Big Board ranking: #98
Positional ranking: #3
Overview
Position: G
College: TCU
Class: Senior (RS)
Age: 23
Measurables
Height: 6’3 1/2″
Weight: 332 lbs.
Arm length: 33”
Hand size: 9 1/4″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 5.21 sec.
10-yard split: 1.86 sec.
Vertical jump: 29.5”
Broad jump: 98.0”
Bench press: 28 reps
3-cone drill: 7.85 sec.
Short shuttle: 4.74 sec.
Strengths
Wide and heavy guard that carries his mass well. Tremendous raw power. Strong hands to stay latched onto opponents throughout the play. Accurately engages with two hands on the chest of defensive tackles and will move them off the spot. Tough to get around after he creates a seal in the running game. Impressive speed/acceleration at his size to get out in space ahead of screen passes. Efficient scraping up from at the line of scrimmage to take on linebackers. Hits with force when able to connect with smaller targets. Able to throw down defensive backs after getting his hands on them. Stays low and keeps a very wide base in pass protection. Great overall technique in pass protection. Stays square and uses his hands/reach to hold back rushers. Extreme strength as a pass blocker to anchor and withstand power rushes. Plus pass blocker simply because of his size. Started 15 games at left guard in final season but was the starting center in 2021 and has also made starts at right guard and right tackle. Team captain.
Weaknesses
Doesn’t get overpowered himself but doesn’t overwhelm opponents like he should. Would like to see him look to inflict more punishment considering his size/strength. Hands can be more aggressive to finish rather than simply engaging. Quickness will cause him issues. Struggles to connect with faster opponents on the second level. Vision and awareness are shaky in pass protection. Slow picking up overload blitzes. Lost some battles to Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith in the CFB Playoff semifinal (2022).
NFL comparison
Laken Tomlinson
Conclusion
Overall, Avila is a wide, powerful guard that is tough to get around both as a pass protector and in the running game. However, the lack of domination at his size might make him a better target late on Day 2, with a slight boost due to the positional versatility in a pinch.