NFL Draft results 2017: Pat Elflein taken by the Minnesota Vikings at pick No. 70

Former Ohio State OL Pat Elflein was drafted at No. 70 overall in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

How did Elflein do at the combine?

Elflein’s combine wasn’t as strong as it could have been, as he posted numbers that were surpassed by several other highly-touted linemen. The 6’3, 303-pound Elflein was never known in college for his quickness or movement, but for his physical strength and high football IQ, so this wasn’t as much of a knock on him as it might have been. He posted 22 reps on the bench press, a 5.32 40 time, and a 99-inch broad jump.

How good was Elflein in college?

Combine results be damned, the former Pickerington (OH) standout was unquestionably a star in his senior season. In his first year playing the position, he won the 2016 Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center. He was a first team All-American, the Big Ten’s top lineman, and the captain of one of the four best teams in college football. Not bad for a former three-star recruit.

This is made all the more impressive in light of his play at other positions along the line, where he spent his first few seasons. He was the national championship team’s starting right guard, starting for two years at that position, and also played spot duty at left guard. His first game with the Buckeyes with real playing time was a memorable one, as he replaced an ejected Marcus Hall after the infamous dustup against Michigan in 2013.

Going against the likes of Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington, and Sam Hubbard in practice every day certainly didn’t hurt Elflein’s development. He used that experience to excel against some of the best pass-rushers in college football when they Buckeyes played them, and he’s well-positioned to succeed at the next level because of it.