Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Austin Blythe (Iowa) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #248 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Austin Blythe - 2016 NFL Draft

Position: Center
College: Iowa
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 298 lbs

Overview

Austin Blythe was a highly regarded center prospect coming out of the University of Iowa. Known for his intelligence, work ethic, and strong fundamentals, Blythe was considered a reliable option for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.

Strengths

• Football IQ: Blythe demonstrated exceptional understanding of defensive alignments and protections, making him a valuable asset in pre-snap adjustments.
• Technique: His footwork and hand placement were well-developed, allowing him to maintain balance and leverage against defenders.
• Durability: Blythe was known for his durability throughout his college career, having started multiple games without significant injury concerns.
• Run Blocking: He excelled in run-blocking schemes, showcasing his ability to create space for running backs and effectively engage with defensive linemen.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 298 lbs, some scouts questioned whether he had the ideal size and bulk to handle larger NFL interior defensive linemen.
• Power: While effective in technique, he occasionally struggled against stronger opponents who could overpower him in one-on-one situations.
• Experience: While Blythe had a solid college career, there were concerns about his experience against elite-level competition.

Overall Assessment

Austin Blythe was viewed as a solid center prospect with the potential to develop into a reliable starter in the NFL. His combination of intelligence and technique made him an appealing option for teams looking to strengthen their offensive line depth. While he faced some concerns regarding size and power, many believed he could succeed with proper coaching and development at the professional level.