C.J. Hanson, G Holy Cross: 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Hanson was an offensive line recruit from DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J. in the class of 2019
The 2024 NFL Draft doesn’t feature many star FCS players, but Holy Cross guard C.J. Hanson should attract attention as a day three prospect. Hanson is a team captain and a veteran fifth-year performer.
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C.J. Hanson, G Holy Cross: 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Classification: Fifth-year right guard from Wyckoff, N.J.
Background: Hanson was an offensive line recruit from DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J. in the class of 2019. He did not receive a star rating or national ranking from 247Sports, Rivals, On3.com, or ESPN. Hanson was a Non-Public Second Team All-State selection as a high school senior. He was also a First Team All-County selection that year. Hanson helped DePaul Catholic win New Jersey Non-Public Group III State Championships in 2015 and 2017.
Injuries & Off-Field: N/A
Awards: 2021 Second Team All-Patriot League (Phil Steele), 2022 First Team All-Patriot League, 2023 Team Captain
Pros: More than 2,000 career offensive snaps, well-built frame with room to add mass, keeps head on a swivel, maintains a wide base, keeps his shoulders clean in pass pro, speed to recover vertically if he does lose his shoulder, snatch-trap variation, fits hands well, replaces hands quickly, showed off controlling clamp against Harvard (2023), put defenders on the ground against Harvard (2023), good mobility for short pulls, pushes defenders down the line on down blocks, comfortable climbing on combo blocks, created vertical displacement vs. South Dakota State (2022), engulfed and sealed South Dakota State defenders (2022)
Cons: Competition level, doesn’t dominate low level competition, arm length emerged as an issue vs. Boston College (2023), needs to fill out lower body, play strength isn’t NFL-caliber, tossed aside in the run game by Khris Banks (2023), lacks a mean streak, pad level rises quickly, must protect his chest more, struggles to sink and anchor against players with lower pad levels, no way to anchor once he’s on skates, tested by push-pull moves, vulnerable to club moves, balance is stressed by pulls and clubs, indecisive when not covered up in pass pro vs. Boston College (2023), must concentrate on sustaining blocks for longer, doesn’t always make solid contact with defenders when pulling or climbing
Overview: Hanson has more than 2,000 career offensive snaps and is a veteran leader for Holy Cross. He has a well-built frame with room to add mass. In pass protection, Hanson keeps his head on a swivel and maintains a wide base. He usually keeps his shoulders clean in pass protection and possesses the speed to recover if challenged vertically. Hanson uses a snatch-trap variation and has solid hand usage. He fits his hands well and replaces them quickly when they’re swiped or swatted. The fifth-year guard showed off his clamp strength and ability to manipulate defenders against Harvard (2023). His play strength made a dent against Harvard and South Dakota State (2022). South Dakota State defenders struggled to hold the point of attack against Hanson, who displaced them vertically. He also engulfed defenders to seal them for run plays. The New Jersey native is comfortable climbing on combo blocks or executing short pulls in a gap scheme. Unfortunately, the power he showed off against lesser competition didn’t translate to Holy Cross’ game against Boston College in 2023. His abilities to clamp and drive linemen downfield and sustain blocks looked significantly worse against Boston College than the non-FBS competition he frequently faces. Hanson’s arm length emerged as an issue against the Eagles, who easily accessed his chest and took advantage of his high pad level. The veteran guard needs to fill out his lower half because he doesn’t possess NFL-caliber play strength right now. He struggles to sink and anchor against players with lower pad levels and fails to re-anchor against power. Hanson also struggles to handle push-pull and club moves. The All-Patriot League selection must concentrate on sustaining blocks for longer and finishing plays. He lacks a mean streak, which leads to him giving opponents opportunities to get back into plays. Little mistakes litter Hanson’s tape. These flaws are probably correctable, but a player with as much experience as Hanson shouldn’t be putting these poor reps on film. He doesn’t truly dominate at the FCS level and failed to take advantage of his match against an FBS opponent.
Overall, Hanson has flashes of impactful blocking against FCS opponents, but he looked mundane and overpowered at times against Boston College in 2023. Hanson lacks traits that jump out on film. He’ll need a strong showing on the All-Star circuit to secure a draft selection earlier than late day three.
Role & Scheme Fit: Right guard in a gap or inside zone scheme
Round Projection: Sixth Round
Size: 6'6", 305 lbs. (Unofficial)
Submitted: 10-17-23