Blue-collar Michigan guard who embodies the program's trench identity — physical, technically sound, and tough enough to grind through a five-year wait for his shot. El-Hadi is at his best as a run blocker, where he plays with nasty intentions and can wall off interior defenders and climb to the second level. His pass protection technique is solid — good hand placement, stout base against bull rushes — but he gets exposed by NFL-caliber counter moves and speed-to-power conversions, which will be a daily reality at the next level. He's a high-floor, low-ceiling backup guard prospect whose character, durability, and Michigan pedigree will earn him a camp invite, but he'll need to prove the athleticism translates beyond the Big Ten. The floor is a quality practice squad guard who develops into a swing interior backup; the ceiling is a spot-starter who gives you 60 competent snaps when the starter goes down.
- Technically sound pass protector with excellent hand placement and a wide, balanced base that anchors against interior bull rushes
- Physical, high-effort run blocker who plays with a mauling mentality and generates movement at the point of attack
- Excellent awareness against twists and stunts, showing the processing speed to identify and pick up moving defenders
- Proven durability and character — started every game across two full seasons in the Big Ten, named team captain, never transferred despite years behind future NFL picks
- Positional flexibility to play both left and right guard, with a demonstrated ability to move to his non-natural side and perform competently
- Tends to slip off blocks and finish plays on the ground against bigger, more powerful interior defenders — a significant concern at the NFL level
- Struggles with quality counter moves, failing to readjust when his initial set is beaten — a weakness that NFL pass rush technicians will exploit repeatedly
- Run-blocking grade is inconsistent — described as an 'absolute mauler' in the run game by some, but PFF run-blocking grades fluctuated significantly game to game
- Limited starting experience relative to peers — only two full years as a starter, with modest PFF grades (66-67 overall) that suggest a fringe-average college player, not a standout
Physical, technique-first interior guard from a blue-blood program who doesn't blow you away athletically but plays with toughness and smart hands. Like Powers, El-Hadi projects as a developmental backup who could eventually earn spot starts through sheer reliability and scheme fit rather than physical dominance.