2017 NFL Draft: Ohio State Pat Elflein Scouting Report
Ohio State’s Pat Elflein is one of the top interior offensive line prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft class.
Pat Elflein is a versatile and experienced offensive line prospect. He has seen time at guard and center with the latter being his current position. His ability to play both positions at a high level only increases his overall draft stock.
This is a physical and nasty player who looks to drive defenders off the ball. He’s committed to gaining inside hands, velcroing to the defender and controlling the action. Elflein is a standout run blocker who generates a nice push.
Once he gets his hands on the defender he makes extremely hard for them to disengage.
He’s also effective working on the second level and pulling to the edge. This is because he’s a good athlete for the position and plays with excellent balance.
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That balance extends to his ability to protect the quarterback. Elflein keeps a wide base and his hands out in front which allows him to anchor after contact. He has fluid enough feet and quickness to keep the pass rusher from shooting through the gap.
There really isn’t anything to point out as a negative. Elflein plays the game with energy, uses proper technique and is a good athlete. He’s the type of player who will be able to step in and immediately start in the NFL.
His draft stock should remain high through the process because of his steady play. It wouldn’t surprise me to hear him as a riser as we get closer to the draft. There’s a lot of value in an offensive lineman capable of playing both guard and center.
We saw Ryan Kelly come off the board at pick No. 18 this past year and that range is absolutely somewhere Elflein could land.
Current Draft Stock: 1st Round