by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of 247Sports.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Texas A&M, Tackle, Reuben Fatheree II
Name- Reuben Fatheree II
Pos- Tackle
Team- Texas A&M
HT/WT- 6’8” 315 lbs
Born- N/A
Home – Richmond, TX
Fatheree excelled at both basketball and football while attending Foster High School in Texas. He was a first-team all-district honorable mention after both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He was a consensus 4-star recruit by three major media outlets (247Sports, ESPN and Rivals).
As a freshman, Fatheree played in 11 games, making 9 starts and received the Offensive Top Newcomer Award at the Aggie end of season banquet. In his sophomore year he started all 12 games at tackle, establishing himself as an anchor for the Texas A&M line.
So far this season he has had injury issues and has only played in a couple of games for the Aggies, coming off the bench.
Fatheree has the physical traits to be an NFL left tackle, and at 6’8” he can also add more weight and muscle to his frame with no issue. He plays with a high football IQ and understands the angles and rushes his opponents are taking against him. His strong hands allow him to ably and effectively land a hard initial punch to stun his defenders and his length allows him to keep bull rushers at bay. For a big man, he possesses the footwork and agility to counteract spins or stunts, moving more like a basketball player than a left tackle. He glides to the second level and does a good job of finding bodies to hit.
However, Fatheree does not consistently keep a wide base and at times will get away from bending his knees. He plays too upright and will lunge instead of being patient with pass rushers. He has had injury concerns, and thus may be better served coming back for another season. He has trouble pairing his upper body strength with his athletic footwork, losing his balance or falling forward after lunging.
Reuben Fatheree looks a lot like Orlando Brown Jr. did early in his college career. Brown was a strong tackle who had trouble with his balance at Oklahoma. He has grown into an athletic tackle in the NFL after being selected in Round 3 by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Strengths
Second level
Angles
Athletic
Size
Weaknesses
Base
Reaches
Balance
Injuries
Final Analysis
Coming into the 2023 season Fatheree was considered a mid round pick but nagging injuries have derailed his season. Draft 412 thinks he may be better coming back to College Station for another season.
Draft 412 Draft Projection - Round 6 or Round 7