Nowakowski is a throwback — a former walk-on linebacker who remade himself into the most important unheralded piece of a national championship offense. He is an absolute tone-setter as a blocker, with the technique, leverage, and competitive will to bury defenders on run plays and hold up in pass protection at a level that embarrasses some actual offensive linemen in this class. His receiving ability is functional rather than dynamic — reliable hands and deceptive YAC from his running back background, but the route tree is shallow and he'll struggle to separate against NFL man coverage. At 6-foot-2 and 250, he's undersized for a traditional TE and overqualified for a pure FB, making him a scheme-specific weapon whose value is maximized in Shanahan-style offenses that prize alignment versatility and physical blocking from the tight end position. The floor is a quality special teamer and blocking TE who contributes immediately; the ceiling is a Kyle Juszczyk-type offensive chess piece.

• 🤲Elite blocking technique with violent hands and intent to finish — drives defenders to the ground and blocks to the whistle
• 🃏Alignment versatility: comfortable in-line, at H-back, out of the backfield, or split out, with the football IQ to handle all responsibilities
• 👁️Reliable hands and deceptive run-after-catch ability fueled by running back instincts and vision
• 👑Outstanding character, leadership, and work ethic — team captain, game-ball winner, culture-setter
• +Nearly 500 career special teams snaps provide immediate NFL roster value on Day 1

• 🦬Undersized frame (6020, 31.5-inch arms) limits ability to sustain blocks against longer, more powerful NFL edge defenders
• ✂️Route-running is rudimentary — primarily used as a safety valve and screen target, will struggle to create separation in NFL man coverage
• 🪵Inconsistent balance when sustaining blocks leads to getting pulled forward and losing leverage
• 🧤Overaged prospect (will be 24-25 as a rookie) with only one productive receiving season, limiting developmental upside