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Ben Bredeson

Ben Bredeson Player Profile

Summary

Ben Bredeson was drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Round 5, (pick 143) out of University of Michigan. Bredeson is a very reliable, physical interior offensive lineman whose strengths lean heavily into run-blocking, anchor strength, and technical discipline. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done — especially in gap or zone-run schemes where he can use his frame and tenacity.

That said, he’s not a “wow” athlete. His mobility, hip flexibility, and power burst are solid but not elite, which can limit him in more movement-heavy blocking schemes or when matched with high-athleticism defenders. His best role in the NFL appears to be as a steady, dependable guard who can start, take on powerful rushers, and contribute in a variety of run concepts.

Strengths

  • Large, Prototypical Frame & Physical Strength

  • Bredeson has a strong, broad build that suits interior line play. russellstreetreport.com

  • He demonstrates the power to sustain blocks and anchor against bull rushers, using his mass effectively. Pewter Report

  • Run-Blocking / Drive Ability

    • He finishes in the run game, consistently moving defenders and sustaining contact through the whistle. Sharp Football Analysis

    • In zone or gap run schemes, he’s able to flow to the second level, pull, and hit linebackers with tenacity. Sharp Football Analysis

  • Technique & Football Intelligence

    • Good footwork and hand placement, especially in pass protection. He sets with a sound base and bends his knees well. Sharp Football Analysis

    • He’s also a strong communicator on the line (noted as a “ready-caller” in his pass sets), helping manage stunts and blitzes. Sharp Football Analysis

  • Toughness & Consistency

    • Known for his competitiveness, Bredeson plays with a mean streak and never shies away from contact. russellstreetreport.com

    • He’s durable, with a strong work ethic and reliability, traits that are especially valuable for interior linemen. Sharp Football Analysis

  • Versatility

    • Though primarily a guard, he has experience inside and has shown he can adapt to different blocking schemes. russellstreetreport.com

Weaknesses

  • Limited Athleticism / Mobility

  • While adequate, his foot speed and agility are not elite; this can hinder his ability in space or on wide-zone plays. Maize n Brew

  • According to some evaluations, his lateral movement and ability to quickly mirror fast defenders is constrained. russellstreetreport.com

  • Hip Flexibility / Pad Level

    • Some scouting reports note that Bredeson doesn't always maintain optimal pad level when engaging defenders, potentially reducing his leverage. Sharp Football Analysis

    • His hip flexibility is not ideal, which can limit his ability to seal edges or work in space as cleanly as more agile linemen. Sharp Football Analysis

  • Punch Power & Anchor Consistency

    • While he has quick hands and good technique, he doesn’t always deliver a consistently powerful first punch, and his anchor can be less reliable against very strong interior pass rushers. Sharp Football Analysis

    • Evaluators have noted that his anchor strength is a bit inconsistent depending on the matchup. Sharp Football Analysis

  • Scheme-Dependency

    • He projects best in zone or gap schemes where his strengths are maximized; in stretch-heavy schemes or systems demanding constant pulling, his limitations could be exposed. Pewter Report

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit

  • Bredeson fits best in:

  • ✔ Zone-Heavy or Mixed Schemes

  • Outside/inside zone

  • Quick game

  • Spread alignments

  • Schemes prioritizing good technique over raw power

  • His smart, assignment-clean approach benefits offenses that want consistency and reliable interior communication.

  • ✔ Teams That Need Versatile Interior Depth

  • Ideal for offenses that value linemen who can switch between LG, RG, and C with minimal issues.

  • Less Ideal For:

  • Power/gap-heavy systems requiring heavy pulling

  • Teams wanting dominant run push from the interior

  • Schemes relying heavily on athletic linemen operating in space

  • Outlook

  • Short-Term

  • A reliable, experienced interior lineman who can start at guard or center depending on team need. Not a liability, but not a high-end difference-maker. His ability to handle protections makes him valuable immediately.

  • Medium-Term

  • Projects as:

  • A multi-year starter at center or guard

  • OR an elite-level swing interior lineman who can fill multiple roles

  • His versatility and smart play style likely extend his career even if not cemented as a long-term starter.

  • Long-Term

  • Could settle into a high-floor, dependable veteran role:

  • Solid starter on a competitive roster

  • High-end depth piece on playoff teams
    He is the type of lineman who can play 8–10 years due to intelligence, consistency, and technique.