Tom is a Louisiana native whose parents are both employed at LSU. His father is a mathematics professor and his mother an IT professional. His brother, Cameron, was a four-year starter at Southern Miss and has played for the Saints and Dolphins. As a redshirt freshman, Zach played in 12 games with one start at center. He played the same position for all 13 games in 2019, earning honorable mention All-ACC notice from league coaches. Tom moved to left tackle for 2020, starting all nine games, and then received first-team All-ACC recognition for his play as a 14-game starter at that position in 2021. He also won the Jim Tatum Award as the conference's top senior student-athlete among ACC football players. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Overview
Center prospect who spent the last two seasons at left tackle. Tom was extremely impressive in pass protection at tackle despite a lack of desired size or length, but he's likely headed back to center in the pros. He plays with technique and plus body control, but his aggression level is a little lacking in the run game and his mass is below average. Tom could be a priority for teams with leaky interior protection. He has Day 3 value as an above-average backup with eventual starting potential.Strengths
- Excellent intelligence.
- Three-year starter with good durability.
- Makes fluid block adjustments in space.
- Easy slide from block to block on combinations.
- Good base width and hip flexion into defender as base blocker.
- Utilizes firm, independent hands in pass protection.
- Throws punch with intent and quickness.
- Fluid and fast in mirroring a counter.
- Pass protection from tackle position was eye-opening.
Weaknesses
- Slender through his waist and hips.
- Catches contact at the point of attack.
- Needs to become more violent into contact.
- Below-average mass to base up against power.
- Needs to prove he can anchor against an NFL nose tackle.
- Susceptible to push-pull technique.
- Needs to guard against oversetting.
