The most technically refined pass protector in the class, Zuhn wins with independent hand strikes, snappy short-area quickness, and a football IQ that lets him diagnose stunts and blitzes before they develop. He posted the highest PFF pass-blocking grade in the history of their grading system, and that's not an accident — his hand placement and mirror ability in pass sets are genuinely advanced for any level. The problem is everything between the tackles in the run game: he cannot generate vertical push, his leverage disadvantage at 6-6 with 32⅞-inch arms is real, and NFL power rushers in phone-booth situations will test a strength profile that multiple evaluators call 'modest' at best. He's the ultimate high-floor, limited-ceiling swing IOL — the kind of player who sticks on a roster for a decade as a backup and spot starter because he never beats himself, but may never beat anyone else either.
- Elite pass protection technique: independent hand strikes, quick-trigger timing, and advanced hand placement that neutralize most rush attempts
- Outstanding football IQ and diagnostic ability — reads stunts, blitzes, and post-snap movement with ease, rarely caught out of position
- Positional versatility with 50 career SEC starts at LT plus center and guard reps, a rare three-position trifecta
- High-character leader: two-time team captain, Jacob's Blocking Trophy winner, scouts describe him as 'off the charts' in interviews
- Quick feet and short-area quickness allow him to reach lateral landmarks and execute reach blocks in zone concepts
- Cannot generate vertical push in the run game — struggles mightily to move defenders off the ball at the point of attack
- Below-average arm length (32⅞ inches) eliminates NFL tackle viability and creates leverage disadvantage even inside
- Below-average functional strength and grip strength — defenders can discard him when engaged and cross his face
- Limited range and body control working to second-level blocks in space; pad level deteriorates when attacking downfield
Like Barton, Zuhn is a college left tackle transitioning inside due to shorter arms, with above-average pass-blocking ability and technical polish but questions about run-game power. Barton was a higher-pedigree prospect, but the developmental arc is nearly identical — reliable pass protector who needs to prove he can hold up in the run game at center.