Zak Zinter 2024 NFL Draft Profile

Zak Zinter NFL Draft Overview

Position: Guard School: Michigan

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 309 lbs

Age: 23 years old

Arm: 33 1/2″

Hand: 9 3/8″

More 2024 NFL Draft Profiles

The Michigan Wolverines are your 2024 College Football Playoff National Champions. Let that sink in. The Wolverines finally have done what seemed impossible to many, and that’s winning the national championship. Under Harbaugh, the Wolverines endured humiliating losses and are now an undefeated team. How did Harbaugh and the Wolverines manage to become champions? THE TRENCHES! Under Harbaugh, Michigan owned the trenches, and this particular group was led by Zak Zinter. 

Zinter was a three-start recruit out of North Andover, Maryland, and committed to Michigan. Zak quickly became a starter for the Wolverines during the 2020 Covid season, starting four out of the six games. In his sophomore season, Zinter was a full-time starter and was voted second team all Big 10. In his junior season, Zinter started all 14 games and, this time, was awarded first team all Big 10. The entire offensive line was again awarded the Joe Moore award.

In 2023, Zinter was incredible, being awarded first-team all-American, but an unfortunate injury cut his season short to 12 games. Fortunately, Michigan still won the ring thanks partly to Zack Zinter’s leadership and inspiration. Zinter is a first-round talent. If he heals correctly, he can be an ultimate steal. 

2024 NFL Draft: Zak Zinter Scouting Report

 Zinter’s Strengths

• Before his injury, he had 33 straight starts. Forty-two total starts, with 41 coming at right guard. Four-time letterman, three-time all big 10, All American in 2023. Apart from back-to-back Joe Moore’s award-winning offensive lines. 
• He has a thick, well-built frame with a strong upper body and thickness in his lower half to generate power. 
• He has great power that translates to the football field. He is physical, and his strength jolts defenders, allowing him to use his natural leverage to punish them. He engulfs defenders, trying to bullrush him. 
• Brilliant player and person. Three times all Big 10 academic all Big 10. This translates to the football field and his understanding of angles, recognizing blitzes and stunts. 
• One of the best in the entire offensive line class in performing pulls and second-level blocks and routinely, taking out defenders for rushing lanes. 
• He has a good balance and is technically sound for such a physical player. He keeps his feet chipping through contact, takes no plays off, and has good hand placement. 

Zinter’s Weakness

• There is a very good chance his recovery from a late 2023 broken tibia and fibula might not heal in time for the 2024 season. He might have to be on the shelf for a season. 
• He struggles with defensive linemen who utilize quickness off the snap and get up the field. This will hurt him in the NFL vs. explosive NFL pass rushers in pass protection. 
• Can sometimes get into stalemates with two-gappers who are just as strong and physical and even lose some battles
• He is a below-average to average athlete with noticeable hip stiffness. 
• He has high-pad-level issues that reduce the power of his punches. He pops right up out of his stance and lets defenders get their hands in his chest, causing stalemates.

Projection: Fifth Round Pick

NFL Comparison: Graham Glasgow

Best Fits: Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Bottom Line

Zak Zinter, a talented football player, may fall in the draft due to an injury. Nevertheless, his innate power and toughness make him a great fit for teams that implement gap power schemes. Such teams can leverage his physicality and strength to create gaps in the defense and make successful runs. Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports