2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Luke Wypler (OC – Ohio State)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Luke Wypler.

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Luke Wypler (OC – Ohio State)

6’3″ – 300 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who played tackle in high school before converting to center at Ohio St. Appeared in one game as a true freshman, then took over the starting center job prior to the start of the 2021 season and started all 13 games there, as well as all of the team’s games this past season. Allowed only one sack and one hit over the course of his career.

Positives:

Highly effective two-year starter for one of college football’s most respected programs. Thickly built with good weight distribution throughout his body. Plays the game with a tough, physical temperament. Plays the game with intelligence and awareness; didn’t notice any blown assignments during the games reviewed. Above-average athlete for the position; able to execute zone-blocking concepts or pull to either side of the formation in gap concepts, something he was asked to do frequently at the college level. Shows the short-area quickness to cross a defender’s face and seal. Able to climb up to the second level and successfully engage. Hand placement and grip strength both look good; works hard to stick with his man through the whistle. When working in pass protection, lateral quickness is good enough to handle stunts and twists. Active with his hands and does a good job of getting extension. Keeps his head on a swivel and does a good job of identifying opportunities to help when unopposed. Able to lead the way in the screen game.

Negatives:

Height and possibly length are closer to adequate for an interior lineman. Has a slight tendency to lower his head into contact, causing him to whiff on some blocks. Functional strength is above average for the position overall but doesn’t generate a ton of push in a phone booth. Was able to drop his anchor in time at the college level but doesn’t consistently stonewall people at the line of scrimmage and clearly has more difficulty handling bull-rushers than gap-shooting types. Doesn’t have a ton of pop in his punch. Committed eight penalties in 2021 (but just three this past year). Hasn’t taken snaps at any other positions along the line in school.

Summary:

A thickly-built, tough, intelligent and mobile center who can execute various different blocking concepts in the run game and does an impressive job of lining up opponents when pulling or climbing, but who can have difficulty handling power-based approaches on passing downs. Might fit best in a gap scheme and has starting-caliber traits, although he might need some time to develop his lower-body strength in a pro program before taking over a starting job.

Projection: Rounds 2-3