Andrew Vorhees 2023 NFL draft projection: How high could the USC Trojans OL go?

USC Trojans OL Andrew Vorhees was initially a surefire bet to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had a stellar college career with the Trojans and helped revamp the program into one of the most feared in the nation.

However, he suffered a fate that would be a nightmare for any NFL prospect; he sustained an ACL injury during the NFL Combine.

This injury puts many things into perspective, and to make matters worse, it was reported to be a "clean tear." That means he is likely unavailable until the 2024 NFL season, thus jeopardizing his league career.

Such a shame, as there isn't any inside offensive linesman like him in this year's NFL Draft. He has lower body flexibility to compensate for his 6-foot-6 stature, good mobility, and plenty of play strength.

Vorhees has started at right guard, left guard, and even left tackle. Likewise, USC's blocking scheme uses inside and outside zone man-gap blocks and frequently asks him to drag or climb to the second level. He was able to execute all of the schemes well.

Let's see whether his pros outweigh the cons in the eyes of NFL scouts.

Andrew Vorhees' NFL Combine Performance

Andrew Vorhees sustained the most unfortunate injuries in the 2923 NFL Combine, so he could only partake in a few events. Here are the results from the events that he was a part of:

• Vertical Jump - 29’’
• Broad Jump - 8’ 9’’
• Bench Press - 38 Reps

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Andrew Vorhees?

These are the strengths and weaknesses of a potential first-round pick, Andrew Vorhees, ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Strengths

1. Steps into a run fit at quality angles.
2. Reacts quickly to moving fronts post-snap.
3. Pass sets with a feel for A-gap pressure.
4. Good firmness in the outside hand to corral rusher.

Weaknesses

1. Needs to do a better job of sliding his feet to constrict gaps.
2. Very average climb quickness to second-level cutoffs.
3. Inconsistent securing first block back side on combos.
4. More catcher than a puncher, allowing some pocket push.

How did Andrew Vorhees perform in the 2022 college season?

Andrew Vorhees was a major part of the USC Trojans' offensive line throughout his stay at USC. The Trojans icon helped protect numerous quarterbacks and running backs from hard hits, and he regularly did that at the expense of his body. This willingness to put his body on the line helped him shoot up the draft boards, and made him a consensus first-round pick ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, the ACL injury he sustained at the NFL Combine might damage his chances of being selected in this year's draft. Vorhees is a talent, and any team that selects him could have a stellar prospect on their hands for a decade.

Let's see how the draft goes, as Vorhees should be a can't-miss prospect on a good day.