2017 NFL Draft: West Virginia Tyler Orlosky Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
West Virginia’s Tyler Orlosky is a solid prospect who could easily earn a starting job early in his rookie season.
Tyler Orlosky is an experienced and highly effective center prospect. He was the leader of West Virginia’s offensive line showing the ability to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Orlosky has the makings of a long-term NFL starter.
His ability to snap and step in one motion allows him to quickly get into proper position. He does a great job of gaining inside hands and Velcroing to his target. Orlosky has heavy hands which makes it difficult for the defender to disengage and allows him to control the action.
His hand placement and quickness out of his stance also allows him to seal the defender from the play. He has a knack for using proper angles and getting his body between the defender and ball carrier.
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This isn’t someone who jumps off the screen as an explosive or overly powerful player. However, he has deceptive strength and does a great job generating a push off the line. Orlosky gets movement because of his inside hand placement, solid leverage, raw strength and balanced steps.
In pass protection, he is committed to keeping a wide base and sitting into his stance. This allows him to absorb contact and keep pressure out of the quarterback’s face. He’s an aware pass blocker who keeps his hands out in front and head on a swivel.
The one concern for Orlosky is his overall athleticism. He’s not the type of center who’ll be overly in the screen game or be able to work in space. Orlosky lacks both ideal straight line and lateral quickness.
However, his initial step allows him to reach the second level and approach the linebacker with balance. This is one of the ways he’s able to overcome his lack of overall athleticism.
Current Draft Range: Late 3rd Round