Pat Elflein

In the relatively anonymous world of interior offensive linemen, they don't come much more celebrated than Elflein, the reigning Rimington Trophy Award winner as the top center in the country and a consensus All-American. Elflein, who bypassed the NFL to return for his senior season with the Buckeyes, is a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten choice. He projects best at center in the NFL but initially emerged as a starter at left guard (three games) as a redshirt sophomore in 2013 before moving first to right guard (12 games in 2013) before eventually settling inside. He has proven the epitome of reliability, starting every game over his final three years in Columbus. Elflein is not the biggest or swiftest center prospect to come down the pike in recent years but his strength, toughness and wrestling background project very well to the next level.

in our view

Like with any prospect, Elflein has some holes to his game. Some of them are a result of his playing multiple positions throughout his career, however. He's quick, powerful and tough, projecting as a top 50 pick in a solid class of interior lineman and long-time starter in the NFL.

strengths

Looks the part of an NFL interior lineman with a powerful, well-distributed frame including thick limbs and a stout core. Good initial quickness to snap and stab at opponents, showing generally good hand placement and power to stop the defender's initial surge. Impressive functional power. Bends at the knees and bows his back to absorb bull rushers, showing good core flexibility to not only hold up but eventually overwhelm opponents. Comes off the snap low and hard, generating movement because of his natural leverage advantage and strength. Good initial quickness and lateral agility to pull, showing balance to pick his way through the trash and locate targets at the second level. A proven reliable shotgun snapper. Makes the line calls and shows good awareness in pass protection to stunts and unexpected blitzes, adjusting to help teammates. Plays with the nasty mentality scouts want, competing until the echo of the whistle, and often delivering an extra punch to knock defenders to the ground. Experience at multiple positions and could slide outside to either guard role in a pinch. A two-time "Iron Buckeye" award winner, which is awarded to six players bi-annually for unquestioned physical training dedication, determination, discipline, toughness and leadership...

compares to

Nick Mangold, New York Jets

weaknesses

Can get lazy with his fundamentals, failing to play on the balls of his feet and sliding to mirror, instead relying on his initial punch to contain opponents. Allows his hands to get outside of the numbers at times, drawing holding penalties. Almost too aggressive. Looks for opponents to hit on each snap and is too quick to vacate the middle to chase defenders. Quicker than fast. Runs out of steam when blocking on the move, too often failing to reach defenders.

it is hard not to recall another former buckeye great with elflein, who while slightly smaller than the 6-4, 307 pound mangold, offers a similar blend of functional athleticism, sheet power and the nastiness scouts want as a leader of the offensive line.

--Rob Rang (1/3/2017)

Elflein didn’t wrestle with his decision about which school to attend once he received a scholarship offer from Ohio State

as a result, the Buckeyes’ recruiting class secured two of the 2011 Associated Press first-team Division I all-state offensive linemen: Elflein and Jacoby Boren, from cross-town school Pickerington Central

in Elflein, the No. 22 offensive guard prospect in the nation by ESPNU and the No. 31 guard by Scout.com, the Buckeyes got a rock solid worker, someone who spent his high school summers pouring and breaking up concrete

a four-year football letterman and a two-time football team captain, Elflein earned 12 letters in his high school career, four each in the sports of football, wrestling and track and field

he was named in football to all-Ohio Capital Conference, all-Central District and to the Dispatch’s all-Metro teams

he was the 2011 wrestler of the year in the OCC and was a state and national qualifier

an older brother, Matt, played linebacker for Ohio Dominican

the boys are the sons of Lisa and Kenneth Elflein