Ben Congdon
Bio
Recruiting
Scouting Report
Ben Congdon is a physically imposing, high-upside offensive tackle prospect from Ohio with the frame and athletic background to develop into a multi-year Power Four starter. His background as a state-placing heavyweight wrestler is evident in his play style, showcasing natural leverage, balance, and a finisher's mentality in the run game. While still raw in pass protection, his sheer size and length create a difficult path for edge rushers.
Physical Profile
Congdon possesses an elite frame for an offensive tackle, listed between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8 and weighing in the 285-305 pound range. His length is a significant asset, creating a large orbit for defenders to navigate. He has the frame to easily add more mass and strength at the collegiate level without sacrificing mobility. His multi-sport background in wrestling provides him with a strong foundation of functional athleticism, core strength, and body control that translates well to the offensive line.
Play Style
On film, Congdon is an aggressive and physical lineman who excels in the run game. He consistently displays a powerful punch and the drive to move defenders off their spot. He is effective at getting to the second level and shows good mobility for his size. In pass protection, he relies on his size and length to create a wide pocket, though his footwork and hand placement are areas that will require development. His wrestling background is evident in his hand fighting and ability to control defenders once engaged.
Strengths
- **Run Blocking Power and Mentality:** Congdon is a dominant force in the run game, playing with a mauling demeanor and consistently finishing blocks to the whistle. His wrestling background is apparent in his ability to use leverage and drive defenders off the ball.
- **High-End Frame and Length:** With a height of 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8, he has the ideal size and wingspan for a tackle, making it difficult for pass rushers to get around him. This physical trait alone gives him significant upside.
- **Functional Athleticism and Mobility:** For his size, Congdon shows good quickness and the ability to get to the second level to engage linebackers. He moves well laterally and can effectively seal off defenders in a zone-blocking scheme.
- **Positional Versatility:** While he projects best at tackle, scouts note that his skill set could allow him to slide inside to guard if needed, offering valuable roster flexibility.
Areas to Improve
- **Pass Protection Technique:** Congdon's pass set and technique need refinement. His naturally higher center of gravity can lead to inconsistencies in his pass protection, and he will need to improve his balance and body control against collegiate-level speed rushers.
- **Level of High School Competition:** He has not consistently faced elite high school competition, which may lead to a steeper learning curve as he transitions to the college game and needs to develop "grown man strength."
College Projection
Congdon projects as a starting offensive tackle at the Power Four level. Given his need for technical refinement, a redshirt year or a season of rotational duty is likely before he is ready to be a full-time starter. His developmental track will be key, but he has the raw tools and upside to become a reliable multi-year starter by his redshirt sophomore or junior season.
NFL Outlook
With his elite frame, run-blocking prowess, and athletic upside, Ben Congdon has the long-term potential to be an NFL Draft selection. His ultimate draft stock will depend on his ability to develop his pass protection skills and adapt to a higher level of competition. Scouts project him as a potential Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) pick, with the ceiling to rise higher with consistent collegiate production and development.
Best Fit
A program with a strong offensive line coach and a reputation for developing linemen will be the best fit for Congdon. A scheme that utilizes a mix of zone and power running concepts would take advantage of his mobility and mauling run-blocking style. His commitment to Miami, with an offensive line-focused head coach in Mario Cristobal and a respected offensive line coach in Alex Mirabal, is an excellent fit for his development.
Player Comparison
Both share an elite 6'7" frame with exceptional athletic ability and versatility that made them highly sought-after recruits despite some positional uncertainty early in their careers. Garrett was also a multi-sport athlete (basketball) with similar size and was recruited as a top-200 national prospect who could play multiple positions along the defensive line before settling into his dominant pass-rushing role.