Minnesota Vikings Draft 2017: Final rankings and grades – Offense

• Pat Elflein – Ohio State

At 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, Elflein possesses a well built and round frame. His body structure is ideal for an interior offensive lineman, which he has mostly played in his time at Ohio State.

Playing in 53 career games, with 40 starts, Elflein is a well-seasoned prospect, meaning that he has had a lot of in-game reps. This is ideal for a prospect that projects to be an NFL center. Making line calls, and identifying protections, there are many responsibilities placed on centers. With Elflein’s experience, he projects well.

Knowledge and experience are not the only traits that make Elflein’s playing style likable. He plays with an edge, which is what you want to see in an offensive line prospect. Being that he was the heart and soul of the Buckeye offensive front, he occasionally showed the most emotion. Elflein is one of the most pro-ready prospects of this entire class.

Age: 22  (7/16/1994)

NFL Comparison: Weston Richburg

• Ethan Pocic – LSU

One of the best offensive lineman in school history, LSU center Ethan Pocic is the definition of what it means to be the heart and soul of an offensive front. Pocic was a three-year starter, recording 37 career starts (27 at center, 9 at right guard, 1 at left tackle).

The most shocking trait about Pocic is his size. At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, he is taller than the average NFL center. With the size of interior defensive lineman rapidly increasing, many teams prefer short, and compact built centers because it enables them to gain natural leverage against defenders.

He excels at hand placement and mirroring defensive lineman in tight spaces. His hands are like vice grips once he latches on to defenders. Pocic is average in pass protection, but he only surrendered one sack last season.

Where he struggles is gaining natural leverage. This is expected being that he is 6-foot-6. On occasions, interior defensive lineman are able to get into his chest and push him backward. This was evident last season against Auburn.

Age: 21  (8/5/1995)

NFL Comparison: Brandon Linder

• Chase Roullier – Wyoming

Rated as Pro Football Focus’ number one guard in 2015, the team elected to move Roullier to center for his final season. Although the results weren’t as successful, he demonstrated being more than capable of being up to the challenge.

While not a great athlete, he knows how to win with proper technique and leverage. Roullier has a tendency to bump block defenders, meaning that he throws his body into them opposed to using his hands and striking them. Roullier has the traits of a developmental center or guard and would be a solid late day-two or early day-three selection.

Age: 23  (8/23/1993)

NFL Comparison: Corey Linsley

• Jon Toth – Kentucky

A four-year starter, Toth was the gem of the Kentucky front-line. Starting 48 consecutive games at center, he was the centerpiece of an offensive line that helped propel one of the best running attacks in school history.

Toth’s experience, and durability is what sticks out the most. He is another lineman who is a below average athlete but he has the size, intelligence, and technique to help somewhat overcome that at times. His effort and motor are relentless, which is always a big plus.

The biggest issue with Toth is his balance and base. He struggles when asked to move in space and when matched up against powerful rushers. His pad level also needs work, as he has a tendency to play up right and lose leverage right from the snap.

Next: Five Vikings with the most to prove in 2017

Toth isn’t a blocker who’s going to destroy or move defenders off of their spots consistently with power, but he is a lineman who will win with quickness and know the proper angles in order to defeat them.

Age: 23  (2/11/1994)

NFL Comparison: Russell Bodine