NFL Free Agent HUB Report: Niko Culnan, Offensive Lineman

NFL Free Agent report for offensive lineman Niko Culnan who participated in the March HUB CAMP event.

NIKO CULNAN

School: Albany
Position: C
Height: 6021v
Weight: 305v
Hand: 0948v
Arm: 3100v
Wing: 7528v
Age: 22
Agent: Michael Giorgio & Doug Lilly

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ONE LINER

A natural center who has made great strides in his overall body frame, flexibility and technique; a developmental player who continues to improve with reps.

MARCH 2022 EVALUATION

[UPDATE]: Wore #68 at HUB Football CAMP (03/27/22). Came in five pounds lighter since last HUB appearance (01/21); has trimmed down about 25 pounds since his collegiate career. Appears much more nimble with greater flexibility; possesses 30” vertical jump, can dunk a basketball, an example of how his quickness has progressed (recorded 1.7 ten-yard spilt in recent workout). Does a nice job getting around the edge on pull blocks and into the second level. While his technique is improved, he tends to get beat with speed on occasion. Would also like to see him utilize his arm extension more efficiently, in order to help prevent defenders from getting into his chest. Heeded well to instruction under HUB head coach Geep Chryst and offensive coordinator Norm Chow. A consistent, accurate snapper and grappler who has a real passion for the game and continues to hone his craft. From HUB last January, to playing with the Aviators in 2021, to this most recent workout in 2022, the Albany native has looked better at each pit stop.

MAY 2021 Evaluation:

Thick-built upper/lower body; wide thighs, base. Packs a powerful punch, demonstrates sound hand placement and excellent leg drive. Did very well on pulling down the line, coming around the edge and taking good angles. Drew praise from HUB offensive line coach Eugene Chung for his footwork. While fundamentally sound, he is limited athletically and laterally. Compensates for his deficiencies by being a student of the game; a very smart player who was relied upon to make pre-snap reads at LOS. A finisher; plays through the whistle. Has been training full-time… working on explosiveness and athleticism; needs to improve on flexibility/bend. Could stand to lose five-to-ten pounds. It was encouraging to see that he was one of the most improved players from start to finish of workout; took to coaching and applied it on the spot to the best of his ability. Due to lack of prototype height, arm length and speed, he will need to seek developmental reps until he can compete for an NFL roster spot. Could certainly play in another pro league such as CFL, TSL, FCF, etc., as he continues to fine-tune.

QUOTABLE

"He's a big, strong thick guy that can handle big people and from that standpoint, we were definitely more stout inside and it helped us in many ways.”—Albany head coach Greg Gattuso on Niko Culnan

Background:

Played in a variated spread offense at Albany, gap-scheme/zone run… heavy pass-orientated attack. Started his final 25 games at center for Albany; played his first two seasons at Hudson Valley Community College. Majored in informatics. Ran track, did shotput and played lacrosse at Colonie High School. Son of Lance Culnan and Sherry Palma. Has a brother, Griffin, and sister, Adrian. Uncle was a world-class powerlifter.