2022 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: OG Thayer Munford, Ohio State

Nick takes a look at the interior offensive line spot to see what Ohio State's Thayer Munford might have to offer a team.

Thayer Munford, OG

Height: 6’6
Weight: 320 lbs
Class: Senior
School: Ohio State


A former four-star recruit out of Massillon, Ohio, where he attended Washington High School, Munford was the 28th offensive tackle recruit in the 2017 cycle but played most of his 2021 snaps at left guard. In his early collegiate career, Munford also played a significant amount of left tackle and a little bit in 2021.

Munford entered the 2021 season as the most experienced offensive lineman in the Big Ten. He played a collective 3,141 snaps, including 2021. The fifth-year senior returned to school and played left tackle in the bowl game against Utah because Nicholas Petit-Frere opted out of the affair. Munford stated that he felt “at home” before returning to left tackle in the Rose Bowl.

Notables

He was a first-team All-Big Ten selection at tackle in 2020 and a captain of the offense. He earned a Reese’s Senior Bowl invite before eventually returning to school for a fifth season. As of this moment, Munford isn’t on the 2022 Senior Bowl roster. Munford’s 2021 at guard wasn’t nearly as effective as Munford at tackle in 2020; in 2020, Munford allowed three total pressures --that is it. 

This past season at guard, Munford allowed a sack and 16 pressures, with significantly worse Pro Football Focus grades. Much like Petit-Frere, Munford struggled against Michigan. Munford may have cost himself some money after returning to school, but he will still be drafted.

Strengths

  • Versatile linemen with significant snaps at guard and tackle
  • Wide bodied with potential to occupy space
  • Solid length inside
  • Good power at the point of attack
  • Does a solid job in a phone booth
  • Smart player who isn’t fooled by stunts or blitzes
  • Good anchor in pass protection
  • A team-first type of leader at Ohio State
Scouting Primer for New York Giants' Top Offseason Needs: Part 3–Interior Defensive Line and Running Back / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

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  In this next installment of what to look for in college prospects, former NFL scouting intern Tom Rudawsky takes a look at the top characteristics the Giants may be looking for in tight ends and safeties.
Scouting Primer for New York Giants' Top Offseason Needs: Part 3, Tight Ends and Safeties

In this next installment of what to look for in college prospects, former NFL scouting intern Tom Rudawsky takes a look at the top characteristics the Giants may be looking for in tight ends and safeties.


Scouting Primer for New York Giants' Top Offseason Needs: Part 2, Inside Linebacker and Quarterback / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Scouting Primer for New York Giants' Top Offseason Needs: Part 3–Interior Defensive Line and Running Back / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In this next installment of what to look for in college prospects, Tom Rudawsky takes a look at the top characteristics the Giants may be looking for in defensive linemen and running backs.


Scouting Primer for New York Giants' Top Offseason Needs: Part 1, Outside Linebacker and Offensive Line / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants have a lot of work to do this off-season to restock key position units. In this article, former NFL scouting intern Tom Rudawsky takes a look at the top characteristics the Giants may be looking for in two critical areas of need: outside linebacker and offensive line.


Weaknesses

  • Struggles athletically
  • Takes too long to climb and locate second-level defenders
  • A bit lumbering
  • Doesn’t have the lateral agility necessary to be consistent in the NFL
  • Isn’t very flexible or sudden in his movements
  • Base gets wide and his balance sufferers more when the technique slips up
  • Won’t be athletic enough to play tackle in the NFL
  • Length masks timing errors with punch

Summary

Overall, Munford is an admirable collegiate offensive lineman who made Buckeye nation proud for five years. His questionable athletic ability and movement skills will more than likely relegate him inside at guard. He doesn’t have the quickest feet, and he doesn’t move exceptionally well, but he is capable of being a depth piece inside. He isn’t very sudden, but he has enough play strength and intelligence to stick to a roster.

GRADE: 5.9


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Nick Falato
NICK FALATO

Nick Falato is co-host of the Big Blue Banter podcast. In addition to Giants Country, his work has appeared on SB Nation.