Pat Elflein, Ohio State
6-3, 303
Elflein was a five year player for the Buckeyes, with a redshirt year being spent in 2012. He did not play much in 2013, with only one appearance.
He played both right and left guard in 2014, and earned All-Big Ten honors, and repeated as All-Big Ten as a junior and a senior. He also earned second team All-American honors in 2015 as a guard, and moved to Center in 2016, and earned first team All-American honors there.
The Good
High character guy with an outstanding work ethic. Was named team captain.
Calls out blocking assignments, and is an excellent reader of defenses.
Very patient blocker, and is excellent on pull plays.
Has experience across the interior line, and has excelled in every spot.
Has a wrestling background, and uses that experience to provide excellent hand work.
Always drives his feet while blocking.
Anchors against bull rush very well.
Has been a winner for his entire career.
The Bad
His footwork is good, but still needs some work, as he can get a little sloppy at times.
Can be a good run blocker, but he is more a point of attack blocker that does not get to the next level very well.
Does not always play with a good pad level. Gets too upright on occasion.
Does not fend off hand attacks as he should.
Defenders can get around him on the edge.
Final Overview
Elflein is a solid character guy who has worked in a winning environment for his entire college career. He is whip smart, and his understanding of his job is as top flight as they could come. His drawbacks are in pass protection and footwork. If he can solve his footwork issue, he could likely solve his pass block issues. I see them as being hand in hand. He gets good coaching, and he is the steal of this draft.
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