Drafted by: Minnesota Vikings
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 313
Arm Length: 35 ⅛
40-Yard Dash: N/A
10-Yard Split: N/A
3-Cone: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Pros
- Has the ideal height, strength, and length for an NFL OT.
- Displays good leg drive when run blocking.
- Has the upper body strength to reset and lockout when needed.
- Good footwork when dropping in pass protection.
- Does a good job staying engaged with his assignments.
Cons
- Experiences some trouble facing speed rushers with active hands.
- Needs to stay tighter too the line of scrimmage when pulling.
- Feet are a bit heavy when working in the open field.
- Feet can get displaced against a good bull rush.
Notes
- Tackle at Stanford for four years before transferring to Oklahoma.
- All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2023.
- Named to the PAC-12 Academic Honor Roll in 2021 and 2022.
Overview
While his teammate Tyler Guyton might be getting more looks, Walter Rouse has continued to hold his own against Big-12 competition. He may not have the same size as his teammate, but he does have more length. While some teams appreciate size, Rouse has the size but with even more length.
As stated, Walter Rouse has the ideal size to play tackle in the NFL with even more length than what’s appreciated on average. Even with his long arms, Rouse has the strength and accuracy to reset his hands and lockout when engaging with rushers. In both the run and passing game, Rouse plays with good footwork as he gets to his landmarks well and maintains good leg drive once engaged. Lastly, he does a good job staying engaged with whomever his assignment is. While he’s engaged with those against him, he doesn’t get too preoccupied to the point where he gets tunnel vision.
Still, although he’s consistently able to get to his landmarks, Rouse does have trouble in the face of speed and against rushers with active hands. Most often, a rusher will set up going outside to which he overcompensates leaving his chest exposed for a bullrush. When working in the open field, Rouse also needs to improve his movements. He needs to be tighter to the line of scrimmage when pulling and needs to learn to be lighter on his feet.
A tackle at Stanford before transferring to Oklahoma, Rouse is an extremely smart player. Add to that his size, length, and footwork, and you get an underappreciated prospect who’s capable of being relied upon when needed.
My Two Cents
In my opinion, Walter Rouse is an extremely underrated prospect amongst offensive tackles. While many are busy with Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, and his teammate Tyler Guyton, Rouse has kept to himself and put together a solid year for the Sooners. While there’s still areas he can improve, I wouldn’t mind taking the Oklahoma product as early as the second round.
Drafted Round 6, Pick 177 to the Minnesota Vikings
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