Budd already possessed the frame that screams “NFL upside”—that rare combination of height and mass that allows him to engulf defenders at the point of attack. He showed flashes of nastiness in his play style, consistently looking to finish blocks with authority, driving opponents into the ground or pancaking them when the opportunity arose. That finisher’s mentality hasn’t wavered; if anything, it’s become more refined as he’s learned to channel it without drawing penalties. But like many young linemen of his stature, Budd’s game was held back by inconsistencies in his fundamentals. His foot speed was adequate but not explosive, often leaving him a step slow in pass protection or when climbing to the second level in run schemes. His base— that critical foundation of balance and leverage—was narrow at times, making him vulnerable to bull rushes or quick counters from edge rushers.

Equally impressive is the upgrade to his base. Budd’s stance is wider and more stable, providing a lower center of gravity despite his towering frame. This adjustment has paid dividends in both pass pro and the run game, where he’s now generating better leverage to displace defensive tackles or seal off linebackers. As a result, he’s getting to the edge faster on outside zone plays and ascending to the second level with purpose—opening up lanes for his backs that simply weren’t there before. Of course, no prospect is perfect, and Budd still has room to grow. Hand placement remains an area of struggle; he occasionally shoots his hands too wide or too high, allowing savvy defenders to slip inside or redirect his momentum. Refining this technique—perhaps through more targeted coaching on punch timing and inside-out aiming points—could unlock even more dominance.

Budd already possessed the frame that screams “NFL upside”—that rare combination of height and mass that allows him to engulf defenders at the point of attack. He showed flashes of nastiness in his play style, consistently looking to finish blocks with authority, driving opponents into the ground or pancaking them when the opportunity arose. That finisher’s mentality hasn’t wavered; if anything, it’s become more refined as he’s learned to channel it without drawing penalties. But like many young linemen of his stature, Budd’s game was held back by inconsistencies in his fundamentals. His foot speed was adequate but not explosive, often leaving him a step slow in pass protection or when climbing to the second level in run schemes. His base— that critical foundation of balance and leverage—was narrow at times, making him vulnerable to bull rushes or quick counters from edge rushers.

Equally impressive is the upgrade to his base. Budd’s stance is wider and more stable, providing a lower center of gravity despite his towering frame. This adjustment has paid dividends in both pass pro and the run game, where he’s now generating better leverage to displace defensive tackles or seal off linebackers. As a result, he’s getting to the edge faster on outside zone plays and ascending to the second level with purpose—opening up lanes for his backs that simply weren’t there before. Of course, no prospect is perfect, and Budd still has room to grow. Hand placement remains an area of struggle; he occasionally shoots his hands too wide or too high, allowing savvy defenders to slip inside or redirect his momentum. Refining this technique—perhaps through more targeted coaching on punch timing and inside-out aiming points—could unlock even more dominance.