While watching tape on Florida State’s Cameron Erving, one thing became evident: this man has talent. That is especially true if you checked out his Senior Bowl practices where he played multiple positions on both offense and defense. However, the one spot where he truly shined was when he was playing center.
He did fine when playing other spots in the interior line and has the athleticism to be projected as a possible offensive tackle down the line, but given that he’s only got two years of experience playing on the offensive line, it shouldn’t be expected of him so soon. Instead, a player who is so versatile and powerful should be highly coveted in the draft.
An excellent combine solidified what should be a first round grade from most draft experts. He was a top performer in the bench press, broad jump, and 3-cone drill. But, teams that watched his tape should already know what they’re getting in Cameron Erving. He’s an inexperienced offensive lineman with tons of potential who has all the physical talent to succeed at the NFL level.
Aug 30, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida State Seminoles offensive tackle Cameron Erving (75) on the field during warm ups before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Florida State beat Oklahoma State 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 313 pounds
- Arm Length: 34.125″
- Hand Size: 10.375″
- 40 Yard Dash: 5.15 seconds
- Bench Press: 30 reps
- Vertical Jump: 30.5″
- Broad Jump: 112″
- 3 Cone Drill: 7.48 seconds
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.63 seconds
Draft Projection
Cameron Erving is the #26 overall prospect on by CBS Sports and is their #1 rated center in the 2015 NFL Draft class. He should be a first round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
NFL Player Comparison
- NFL.com: Eric Wood, Buffalo Bills
- CBSSports.com: N/A
Fit For The Vikings
The Vikings already have a solid center in John Sullivan and a good backup in Joe Berger. Center is not a large need for Minnesota.
My Take
As interested as I am in Cameron Erving, picking a center in the first round of the 2015 NFL would be one of the most shocking moves the Vikings could make. They could look at him as a guard, but that isn’t the ideal place for him on the offensive line. He should develop into a top tier offensive lineman wherever he lands though.
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