaches the NFL. The former two-star recruit creates displacement on down blocks and is quick to engage defenders with his hands. He has good bend in his knees and avoids leaning on defenders. Saldiveri displays some ability to recover when beaten thanks to his athleticism. His athletic profile projects well for a player allowed to climb to the second level and pick off defenders in space. Saldiveri usually identifies and passes off stunts well, although he was late to recognize a few while playing guard. The North Carolina native has a quick kick slide and acceptable foot speed to protect his outside shoulder in pass protection at tackle, but he looks more comfortable in pass protection as a guard. Moving inside allows Saldiveri to play in an enclosed space instead of having to deal with defenders on an island. The redshirt junior has the power to seal edge defenders and his frame can still accept more mass. Unfortunately, Saldiveri isn’t elite in any area of his game and lacks the overwhelming athleticism to compensate for his shortcomings. His slide and foot speed are half a second too slow, and his footwork and large steps sometimes lead to balance issues. Saldiveri has good but not great arm length, and it shows up on plays where he’s outreached and driven backward. The fifth-year tackle’s anchor usually holds up in pass protection, but he’s vulnerable to speed to power rushes and needs to strengthen his core. Saldiveri’s hand placement is too wide at times and allows defenders into his chest. Perhaps the most concerning part of Saldiveri’s profile is what he does in space. He doesn’t consistently find and hit targets at the second level despite possessing the athleticism to do so. He appears hesitant and not aggressive enough when engaging defenders in space. Saldiveri doesn’t display much effort when engaging second level defenders and sometimes releases from his block before the final whistle, allowing his defender to make a play on the ball carrier. Saldiveri’s lackluster approach in these moments and cool motor raise concerns about his desire to finish plays and execute physical assignments.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Saldiveri was a two-star recruit from Parkwood High School in Monroe, N.C., in the class of 2018. He was an unranked two-star national recruit, according to 247Sports and Rivals. Saldiveri was the No. 2,534 recruit (three-star) for On3.com. He was an unranked recruit for ESPN with no star ranking or grade. Saldiveri earned First-Team All-Southern Carolina’s Conference while in high school. He also participated on the track and field team, throwing shot put and discus. In 2021, Saldiveri helped Old Dominion running back Blake Watson become the second player in team history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.
