Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post-Senior Bowl mock draft
By Jordan Reid
With their first selection of the draft, the Vikings select a position that many expect them to, offensive line.
Leader, if there was one word to describe the former LSU center, that would be it. Ethan Pocic has been the heartbeat of one of the country’s top offensive fronts since his sophomore season.
With 37 career starts in Baton Rouge, Pocic has played three different positions.
Making 27 starts at center, nine at guard and one at left tackle. After settling in at center in 2016, the first-team All-American played lights out.
The combination of his body frame and skill-set is unique. At the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl, Pocic’s weigh-in measurements were 6-foot-7, 302 pounds.
Though he’s much taller than the average NFL center, his flexibility and ability to bend helps him overcome his height. Pocic is not a lineman that will overpower defenders, but he defeats you with violent hand placement and proper technique.
In the run game, you repeatedly see Pocic pointing out everyone’s assignments upfront. That shows that he understands not only his assignment, but where everyone else needs to be, along with the defense’s fronts and alignments, which is crucial for any center to know.
In the passing game, Pocic is light on his feet, which enables him to mirror defenders. His motor also is on full display throughout games. You rarely see him take plays off or get beaten cleanly.
Joe Berger has without a doubt been the Vikings best offensive lineman since 2015, but he turns 35-years-old in May. Nick Easton stepped into the starting center role during the ladder half of last season, but he proved to be just average.
As a rookie, Pocic has an opportunity to come in and compete to be a day-one starter immediately at center or guard.
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