Our First Look at the Offensive Line

by trigrdan | 4 years ago | 1 Comments

Lombard, IL – Draft Insiders looked at all the QB’s in the last two editions, and today we asked our scouts to start looking at the guys who protect that franchise QB of yours – the offensive line. Every coach in MOF is always looking to improve their line, hopefully some of these guys might be able to help you out. Today, we look at the guys in charge of the line – Centers.

Right off the bat, we can scratch four guys off of your list. These four guys: Ryan Smith (OVR under 62), Parker White (OVR 66), Trent Jackson (OVR 67), and Addison Scott (OVR 68) are all average at best and may be difficult to improve upon their current ratings. In fact, all four graded out with all B’s in each of their top skills. Unfortunately, straight B’s put each of their ratings in the 75-77 range. Again, these are average and not necessarily what coaches are looking for when drafting a lineman. Some of these guys will be picked up as backups, but probably will not be drafted.

That brings is to some of the intriguing guys, guys that coaches may roll the dice on and a couple who will no doubt become immediate starters for a couple of lucky teams.

Gary Ramsay (OVR 65-66), an agile center from Michigan State looks to be a complete player who can help out on all plays. Ramsay comes in with a lead block (77), run block (76), and pass block (75). It is rare to find a player this consistent in both the run and pass game, but Ramsay has the talent. I am a bit confused by his overall rating, but I think it’s safe to say that his numbers should improve quickly. A possible hidden development on this one? Could be…

These next two guys are almost carbon copies of each other. Vince Short (OVR 68) and Roy McCollough (OVR 66) were rated in the same categories and received the same grades in each of them! Both are high in pass block power (78-81) and decent in run block and run block power (all in the 75-77 range.) I think it is a safe bet that both of these guys will have a pretty high bench press at the combine as they both seem to be pretty strong studs.

A bit of a surprise coming in next in Jonathan Patterson. Patterson (OVR 65-66) is a power center from Indiana. Patterson grades out nicely and looks to be a nice center to help in the run game. With a lead block rating in the 80-81 range and run block in the 78-79 range, Patterson would probably be able to start on many teams right now in MOF. With a 75-77 pass block, Patterson will be able to hold his own despite a lower OVR rating. Patterson will be a nice bargain center on Sunday’s next season.

And that brings us to the two studs. If you absolutely need a starting center, you need to grab one of these guys. Luke Ramsey (OVR 73-74) is a 21-year-old pass protector out of Notre Dame. With a pass block finesse of 82-83 and pass block power of 78-81, Ramsey has the tools to stop any inside rush coming at your QB. Throw in an impact block rating of 84-85 and he will flat out flatten many DT’s trying to challenge him. Ramsey should go in the first 20 picks and will shore up somebody’s O-line.

Last, but not least is Oregon State’s Jeff Pittman. Pittman (OVR 74-75) is the complete package. Run block in the 82-85 range, pass block in the 80-81 range and a run block power in the 78-79 range – you have yourself an immediate starter on almost any team. This guy will be a force on the field and worthy of being selected in the first 15 picks of the draft.

What position will Draft Insiders dig deep into next? Not quite sure of the position yet, but I promise you, we will continue to find the hidden gems out there.