2017 NFL Draft: Guards/Centers

2017 NFL Draft Guards/Centers

Forrest Lamp-G-Western Kentucky-6’4”-309-1st/2nd-86

Left tackle at Western Kentucky, first thing to know is his 32” arms mean he’ll have to play guard in the NFL. He’s an elite athlete for a lineman, clocking in with a 5.00 second 40 yard dash. Also, massive 10.63” hands. He certainly moves well and has a good punch. Forrest clearly likes to hit, and does so aggressively. Probably developed that after years of hearing, ‘Forrest, Forrest Lamp’. Zach Martin comparisons are very lofty, and are likely a result of Lamp’s excellent Senior Bowl practices, but no reason this kid can’t be a solid guard. Some even see him as an ideal center. Lower level of competition makes him not a slam dunk for me and that pushes him to the second round.

Pat Elflein-C-Ohio State-6’3”-303-3rd Day-86

First thing that jumps off the film is his toughness. The kid plays through the whistle and is looking for someone to hit at all times. Decent size for the position, athleticism looks adequate on the field but his combine times were average at best. I think he slides his feet well and shows ability to pull from the center position, although I’m not convinced he’ll be able to pull that off in the pros, please excuse the pun. Elflein was a 3 year starter in Columbus, two at right guard and this past year at center. He was named First Team All American at each position. Belichick would love him because he was a four year wrestler in high school, so look for his disciples in Atlanta, Houston, Tennessee, and Detroit to look hard at this kid. There’s a lot to like here, elite production against top talent, positional versatility, and by all accounts a tireless worker. Anybody should be happy to grab him in the 2nd round.

Dan Feeney-G-Indiana-6’4”-305-2nd Day-81

Solid size for an NFL guard, featuring 33.5” arms. Feeney was a four year starter for the Hoosiers, earning 1st Team All Big Ten as a Junior and adding 1st Team All American as a Senior. He didn’t test great at the combine, 5.24 in the 40 and only 26 reps, but I think he moves very well. I think he has the ability to pull, get out in the screen game, and slide well in pass protection. He spent some time at right tackle and performed well, but I think he’s slightly undersized for that spot. This guy plays with toughness and I see no reason he won’t be a day 1 starter at guard.

Ethan Pocic-C-LSU-6’6”-310-Round/Day 3-67

Experienced center who can do under center and shotgun snaps. He’s a bit tall for a center, but his 33”arms and lackluster mobility restrict him from playing on the outside. I think he plays too high and will lose the leverage battle. The trend for pass rushing interior d-lineman is shorter faster guys with long arms. That will be Pocic’s kryptonite. Although you can make the argument that as a center he will only have solo blocks against an all out blitz which lessens the concern. Some teams will value his size, experience, and solid play in the SEC against a lot of premier talent. I think he’s a good player, but leverage and balance concerns plus how low value the position is push him into the 4th for me.