Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Tyler Orlosky, C

Tyler Orlosky, C
School: West Virginia | Conference: BIG-12
College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 292 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd or 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Weston Richburg

College Statistics

N/A

Player Overview

It’s easy to see why Tyler Orlosky is considered a top prospect at the center position in this draft. He started games at center his redshirt freshman year. His smarts and intelligence show up immediately on film. I’m willing to say he may be the smartest center in this draft class when it comes to understanding blocking schemes and opposing defenses. At 292 Orlosky is considered undersized but let me tell you he certainly doesn’t play like it. He is refreshingly stout in protection. He has some of the better hands for offensive linemen in this draft and good footwork. Perhaps one of the more appealing aspects aside from the technical parts of Orlosky’s game is his mentality. He has consistently earned the praise of his coaches and now NFL scouts for playing with a mean streak and his toughness.

Strengths

• Plays to his size and arguably bigger. Has the frame and build to remain stout in pass protection.
• Plays with good technique, he often plays with low pad level, a good base and good footwork. He explodes into his defender and often wins the leverage and control battle at the point of attack.
• Consistently can find his way to the second level on the run, has desired finishing ability and attitude.
• Disciplined player who doesn’t make many mistakes.

Weaknesses

• Is lacking elite and even great athleticism and speed.
• Technique can suffer when facing speed rushers coming up the middle.
• Currently lacks ideal weight.

Let’s see his work:

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler spoke to one AFC North scout who called West Virginia senior C Tyler Orlosky "nasty" and a "warrior."

"He might not be the best athlete or technician, but he has the awareness, aggressiveness and inner confidence required to get the job done," the scout concluded. Centers are asked to play early on in their careers, and some believe Orlosky is one of the top prospects at the position for the 2017 NFL Draft. - Rotoworld

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

I am satisfied with the play of Spencer Long at center. Hell, to be honest, Spencer Long has done more in the past year than I thought he would do in his whole career. I love how he has made me eat my words. However, I won’t pretend he is an irreplaceable piece on the offensive line. The Redskins have a lot of pressing needs and center is no longer at the top of the list with the development of Long but the position can be improved.

Kory Lichtensteiger remains a strong candidate for roster cuts due to performance and salary reasons and Spencer Long is in the last year of his rookie deal and John Sullivan is currently a free agent. If the Redskins were for some reason looking toward the future of the position not in house a well rounded and technically sound prospect like Tyler Orlosky could be in consideration. Orlosky is ready to start now in the NFL and though I’m sure there will be learning curves and growing pains he is anticipated to have a long a fruitful career as a center.