Luke Kandra, IOL, Cincinnati
Size:
Height: 6046
Weight: 319
Arm: 31 ⅞”
Hand: 10”
Accomplishments:
First-Team All-Big 12 (2023)
“Luke Kandra is a technical offensive lineman who, despite his lapses in a variety of areas, executes blocks well with versatility to play all three interior positions."
Strengths:
Explosion off the snap
ID stunts/twists well
Combo blocks and working to second level
Concerns:
Balance
Play strength
Operates with a high pad level
Film Analysis:
Luke Kandra is a technical offensive lineman who, despite his lapses in a variety of areas, executes blocks well with versatility to play all three interior positions. The former transfer from Louisville has allowed just four sacks in 623 career pass-pro snaps.
Primarily aligned at right guard for the Bearcats offense, Kandra is best as a run blocker. Limited strength and athleticism in his player profile, but he operates with a good base and solid technique that presents an evident performance floor. Kandra has shown the ability to pull and work in space. Best on a vertical plane, however, where Kandra can work up to the second level in a hurry if he’s uncovered. When faced with defenders aligned head-up, Kandra works to establish his hands ‘first’ inside the chest plate of linemen. Does not have the upper-body strength or leg drive to move bodies out of gaps, however, and his body can work against the offensive concept at times if he’s unable to establish leverage and seal defenders. He has work to do in holding blocks, as well. Kandra has no issue in initiating contact, but he will often disengage prematurely allowing defenders to pursue toward the football.
In pass pro, Kandra’s limitations as an athlete appear once again, but he displays a strong anchor and the ability to sit and stymie varying body types. Reads and reacts to different movements well, but Kandra’s punch timing inconsistencies can throw his body off balance. Will also lunge at times in an attempt to shock linemen at the onset of the snap. High-level processor up front who can punch, slide, reset, and take on free rushers or twisting defensive linemen. Hands remain active when engaged to work against counters, but quicker, more nuanced pass rushers can get into Kandra’s frame quickly to control the rep.
Overall, many of Kandra’s limitations in both phases are coachable. However, his limited athleticism and play strength are concerns that could cause teams to shy away until the latter portions of the draft process.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: BYU (2023), Baylor (2023), Oklahoma (2023)