NFL Draft – C Rankings
5.) Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma (6’4, 304): Extremely smart, takes good blocking angles, elite short-area quickness, charismatic, natural leader… Everything is good about this kid except for his lack of functional strength (20 reps). Once he gets stronger I think he’s going to be a starting center in the NFL for a long time.
6.) Tyler Larson, Utah St (6’4, 317): Smart, durable center who moves well for a 317 pounder. Three time 1st-team all-WAC. Lack of top competition in the WAC is a concern, but Larson had a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl and the 2nd most bench reps at the combine (36).
7.) Wesley Johnson, Vanderbilt (6’5, 297): Too small to play LT like he did at Vandy, but has great feet and an innate understanding of blocking angles. Johnson could make a good guard or center and has the talent to eventually crack the starting lineup somewhere.
8.) Corey Linsley, Ohio St (6’3, 296): Very strong (36 reps) phone booth blocker who excels in run blocking but struggles in pass pro. Profiles as a backup for now, but with improved pass pro could push for a starting position in a year or two.
9.) James Stone, Tennessee (6’3, 291): Classic phone booth blocker who can dominate the man in front of him but struggles when he has to move laterally or find a target outside of his immediate vicinity. Stone shows a good base and good awareness in pass blocking, though he has a hard time with athletic speed rushers. He is a consistent snapper out of the shotgun.
10.) Jonotthan Harrison, Florida (6’4, 304): Another phone booth blocker who could be a solid run blocker at either center or guard, but needs a lot of work on his pass blocking technique. Harrison has good size and is quick off the ball, but doesn’t move well laterally. He has above average athleticism and with some technique adjustments could be an adequate enough pass blocker to contribute eventually. Harrison is a consistent shotgun snapper and has the size and athleticism to be an NFL center, he just needs some technique refinement.
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