2017 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Interior O-line (Final)

theScore's 2017 draft prospect rankings are compiled by NFL editor Dan Wilkins, breaking down the top talents and potential sleepers at every position group.

Overall
Top 50
Offense
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G/C
Defense
DL | EDGE | LB | CB | S

Top Talents

Forrest Lamp

Lamp was one of the nation's premier offensive linemen while starting four years at left tackle for Western Kentucky. A lack of ideal length likely sets him up for a move to guard in the NFL and, although that transition is more difficult than it's made out to be, he's far and away the best interior prospect in this draft. Lamp has the technique and strength to continue dominating in the more confined areas he'll work within as a guard. His athleticism, demonstrated in college and confirmed across all combine events, allows him to effectively work to the second level of a defense. Likely one of the first linemen off the board, Lamp should get some first-round consideration.

Dan Feeney

Feeney is an absolute road grader in the running game, and his ability to anchor and stop a power-rusher in his tracks also makes him a top-tier pass-protector. The only thing that has him a spot behind Lamp among this year's top interior linemen is a less impressive athletic profile. He's still more than capable of getting out in space, though, so it's possible teams value him in the same range, since he won't be making a position change to kick off his professional career. Aside from the few occasions where he kicked outside to tackle, showing off some all-important versatility, Feeney's stellar play over four years at Indiana came as a guard.

Pat Elflein

Any team looking for a long-term leader in the middle should be more than comfortable spending a mid-Day 2 pick on Elflein. After first getting onto the field as a guard the season prior, the Ohio State standout moved to center and saw his play take off as a senior in 2016. Elflein is equally stout in pass protection and when it comes to paving the way for the ground game. And while he doesn't test as a great athlete, his prowess on the move and out in space is clear. His comfort in that regard makes him effective at either working to the second level through combo blocks or leading around the edge on center pulls.

Best of the rest

• Dorian Johnson's combination of strength and athleticism is abundantly clear in the run game. Over three full seasons as a starter, he was a key cog in a strong Pittsburgh rushing attack. Johnson is similarly proficient when it comes to pass protection, showcasing the lateral movement and anchor ability to stymie interior rushers. Along with that well-rounded physical skill set, his sheer tenacity to finish blocks helps compensate for anything he may initially lack in technique.
• Another extremely intriguing center, Ethan Pocic has the potential to become a front-five foundation piece for many years to come. While he will occasionally get overpowered at the point of attack, that can likely be addressed through an NFL strength and conditioning program. His rare mobility, which makes him all the more intriguing to zone-blocking teams, can take an offense to new heights both on the ground and in constructing a dangerous screen game.
• Zach Banner will be a projection - not only because he played right tackle at USC, but because of his massive 6-foot-8, 353-pound frame. With leverage being all the more critical on the interior, it's particularly rare to see guards play in the NFL at that height. There should be no shortage of teams all-in on Banner's undeniable upside at that spot, though. Pad level provided, he'll have every opportunity to be an absolute mauler of a guard in the NFL.

Potential sleepers

Jon Toth, Kentucky

Toth seems to be flying under the radar among center prospects. With the size, strength, and smarts to accompany his experience in the SEC, though, that may quickly prove to be a mistake. Four years as a starter, capped off with second-team all-conference honors in 2016, counts for something. Senior-season performances against talent factories like Alabama and Florida proved that he belongs in the NFL, perhaps even as a long-term starter.

Nate Theaker, Wayne State

Strength of competition is a primary consideration for pro scouts, and especially when it comes to evaluating players in the trenches. But a player who flashes the ability to dominate his opponent will be intriguing regardless. Theaker showcases the type of power, nastiness, and movement skills that should make teams willing to take a chance on his potential at some point during Day 3.

Prospect Rankings

Overall
Top 50
Offense
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G/C
Defense
DL | EDGE | LB | CB | S