2021 NFL Draft Profile: Tommy Doyle, OT, Miami (OH)

Tommy Doyle’s sights have been set on draft week for quite some time. The offensive tackle originally declared for the NFL Draft on August 25 as a response to the COVID-19-related cancelation of the 2020 MAC football season.

But one month later, the MAC reversed course on its decision and announced an abbreviated schedule for all 12 member schools. With the season in session, Doyle threw the pads back on and returned for one last ride with the Miami RedHawks. Due to unfortunate COVID-19 luck, Miami (OH) only played three games in 2020, finishing with a 2-1 record.

However, those three games were enough to warrant Doyle a First Team All-MAC selection, an honor which he earned in each of his final two seasons on campus. From 2017 to 2020, Doyle played 31 games at Miami and started 30. Originally lining up as a right tackle, Doyle switched to left tackle for his junior campaign — his most successful year in Oxford. He led the war in the trenches for the MAC champion RedHawks, which won their first conference title since 2010.

During the conference title season, Doyle amplified the passing attack by protecting true freshman quarterback Brett Gabbert, allowing him ample time in the pocket to adjust to the speed of the college game. He also blocked for the dynamic running back duo of Jaylon Bester and Tyre Shelton and assisted them in averaging a collective 4.8 yards per carry while registering 16 combined rushing touchdowns.

Doyle’s 6’8”, 320 pound frame, when combined with footwork, make him an ideal tackle prospect in the 2021 draft. His feet are very quick in pass protection and he is able to mirror opposing pass rushers’ moves at a high level. Experience at both tackle positions is also an appealing attribute of his game that will help him remain versatile in the NFL.

Working on hand positioning is one of the primary improvements to his game suggested by scouts — an aspect of his game that he’ll need to polish before asserting dominance on the professional level. Still, the power to drive through opponents is clear. As a former high school hockey player, a good number of Doyle’s blocks feel like he’s throwing an opponent into the boards.

During Miami’s brutal 2019 non-conference schedule, Doyle tested his metal against premier pass rushing talent. In visits to Iowa and Ohio State, he battled 2020 second round pick A.J. Epenesa and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young. While Epenesa and Young earned their fair share of wins in those battles, Doyle held his own against the stiff competition.

At his Pro Day in March, Doyle posted an impressive 5.12-second 40-yard dash speed for a lineman of his build. His showings in the shuttle run, 3-cone drill, vertical jump, and broad jump prove he is one of the most athletic linemen in this draft class — and in any draft class in recent memory.

Doyle is a projected day three prospect, likely landing in either the fourth or fifth round of the draft. A surprising omission from the 2021 Senior Bowl roster has kept the former RedHawk under the radar. But his eye-popping numbers at Pro Day should do him a service this weekend. While he’ll likely learn under an established veteran in his rookie season, a starting tackle role is definitely in play for Doyle’s NFL future given his potential.