2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Blake Fisher

Strengths

• Young and powerful blocker in a long, wide frame
• Heavy hands stun defenders in their tracks
• Flashes a variety of pass sets
• Versatility to play left or right side
• Possesses the tools to be an imposing run blocker
• Smooth athleticism flashes throughout the tape
• Well-versed in a variety of run concepts from the Notre Dame offense
• Dropped 40 lbs since his freshman year
• Wide frame and long lateral stride eat up space well
• Does well to keep defenders guessing with various pass sets
• Impressive hand-fighting technique
• Improved significantly as the 2023 season progressed

Weaknesses

• Highly inconsistent
• Reverts to a two-hand punch too often for a player who has more in his repertoire
• Tends to overset against wide alignments and speed rushers
• Slow wind-up leads to late hands, giving defenders space to eat
• Gives up ground while gaining depth vertically
• Noticeably slow off the snap, on occasion
• Slow to reset feet and hands when his initial plan fails
• Upright play style and stiffness through his core leads to issues with contact balance
• Stiffness through his hips and core is noticeable when asked to execute pull assignments
• Struggles to hit the correct angles when climbing to the second level

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Blake Fisher

Traits, traits, TRAITS! Fisher is a toolsy prospect with loads of upside but could require a developmental path to reach his ceiling. He currently has a top-75 grade from our team. A lot stands to change still, and the NFL Combine will surely impact our rankings. The traits and high-end flashes on tape make him a Day 2 pick in my mind, though.

Fisher's left-right versatility is valuable because it guarantees him a swing tackle role as a developmental backup. His upside could be highest at offensive guard, but it's hard to know without seeing him play on the interior. His power, size, and anchor would transition well to the guard position, but he has the length and adequate athleticism to remain at tackle.

“I know I’m the baddest dude on the field at all times. It’s like the quarterback is my mom and the running back is my sister. I don’t want either one getting touched.”

- Blake Fisher in high school

Fisher's high-end reps at tackle scream first-round pick while the low-end reps push him into the Day 2 range. Best case, I see Fisher becoming a borderline Pro Bowl player for an NFL team. At the least, I see him being a developmental backup who bounces around the league due to his size, strength, and versatility.

Fisher could be an excellent addition to the Chicago Bears offensive line in the back half of Day 2. He's best suited for a zone run scheme that leans more heavily into the inside zone or duo concepts. The Bears will likely run a more lateral scheme with inside zone concepts sprinkled in, but there's evidence on tape of Shane Waldron making inside zone concepts work for outside runs. Fisher would likely serve a swing tackle or guard role as he develops early in his career with the opportunity to earn a starting role anywhere along the offensive line when he settles into the NFL.

Pro Comp: Dion Dawkins