STRENGTHS
Ben is the type of person who was put on this earth to play offensive guard in the NFL. He has the size and footwork to pass block or run block and he can do both very well. When you select Ben, no matter what offensive line blocking system you use he will be excellent in all of them. He shows just enough lateral agility when pass blocking to keep his opponent from slipping around him. He is quick out of his stance and has just enough foot speed to shut down those quick, 1 gap attack defensive lineman, having the strength to turn his hips and push them up the field so his quarterback can slide and manipulate in the pocket. Ben is a leader and the type of offensive lineman you can plug in and play for the next ten years.
CONCERNS
I’d like to see if he could play center in a pinch but that’s not a reason not to select Ben early in this draft. It’s just a preference of mine. I’m sure they will work him out at center at the Senior Bowl practices and if he shows he can make the snaps and get out of stance quick enough Ben could be a very early pick. Ben is inconsistent with his pad level when run blocking. Coming from an offense that relies on more passing plays than running plays between the tackles, this is expected and I’m sure Ben will correct this issue quickly at the next level. Truth is, Ben is a hell of an offensive lineman.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.87
Drew’s Draft rules number 11 says; “Don’t just draft guards, draft centers who can play guard and guards who can play center”. Now I believe in those rules but I also believe that there are exceptions to every rule and if Ben shows he can play center that would be great. But if he can’t, then as far as I’m concerned, he becomes the exception and I select him early anyway. Most offensive guards are better run blockers than pass blockers, Ben can do both. When you find an offensive lineman who play’s any one of the positions on the line and can do both, you don’t pass on them because of some rule…you draft them as quickly as you can. The draft is all about selecting talent, not following rules that supposedly dictate talent. I believe in rules but like I stated before, I also believe in exceptions, and I believe that Ben is the exception to Drew’s draft rules number 11. He’s a plug in and play, offensive lineman for the next ten years.
