Rating: 79.0 Rank: #41 Forty: 5.10 West shows solid technical refinement in the run game, where he moves defenders off their spots with consistent leverage and finish. When studying his tape...
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Addison West, a 6'3", 300-pound interior lineman, didn't see meaningful action until his third year in Kalamazoo, logging just nine snaps against Michigan State in 2019 and contributing primarily on special teams in 2021. But when West finally earned his shot in 2022, he never relinquished it, starting 36 consecutive games over his final three seasons with the Broncos.
West's development culminated in a historic 2024 campaign that saw him become Western Michigan's first-ever Walter Camp Foundation First Team All-American, joining Corey Davis as the program's only consensus All-American. Born December 5, 2000, West anchored a Bronco offensive attack that led the MAC at 28.92 points per game, clearing lanes for a three-headed rushing attack that piled up 2,204 yards between three different backs. Even more impressive: West didn't surrender a single sack during his dominant senior season while earning PFF's highest guard grade in college football.
The two-time all-state high school standout who once set a program record with 48 pancake blocks leaves Western Michigan with an impressive academic résumé as well, earning Academic All-MAC honors three consecutive seasons. His versatility proved invaluable to the Broncos, as he started games at both guard and center during his tenure, showcasing the positional flexibility that NFL teams covet from interior linemen.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Displays vicious hand placement with perfect timing on his initial punch, shocking defenders and establishing control before they can get their hands on his frame.
- Works combo blocks like a 10-year veteran, feeling when to pass off a defender with subtle communication that shows up repeatedly on crucial third downs.
- Brings an old-school nastiness to the run game, driving his legs through contact while maintaining leverage that lets him finish blocks with defenders on the ground.
- Compensates for lack of mass with exceptional anchor technique, quickly resetting his base when absorbing power rushes that would fold lesser technicians.
- Shows rare recovery skills when initially beaten, using vice-grip hands to latch onto defenders' frames and redirect them harmlessly past the quarterback.
- Positional versatility jumps off the film, looking equally comfortable making line calls at center or pulling from either guard spot in space.
- Consistently hunts for work in pass protection sets, keeping his head swiveling and finding opportunities to assist tackles against dangerous edge rushers.
- Technical footwork allows him to maintain proper knee bend and square shoulders throughout entire pass pro sets, even against talented MAC interior rushers.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks the explosive first step to consistently reach and cut off linebackers at the second level, particularly evident against athletic MAC defenses like Toledo.
- Frame raises serious concerns at just 300 pounds, as massive NFL nose tackles who get into his chest will present problems he rarely faced in college.
- Initial footwork gets choppy against quick-twitch penetrators, causing him to be late establishing his anchor against gap-shooting interior defenders.
- Has a tendency to lean forward when pulling in space, leaving him vulnerable to counter moves and occasionally ending up face-down on missed second-level blocks.
- Power base shows limitations against true bull rushes, getting walked back into the pocket when defenders get underneath his pads with leverage advantage.
Scouting Report: Summary
West shows solid technical refinement in the run game, where he moves defenders off their spots with consistent leverage and finish. When studying his tape, you notice a lineman who plays with more attitude than his frame suggests, particularly when driving downhill in man-blocking schemes. His run blocking effectiveness often compensates for his physical limitations, though those same limitations will be tested far more severely against NFL competition.
His positional flexibility after playing both guard and center gives him some appeal as a potential depth piece. The film shows a cerebral player who processes stunts and blitzes effectively, but his lack of mass and marginal explosion will create significant challenges at the next level. Despite good hand usage and timing, West will face a steep adjustment when battling NFL defensive tackles who combine elite power with surprising quickness.
The athletic constraints and undersized frame place a firm ceiling on his potential, projecting him primarily as a developmental prospect who may need practice squad time to build functional NFL strength. While his technique and versatility could eventually earn him a backup role, his path to meaningful snaps will require significant physical development. His college production and recognition demonstrate a player who maximizes his abilities, but the jump in competition leaves valid questions about whether those abilities will translate to Sundays.
