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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Almost every year in the NFL Draft, some interior offensive linemen go off the board late in the first round; some are surprises like Josh Garnett to the 49ers or Laken Tomlinson to the Lions. Last fall Price impressed NFL evaluators, both with his work in fall training camp and in the games of the 2017 season. They say that Price plays within himself. They like his awareness and call him an above-average athlete. He isn’t overly fast or twitchy like the Pouncey brothers, but Price has movement skills and is better than average in space. The sources also like that Price handles big nose tackles well, which can be difficult for centers and is a hard-to-find talent. As a result of his well-balanced play, Price is being viewed as a prospect who could go in the early rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In the ground game, Price is an effective blocker. He is strong in his base and is able to move even heavy nose tackles with his leverage and upper body strength. He takes good angles on defenders, sustains his blocks, and has strong hands. Early in his NFL career, Price should be an asset as a run blocker.
Price was very good as an interior pass protector for Ohio State. He is strong and can anchor against bull rushes, yet possesses the athleticism to handle speed rushers. Price is a natural knee bender with the feet to slide with rushers and not reach after them. He is very impressive with how quickly he adjusts to pick up stunts, blitzers, and other games that defenses run on the interior. Price’s instincts and awareness are very advanced. With his pass-blocking skills to go along with his ability to run block, Price should be a well-rounded asset quickly in his career.
Bringing more value to his NFL team is Price’s versatility. He should be able to play left guard, center, or right guard at the next level. He could function well at any one of those three spots. In the 2018 NFL Draft, Price could be a late first-round pick, and if he slips to Friday night, he shouldn’t get out of Round 2.
Player Comparison: Eric Wood. Price reminds me of Eric Wood. Wood was a well-rounded blocker who was intelligent and possessed versatile size to play on the interior. Wood (6-4, 310) and Price are almost identical in size and in balanced play. Wood was a late first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft – 28th overall -, and Price could go in the same range this year.
NFL Matches: NFL Matches: Washington, New York Giants, Lions, Bills, Cincinnati and Tennessee
There are a lot of teams that could consider an upgrade at center. Washington could use help at center, and Price would be a great fit in Jay Gruden’s offense. The Giants lost Weston Richburg in free agency and if they don’t feel Brett Jones is the long-term answer, they could consider Price on Day 2.
The Lions could consider adding more talent at guard or center. Price might be a reach in as a top-20 pick, but if they trade down, Price could make sense to help improve their rushing offense and pass protection.
Buffalo lost Eric Wood to retirement, and Price could make sense for the Bills’ second selection in the first round if it isn’t used in a package to trade up.
The Bengals could use a center upgrade. Price could get consideration for Cincinnati in the first round. Tennessee needs an improvement over Ben Jones at center, and Price could be a great fit for the Titans. However, they will probably address other needs in the first round.
RELATED LINKS:
2018 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2018 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
