Nick Saldiveri Complete NFL Draft Profile (Toughness and Versatility Make Old Dominion Lineman Stand Out)

Old Dominion offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri is headed to the 2023 NFL Draft following a strong 2022 campaign in which he didn't give up a single sack. Saldiveri's ability to play either guard position or to move outside to right tackle makes him an intriguing option for many teams in the middle rounds of the draft.

Here's everything you need to know about Nick Saldiveri heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Nick Saldiveri Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/22: Walter Football, Sporting News, CBS Sports, Pro Football Network, ESPN.

Projected Draft Round: Round 3 (2), Round 5 (2)
Projected Team: Colts (2), Rams (1), 49ers (1)

Nick Saldiveri Scouting Report

Nick Saldiveri, a three-year starter at Old Dominion, is a versatile offensive lineman with the potential to play multiple positions, including guard and right tackle. Boasting an athletic build and good overall size, Saldiveri excels as a zone blocker or pulling guard, where he can take advantage of his agility and skill in space.

Saldiveri's football IQ is evident in his ability to read movements and adjust assignments on the fly. He is adept at handling stunts and blitzes, and works well with teammates on combo blocks. As a pass protector, he is a true technician with a wide base, impressive lateral movement and consistent kick slide. Saldiveri displays excellent hand placement, balance, and agility in his pass protection set, while also showcasing his quickness and flexibility on reach blocks. His underrated athleticism allows him to contribute effectively as a puller.

However, Saldiveri struggles with hand skill and placement, which could hinder his ability to neutralize NFL opponents consistently. His hands often land outside opponents' pads, leading to slow resets in leverage battles. Additionally, his average core strength limits his drive blocking ability, and he needs to be more consistent in squeezing inside gaps in play action. When facing bigger linemen, Saldiveri tends to slip off blocks and can end up on the ground.

While Saldiveri is a solid all-around prospect, he does not stand out as elite in any one area. He is more comfortable moving forward than sliding back as a protector, and his lack of balance in pass protection can be exploited by quick or nimble opponents. Despite these weaknesses, Saldiveri's toughness, durability, and potential to play right tackle or guard make him an attractive option for NFL teams.

Overall, Nick Saldiveri is a productive college lineman with significant growth potential. Although he may not have an incredibly high ceiling, his versatility and experience make him a viable candidate for a roster spot as a backup utility lineman in the NFL.

Nick Saldiveri NFL Draft Prediction

Small-school prospects are notoriously tough to project (just look at the spread between third- and fifth-round picks mocked above), but I have a feeling Saldiveri will have little trouble finding an NFL suitor.

You can never have enough offensive line depth and versatility is incredibly important for those depth pieces, meaning there are really 32 teams who could be in the market for a guard/tackle in the middle rounds of the draft.

Of course, a raw prospect like Saldiveri could be especially intriguing to a team who isn't in a win-now mode, as some early coaching could elevate him to a potential starting position, giving him the high-level experience he's currently lacking to reach his full potential.

The Indianapolis Colts appear to be leaning into a hard-nosed offensive identity, and Saldiveri's toughness and durability seem like a plus culture fit.

Prediction: Indianapolis Colts (Round 4, 106 overall)

Nick Saldiveri NFL Combine Results

More NFL Draft coverage from The Duel:

Nick Saldiveri Old Dominion Stats

Nick Saldiveri Old Dominion Highlights