Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Lacks desired length at the position with stubby arms that leave him vulnerable to push-pull moves from longer interior defenders who can control his chest before he establishes contact.
• Will occasionally get caught playing high at point of attack, causing him to cede ground and scramble into recovery mode – happening most often against explosive one-gap penetrators.
• Can overshoot aiming points on back blocks when pulling, creating windows for defenders to cross his face and disrupt runs between the tackles with immediate penetration.
• Lacks top-end athleticism to consistently reach playside linebackers when climbing – too often arrives a half-beat late allowing second-level defenders to squeeze gaps.
• Coming off catastrophic Achilles tear in November that adds significant medical concerns – likely to miss rookie minicamp and potentially parts of training camp during recovery process.

Scouting Report: Summary

The tape shows a technically sound center with excellent mental processing who thrives in zone-heavy concepts where his leverage and positioning maximize his effectiveness. His football instincts jump off the film – watch him handle complex stunts against Michigan or diagnose blitz packages pre-snap against Penn State. While the Achilles injury raises legitimate concerns about his immediate impact, this is a pivot with starter-caliber traits whose smarts allows him to overcome physical limitations.

McLaughlin's game centers on technique over raw power. He wins with hand placement, footwork and anticipation rather than overwhelming defenders at the point of attack. The evolution of his game at Ohio State showed significant improvement in his ability to sustain blocks through the whistle – a crucial development that wasn't consistently present in his Alabama tape. His limitations aren't fatal flaws but will require scheme consideration; he'll struggle against mammoth nose tackles in gap-heavy schemes but excels when asked to reach block and climb to the second level.

You're getting a field general when you draft McLaughlin – a player whose communication skills and understanding of protections will elevate the entire offensive line's performance. The snap issues that plagued him at Alabama have been completely resolved after technical refinements at Ohio State, showcasing his coachability and attention to detail. His medicals will require thorough examination, but the mental toughness displayed after his transfer reveals a resilient competitor who bounces back from setbacks.