2018 NFL Draft: Center Billy Price looks to put injury behind him

Ohio State’s Billy Price was injured at the NFL Combine, but is still hoping to be selected high in the 2018 NFL Draft. If he’s healthy, he’s worth an early pick.

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Injuries are part of any sport, but some times they arrive at the most inopportune times. For Ohio State’s Billy Price, it happened in Indianapolis at this year’s NFL Combine. While only a few reps into the bench press, he partially tore his pectoral and ending his day early. The injury required surgery to repair. It was a setback for Price, but there are hopes he still will be ready for fall training camp.

Price had a decorated career while in Columbus. He was a four-year starter for the Buckeyes, rotating at the left and right guard positions during his freshman year during Ohio State’s national championship season in 2014.

Price garnered All Big Ten honors early in his career and for his senior season, he was gathering national honors. In 2017 he took over at center for the departed Pat Elflein. He was a unanimous first team All American last season and won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s most outstanding center.

Strengths

The injury of course was a setback for Price, but in college he was freakishly strong. He was expected to finish as a top performer in the bench press before the injury. He is an excellent run blocker and his versatility at both center and guard will be a boon for the team drafting him.

When Price gets a hold of a defender, he rarely lets go. He seeks to bury them and finish a play strong. Because of his experience at center, he has the ability to make line call adjustments. He is highly intelligent and was a leader on and off the field for the Buckeyes. Whatever team ends up with Price’s services, they should expect more of the same leadership at the next level.

Weaknesses

Price’s pectoral injury has created a big question mark. Price says he will be ready to go by training camp, which is great if it pans out. However in the scouting world, some may be skeptical and it will cost him the first round and of course, money.

Price also lacks great balance. While he has a great finish, a powerful, bull-rushing pro defender can knock him to the ground with a quick move. In addition, he has shorter arms and lacks length, so his sustainability on plays can suffer.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete 7-Round projections

Draft Expectations

Price hoped to be the first center taken off the board this year, but the injury really is a setback that will probably drop him into the second day. Still he would be a great asset to any team. His mean streak on the field, position versatility, and intelligence are big positives for scouting. Price should not have to wait too long on the second day to hear his name called.

Projection: Early second round