Center

Baylor

6-3 300

40 time (projected): 5.24

Draft board overall prospect rank: #66

Draft board center rank: #1

Overall rating: 75*

            3/20/10: JD Walton was the best of the best in terms of center last year making the All-American first team. The only issue is that center is not a very necessary position in the NFL and he doesn’t have the athleticism to play another position. In fact, his athleticism, especially his natural athleticism, aren’t great. He makes up for this with a brilliant work ethic, an excellent motor, and smart technique on the field. He is one of those guys who truly loves the game of football and blocks big defensive linemen like he were someone 15-20 pounds heavier because of how he uses his weight. He’s a three year starter at Baylor and really was the leader of that offensive line last year. One of the most important thing for centers is the smooth snap and the conformability factor with the quarterback because if the quarterback is uncomfortable from the moment he gets the ball, bad thing will happen. Walton showed great chemistry and a smooth snap with his quarterback since the day he stepped on the field as a starter in 2007. He doesn’t have huge upside but he’s a 10+ year starter guy at the center position and a guy who can anchor an offensive line, especially a zone blocking offensive line, from the inside out for many years with his toughness, leadership, footwork and leverage.  

NFL Comparison: Jeff Saturday

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here