Malakai Lee

Physical Profile

Lee possesses an exceptional frame for an offensive tackle, officially measuring in at over 6-foot-7 and 349 pounds at the Navy All-American Bowl. His most notable physical traits are his elite length, including verified 36-inch arms and an 85-inch-plus wingspan. This immense size and reach give him a significant natural advantage in both run blocking and pass protection, allowing him to engulf defenders and keep pass rushers at a distance. For a player of his stature, he carries his weight well and is not simply a product of size, having also played basketball which speaks to his coordination. His build gives him the versatility to play either tackle or potentially slide inside to guard.

Play Style

On film, Lee is a physically imposing, tone-setting offensive lineman who thrives in a power-running scheme. He is at his best when he can fire off the ball and use his size and strength to create lanes. He shows the ability to climb to the second level and engage linebackers, though not with elite athleticism. In pass protection, he relies heavily on his length and anchor to absorb bull rushes, effectively creating a wide pocket for his quarterback.

Strengths

• **Power at the Point of Attack:** Lee is a dominant run blocker who consistently generates push with his immense mass and lower body strength. He excels at down blocks and combo blocks, often overwhelming and wearing down his opponents over the course of a game.
• **Elite Physical Traits:** Possesses a rare frame with elite height (6'7"), weight (349 lbs), and length (36" arms, 85"+ wingspan). This sheer size creates a major obstacle for pass rushers and allows him to control defenders once he gets his hands on them.
• **Mauling Finisher:** He plays with a physical demeanor and consistently looks to finish blocks, taking defenders for a ride and putting them on the ground. When he gets his hands inside a defender's frame, he can control the engagement from start to finish.

Areas to Improve

• **Pass Protection Range & Footwork:** While his size is an asset, he needs to improve his lateral quickness and overall range in his pass set to handle elite speed rushers on the edge. At times, his footwork can get lackadaisical, causing him to narrow his base and lose balance.
• **Pad Level:** Like many taller linemen, Lee can sometimes play too high, which negates his natural strength and leverage advantages. Consistently working to improve his flexibility and bend will be crucial for his development at the next level.

College Projection

As a Michigan signee, Lee projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level. He may require a redshirt year to refine his body composition and improve his pass-blocking technique against collegiate-level speed. However, his high floor as a run blocker and elite physical tools give him the potential to compete for a starting role at right tackle or guard by his second or third year, eventually developing into an All-Big Ten caliber player.

NFL Outlook

Given his 4-star, top-150 national ranking and exceptional physical traits, Malakai Lee possesses a clear path to the NFL. His massive frame and natural power are highly coveted at the professional level. If he successfully refines his pass protection technique and continues to develop his functional athleticism, he projects as a potential Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) NFL Draft selection with the upside to play for a long time.

Best Fit

Lee is best suited for a pro-style or zone-heavy offensive scheme that emphasizes a physical running game. A program known for developing offensive linemen and that can be patient with his technical refinement will maximize his immense potential. His commitment to Michigan, a program with a strong tradition of producing high-level offensive linemen, is an ideal fit.