Eli Cox NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Kentucky IOL

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 311

POSITIVES

— Efficient run blocker on combos and doubles with a firm understanding of fits and timing to cover up, overtake and release when needed

— Plays with good natural leverage and active, independent hands in pass protection to strike, latch and keep his head out of the block

— Clear eyes to diagnose and sort basic line games and stunts

— Brings renowned work ethic, leadership skills and extensive experience across the interior

NEGATIVES

— Middling lateral quickness and erratic aiming points leave him susceptible to quick losses across his face

— Mediocre anchor ability leads to getting slowly pried open and compressed into the pocket

NOTES

— 3-star recruit from the 2019 class, per 247Sports

— Suffered a season-ending hand injury in 2021 after starting the first nine games

— 47 career starts at center (35) and right guard (12)

— 2024 All-SEC Coaches' Third Team selection

— Two-time team captain

— Inducted into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character in 2023 which is for Kentucky students that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, athletic participation, personal development, career preparation and serving as a role model

— Had four offensive line coaches during his college career

— Married in January 2024

OVERALL

Eli Cox is a four-year starter at center and right guard with most time spent at the former including 12 starts in 2024 inside Kentucky's run-first (59-41 run-pass split), zone-based run scheme. Cox had four different line coaches during his Wildcat career. Cox has a well-rounded build with a sawed-off frame, adequate athletic ability, and play strength.

Cox wins as a run blocker on combo blocks by consistently closing the door and fitting on defensive tackles with good timing on his releases to the second level. His natural leverage and low pad level put him in good initial positions on contact while his active hands and feet allow him to create seals after strong feeds from the guard. Cox strains hard through contact and slows down late-shed attempts into the lane. He will struggle against immediate post-snap movement across his face on slants and gap exchanges due to middling lateral quickness and length.

In pass protection Cox is an adept processor who can handle the pre-snap phase and sort basic line games and stunts. He plays with good spatial awareness on slide protections, knowing when to provide help to his guards and close the door on loopers. He shows below-average anchoring ability against head-up rushers and soft edges after being set up by sub-package rushers and speed moves.

Overall, Cox is an experienced, renowned worker and leader with functional zone run-blocking skills who could carve out a backup role over time on the interior, although his below-average length, athletic ability, and power make it unlikely that he will become a full-time starter.

GRADE: 6.3 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 138

POSITION RANK: IOL17

PRO COMPARISON: Andrew Raym

Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.