College: Utah State
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 313 pounds
Strengths
Upper-body strength: Larsen’s upper-body strength is highlighted by his hands (below) but he also appears to have good bulk and width in his shoulders. The three-time all-conference player was tied for second-best at the combine on the bench press with 36 repetitions of the 225lbs. bar.
Quickness: He is not explosive but Larsen is quick which allows him to work well against second level defenders. This also allows Larsen – whose brother, Cody, is in the NFL – to pull-block and be versatile within the offensive line.
Hands: Larsen displays a very strong initial punch which can stun defenders and take the power out of their pass rush. Furthermore, his hand placement in the run game is more than adequate which allows him to manipulate defenders more often than not.
Weaknesses
Explosion: Larsen lacks elite explosion off the snap and appears to react to defenders rather than be proactive towards them. His poor explosion has been combatted by his intelligence, however, in the NFL 3-technique defensive lineman will go through or around him in a flash. The lack of explosiveness in Larsen’s lower half was highlighted at the combine when he displayed the third-worst vertical leap.
Agility: Again, the lower-body does not match his impressive upper-body Larsen does not move well laterally and seems sluggish in his movements. He had the fifth-worst three-cone time amongst offensive lineman in Indianapolis.
NFL Comparison
Barrett Jones, St. Louis Rams. While Jones, who came out of Alabama last season, is a better player than Larsen they have both have made the most of what they have by playing smart and competing. Neither will ever win on physical prowess alone, instead, if they are to be successful in the NFL it will be through smarts and leadership.
Draft Outlook
Larsen is a good kid who loves football but he just is not cut out for the NFL. A team may take a flyer on him in the seventh round as a squad player but it would not be a shock if he is not selected.
Best Fits
The Baltimore Ravens are in need of depth at the center position are as the Patriots. The latter are known for taking on intelligent football players and withdrawing the maximum potential.