Pros and cons of Atlanta Falcons picking South Carolina football's Jovaughn Gwyn in 2023 NFL Draft
COLUMBIA — South Carolina football offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was the 225th overall selection.
Gwyn was a 4-star prospect and the No. 15 guard in the Class of 2018. He was a four-year starter for the Gamecocks, earning second team All-SEC honors from the conference coaches in 2022.
The 6-foot-2, 297-pound Gwyn was the fourth South Carolina player drafted in 2023, following cornerback Cam Smith at No. 51, defensive tackle Zacch Pickens at No. 64 and cornerback Darius Rush in the fifth round. He is just the third Gamecocks guard drafted since 2000 and the first since A.J. Cann in 2015.
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The positives
Gwyn is a technically excellent offensive lineman. He plays below his pads and has strong footwork, especially in pass protection and short-yardage situations. His athleticism is solid for a lineman, and he showed off his explosiveness at the combine with an above-average broad jump and 40-yard dash.
Gwyn is also a strong locker room presence and a natural leader, serving as a two-year captain for the Gamecocks.
The concerns
Gwyn doesn't possess the physical traits to excel at the NFL level, so his ceiling is low despite his actual skill as a lineman. His height and weight fall in the 11th and ninth percentile respectively for the position, and draft analysts are particularly concerned by his short wingspan. His lack of length makes it easier for defenders to cross his face, and Gwyn will struggle to significantly move opposing linemen or protect gaps as a run blocker.
What else to know
Gwyn sustained a season-ending foot injury as a freshman in 2018. He had surgery after the Gamecocks' season opener and continued rehabbing through spring practice but returned with no limitations to start 11 of 12 games in 2019.
Gwyn earned recognition in 2022 for his off-field success as a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell trophy, an award given to the player with the best combination of academics, community service, and on-field performance.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Atlanta Falcons pick South Carolina's Jovaughn Gwyn in 2023 NFL Draft
