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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Austin Blythe, C

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Matthew Holst/Getty Images

Austin Blythe, C
School: Iowa | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 291 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th Round
NFL Comparison: Corey Linsley

College Statistics

N/A


Player Overview

Austin Blythe has a wrestling background. I don't know much about real wrestling other than it's taken rather seriously in Iowa. Blythe set a state record with 143 pins. I hear wrestling is about strength, leverage and your use of hands. All three have translated for Blythe at Iowa while he played center. Blythe has had a solid career at center for the Hawkeyes starting 40 consecutive games at the position. He's a consistent player though he isn't the biggest, and he doesn't have the longest arms, but he has been consistent in his play for the last 3 seasons improving each year. Despite being undersized for the position Blythe has impressive functional strength, solid fundamentals when blocking the center of his targets, and can create space for the RB on running plays. Blythe was named a Rimington trophy finalist this year along with Ryan Kelly and Jack Allen.

Strengths

  • Good base and footwork. Fundamentally sound. Can get low and maintain balance and leverage while absorbing the power of DL's
  • Very good at driving his opponent back and off their spot. Has the power and leverage to sustain blocks on the run and he keeps his feet moving. Can get the second level and take on linebackers after his initial blocks.
  • Has a clean snap motion with good location with the QB under center and in shotgun. Has a quick get off after the snap to get to his block too.
  • He was the obvious lead blocker / anchor on a lot of run plays it was clear the run game went through him.


Weaknesses

  • Has "gator" arms, and doesn't always use his punch when he should. When creating separation "arm's length away" is shorter than other guys' reach. Undersized my nearly every metric that most NFL teams use when grading a center.
  • Susceptible to inside moves and has trouble reshuffling feet and recovering. Can be fooled and hesitant when making a decision by stunts coming through the middle.
  • When beat can get grabby and be called for holding.


Let's see his work: 



Combine Results

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

I really like Blythe he's a grinder despite his physical limitations. I think he will be a starter for an NFL team but I'm having trouble seeing the Redskins take a chance on him. On one hand if we listen to all the talking head's (including the fan writing this) they'll say Blythe is too small, his arm length is extremely disappointing, and he needs a lot of work in improving his pass pro despite being a force in the run game at Iowa. On the other hand, I have heard McCloughan say that a guy doesn't need to be the most talented, flashy, or pretty to be considered a "football player". I certainly think Blythe is a football player though I think his success will be on a team that has a zone blocking scheme. Blythe plays with the amount of understanding and fundamentals you would expect out of an Iowa lineman and I believe he would be able to come in and leapfrog guys like Rieter, and LeRibeus and compete for the starting role at some point early on in his career.

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