Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Hayden Conner (76) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New York Giants Draft Prospect: OG Hayden Conner, Texas

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Nick Falato | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Hayden Conner is a cerebral type who is skilled at handling complex blocking schemes and is a technician when it comes to pass protection.

Hayden Conner

A former three-star recruit out of Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, where he was the 99th-ranked player in his draft class (2021) and the 56th overall OT prospect. Through his four years at Texas, Conner played 2,916 of his 3,009 total snaps at left guard; he started next to Kelvin Banks Jr. for three of those seasons.

Conner allowed five sacks and 42 total pressures throughout his collegiate career. He started 42 of 51 total games and was a Joe Moore semifinalist the last two seasons. Conner was integral to the dominant offensive line of the Texas Longhorns over the last two seasons.

Conner was also a semifinalist for the Wuerffel Award, which commends a college football player’s excellence on and off the field and in the classroom. Conner was at the East-West Shrine Game in late January.

Strengths

#respectmydecision pic.twitter.com/SzWaoznZbP
— Hayden Conner (@HaydenConner) January 12, 2025

Weaknesses

Summary

I enjoyed Hayden Conner’s film and his overall ability, relative to the lack of buzz around him as a player. He’s got a mean streak and plays with sufficient strength and impressive processing – you rarely find him fooled or misjudging an assignment based on a late alignment shift.

He’s capable as both a run and pass blocker, albeit he’s not dominant with either. His hands can use some refinement but they’re heavy and there’s a lot of potential in his mits.

He won’t be a top selection or anything, but Conner is the exact player I hope to see the New York Giants take a swing on early in day three.

GRADE: 6.18

This article first appeared on New York Giants on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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