DRAFT TRACKER 2022

Linderbaum has Pro Bowl potential but needs to be matched with a move-based rushing attack. He has the foot quickness and GPS to consistently find top positioning in the first phase of the block. He plays with leverage and body control to sustain and keep the running lane open. However, his size will make block finishing somewhat hit or miss and he will need help against some of the bigger defenders lining up across from him. Teams with certain size standards might pass on him but his tenacity and talent make him a can't-miss prospect if matched in the right scheme.

Center prospect with outstanding character, leadership and intelligence to go with position flexibility. Fortner has a proportional frame with adequate length and room to get bigger. He plays with above-average body control and hand usage to maximize his leverage and is consistent at the point of attack. He's not a bad athlete but has issues timing his work-up blocks, which limits his second-level success at times. He can tune-up the pass protection, but it's good enough as a foundation right now. Fortner is adequate in some areas and good in others. He could become a scheme-flexible starter in time.

Center prospect with a lack of desired measurables and position versatility that could cap his draft value. Jurgens is quick with above-average athleticism but needs to harness his energy and play with better control in the early stages of the rep to improve his strike zone and success rate. He's a bit of a leaner in pass protection and could struggle to find his anchor against rugged bull rushers. He can play in a variety of run schemes and has backup talent.

Burly, strong center/guard prospect whose strengths lend themselves to a fit with a power-based rushing attack. Hines can create run lanes as an aggressive drive blocker and is effective hitting targets on the move on pin-and-pull reps. He needs to drop some weight and improve his hand placement in order to sustain blocks as a pro. He protects the pocket with decent technique but might not have enough mirror to keep the gaps clean as a full-time guard. Hines has early backup value along the interior line with eventual starting talent that is best-suited at the center spot.

Backup-caliber prospect with good size and two-position roster flexibility. Brown plays with a firm anchor against face-up rushers and uses his length and strength effectively to redirect rushers who find his edge. However, he lacks the foot quickness to recover quickly against twists or sudden, backside blitzers. Brown can neutralize average players at the point of attack, but he doesn't improve his positioning often enough and lacks the skill to consistently hold his own against above-average defenders.

Undersized center prospect with strengths and weaknesses that could match him with an inside/outside zone offense. West could offer guard flexibility, but he's better suited for the pivot He takes smart angles to his block and makes an effort to improve positioning once he's connected. He will struggle to contain power in the A-gaps and his tendency to lean in as a pass protector is sure to be taken advantage of if he doesn't get his posture corrected.

While Newman-Johnson has spent a majority of his time at guard, teams are likely to ask him to play center, where is size and length are a more natural fit. He's a decent run blocker with good pop and the ability to play in a variety of schemes. He has enough initial quickness to get into space and make blocks asked of centers in move-oriented offenses. His pass protection, however, is where the concern lies, as he has had issues playing with a consistent mirror and good balance. He offers center/guard flexibility and has backup potential at the next level.

Deaton's evaluation requires an open mind, as his body type is nowhere near the NFL norm for the center position. Despite his long-legged frame, he actually plays with adequate strength as a base blocker. He has the body control to adjust and land on second-level targets but might not be able to hold his ground sufficiently against NFL power. The body type will be an immediate non-starter for some teams, but the bigger concern for Deaton might be his evaluation as a single-position backup with no roster flexibility.

Athletic center with good body control and stickiness in fitting up and sustaining his blocks. Empey is an intelligent center from a football family. He plays in a zone-heavy scheme at BYU but appears to have the tools to operate in every run scheme. He lacks the bulk and proportionality that some teams will desire, and might be maxed out in terms of his physical development. The odds are against him being drafted, but he has enough talent to create a legitimate opportunity for himself in camp.

Gritty, competitive center with below-average NFL size and athletic qualities. Lindstrom has a good feel for landmarks but doesn't play with enough bend or lateral quickness to consistently get to where he needs to go. He will turn base blocks into wrestling matches but needs to play with more accurate hands to help improve his win percentage. He can square and scrap against downhill rushers but loses balance in his base when he's forced to slide and mirror. Lindstrom has backup potential but a lack of traits and versatility could hurt his cause.

Ironman on the field with a mindset for accomplishing his goals. Olson has center/guard experience and possesses good play strength and toughness, but he lacks the quickness to stay in top position as a run blocker and in pass protection. It might be difficult for him to make it as an NFL interior lineman for more than a camp.

Four-year starter who worked primarily at guard but does have game experience snapping the ball in UCF's shotgun-based offense. His broad frame and natural strength are appealing, but his lack of functional strength and reactive athleticism show up too often in pass protection and in his ability to sustain blocks. Schneider might need to convert full-time to the center position to have an outside shot of making it in the league.

A five-year starter, Kramer is a zone-scheme center who moves fairly well but lacks the body control and core strength to win battles against NFL interior linemen.

Wattenberg has played a lot of football over his six years at Washington, but a career in the NFL might not be in the cards. He lacks the ability to anchor in and battle against bigger players across from him. He's athletic in space, has good length and can get to most run blocks, but playing with functional strength to get wins on reps might be too great a challenge at the next level.