Position: Center
School: Minnesota
Status: Senior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 290
40-Yard Dash: 4.90 (EST)
Positives:
Whenever someone is speaking about Greg Eslinger it is always good. A blue collar guy with no ego or off the field issues, Greg is just a guy that truly loves to play football. He is an extremely gifted athlete, pulls on run plays and screens better than any guard or center prospect in the draft.
He is not just an undersized offensive lineman who moves well. He drives defenders off the ball and into the ground. He is the best all around center in the draft he is smart, can move well in space, he can move the pile, and he has no ego. There is a lot to be said about that in this day and age.
Negatives:
Although there are no glaring weaknesses in Eslinger’s game he would be the first to tell you that he needs to work on everything. Probably the biggest knock on him is his size. I am sure he can add a little more weight but 290 is pretty stout especially at center. He could also improve his pass blocking. Against big nose guys he is subject to the bull rush. He will need to work hard to polish his game every day in practice.
Overview:
Greg Eslinger is flying under the radar. He is the top center in this draft. He is way above average in all phases of his game. He moves well, is an excellent run blocker, gets it done in pass protection, and is smart enough to handle the line calls in the NFL. He is a blue-collar offensive lineman who brings it on every single play. His college coaches rave about his toughness and non stop motor even in practice.
There is a reason why Minnesota has had one of the best rushing attacks in all of the country the last four years, and that reason is Greg Eslinger. I would look for him to move up the boards after the combine. A definite first-day pick.
NFL Comparison:
Tom Nalen, Denver Broncos
