2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Luke Fortner
- Position: Interior Offensive Lineman
- School: Kentucky
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 305lbs
Film Watched: Missouri 2021, Georgia 2021, Senior Bowl
Pro's:
- Versatile interior lineman who played a lot of guard but finished his Kentucky career at center
- Sufficient size for an NFL center, with a frame that is far from tapped out & can carry more weight
- Good agility, with the ability to pull and reach desired landmarks effectively
- A true student of the game; transitioned to center smoothly & picked up nuances quickly
- Quick hands after the snap to anticipate early contact
- Generates impressive power through his core and able to manipulate defenders at contact
- Comes to the NFL seasoned at making adjustments at the line of scrimmage
- High character prospect – considered a team leader at Kentucky
Con's:
- More natural hands at guard, but hand placement at center erratic, and can betray his anchor
- Still working on how to reset and refit hands throughout contact
- Needs to keep his pad level down – too many instances of losing leverage
- Leg drive disappears if defender gets under his pads and takes control of the rep – little recovery prowess
- Some bending at the waist and instances of him playing way over his toes
The Verdict:
“Luke Fortner is a little raw as an offensive lineman despite a long career as a starter in Lexington. Nobody outworks Fortner, whose commitment and dedication to the team has seen him do what’s necessary for success. A move to center in his final season might not have delivered the best tape, but has given NFL scouts a glimpse at a potential future at the pivot position; rather more accomplished at guard right now, Fortner could have a higher upside at center, where his undersized frame will be given more opportunity to work in space. I think he’s a bit of a project but the versatility and upside means he offers backup potential immediately, with the chance of developing into a starter three years down the line. As a late round pick, you can’t ask for much more than that.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5
