Kozan Draft ProfileOverview
Kozan and the McCaffrey brothers, Christian and Max, helped Denver metro area Valor Christian High School win multiple state titles. He considered going to Iowa, but eventually signed with Auburn as a four-star recruit. SEC coaches named him to the conference All-Freshman squad one season after he redshirted, as he started all 14 games at the left guard spot. Kozan missed the 2014 season due to a back injury, but returned to lineup on the left side of the line for all 13 games the following season. He completed his career as a War Eagle by winning second-team All-SEC honors, again starting every game at left guard.
Analysis
Strengths Functional movement as pull blocker. Plays under control with skip-pulls and generally operates with good radar to find his work. Technically sound player. Plays under control with efficient feet. Operates with good timing on combo blocks and rarely gets cheated on secure block. Understands athletic limitations and adjusts his second-level angles accordingly. Has adequate core strength and can battle back against power players. Able to sink and anchor against bull rushers. Coachable and consistent.
Weaknesses Is a little fleshy around the midsection. Below average athletic ability. Plays with some leg stiffness when asked to move in space and is labored out of stance in lateral movements. Will struggle to get to his reach blocks and win. Can take early losses when matched against athletes at point of attack. Feet are sluggish laterally in pass pro. Will lunge a bit rather than mirror when rusher gets to his edge. Would generate better arm extension with quicker, more compact punch.
Draft Projection PFA
Bottom Line Scrappy guard with average power and limited athletic ability who still finds ways to maintain a level of consistency as a blocker. Kozan doesn't have any of the physical or athletic traits that will help him stand out, but he's a coachable tough guy who should find his way into a camp and put together some solid reps. If Kozan can take some snaps and offer center flexibility, that might help his chances to make a roster.
