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— Effective run blocker on combos and doubles with a solid understanding of passes and timing to cover up, run over and release when needed
— Plays with good natural leverage and active, independent hands in pass protection to hit, lock and keep his head off the block
— Clear eyes to diagnose and sort basic line plays and stunts
— Brings known work ethic, leadership skills and extensive experience across the interior
— Mediocre lateral quickness and erratic aimpoints make him susceptible to quick losses in the face
— Moderate anchor ability leads to slow opening and compression in the pocket
— 3-star recruit from the 2019 class, per 247 Sports
— Suffered a season-ending hand injury in 2021 after starting the first nine games
— 47 career starts at center (35) and right guard (12)
— 2024 All-SEC Coaches’ third-team selection
— Two-time team captain
— Introduced in Frank G. Ham Society of Character in 2023, which is for Kentucky students who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, athletic participation, personal development, career preparation and serving as role models
— Had four offensive line coaches during his college career
— Married in January 2024
Eli Cox is a four-year starter at center and right guard with the most time spent at the former, including 12 starts in 2024 in Kentucky’s run-first (59-41 run-pass split), zone-based running. Cox had four different line coaches during his Wildcat career. Cox has a well-rounded build with a sawn-off frame, adequate athleticism and playmaking power.
Cox wins as a run blocker on combo blocks by consistently closing the door and matching defensive tackles with good timing on his releases to the second level. His natural leverage and low pad level put him in good starting positions on contact while his active hands and feet allow him to create seals after strong feeds from the guard. Cox works hard through contact and slows late trap attempts into the lane. He will struggle against immediate post-snap movement across the face on slants and gap exchanges due to average lateral quickness and length.
In pass protection Cox is a skilled processor who can handle the pre-snap phase and sort out basic line plays and stunts. He plays with good spatial awareness on slide guards, and knows when to give help to his guards and close the door on loopers. He shows below-average anchoring ability against head-up rushers and soft edges after being set up by sub-package rushers and speed moves.
Overall, Cox is an experienced, known worker and leader with functional zone run-blocking skills who could carve out a backup role over time on the interior, though his below-average length, athleticism and power make him unlikely to become a full-time starter.
QUALITY: 6.3 (development outlook – 5th round)
PRO COMPARISON: Andrew Raym
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 stats will be added at a later date.
