NFL Draft Profile: Luke Fortner, Offensive Center, Kentucky Wildcats

NFL draft profile scouting report for Kentucky Center, Luke Fortner

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#79
Pos: OC
Ht: 6040
Wt: 307
Hand: 1000
Arm: 3318
Wing: N/A
40: 5.21
Bench: N/A
3-Cone: 7.75
Shuttle: 4.95
Vert: N/A
Broad: N/A
DOB: _/_/_
Eligibility: 2022
Sylvania, OH
Sylvania Northview High School

Luke Fortner
University of Kentucky Wildcats

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One-Liner:

A former low-end three-star recruit who has outperformed expectations as a solid, multiyear SEC starter and team captain in 2021. Experience is there but ultimately lacks the physical traits to project as an impact NFL player.

Pros:

Fortner has a ton of high level experience in the SEC, accumulating over 2300 snaps in his time at Kentucky. He has been a positive influence on the locker room and was even a team captain in 2021. Fortner found himself on the AFCA Good Works Team, in honor of his off the field volunteer work. Fortner is a plus blocker when he gets to the second level and tends to find work for himself. He attacks early and is usually first to contact. He then uses his body to square up rushers and keep them in front of him. Fortner has a good single-handed jab off of the snap to chip before rotating into combo blocks when unassigned. Uses his really good IQ to seal the edge on outside runs and avoid penalties. His play speed is above expectations and he keeps his motor going throughout the whistle.

Cons:

Fortner lacks the desired bend at the next level, as evident with his high pads and lunges. He seems to be a bit undersized for the position. Fortner is not overly powerful and lacks the ideal play strength to be considered a finisher. Fortner struggles when he can’t maintain position on pass rushers and tends to whiff on speed rushers. Fornter’s IQ is not as developed in pass pro and he struggles to create a plan. He has problems with his anchor and can get pushed back in bull rush scenarios. He can also find himself wandering down the field for no apparent reason.

Summary:

Fortner is a smart, experienced leader on and off of the field who will add value to any locker room. A former low-end three-star recruit, he’s continually outperformed expectations en-route to a very solid SEC career. Coaches are going to love the person and track record, which could get him some looks day three. With that said, Fortner simply lacks the physical traits to be an impact player in the NFL. He should find himself in a camp this fall, but likely as a priority UDFA.

Background:

Born on May 15th, 1998, Luke Fortner attended Northview High School in Sylvania, Ohio, as a dual-sport athlete in football and basketball. He was a four-year starter for Northview, playing every position on the offensive line. Fortner earned Second-Team All-Northwest Ohio in 2014 and 2015 with Third-Team All-Ohio as a senior. He was rated a three-star prospect in the 2016 class, per the 247Sports Composite. Fortner committed to Kentucky despite offers from Cincinnati, Maryland, Western Michigan, Marshall, Toledo, and Akron. He redshirted his freshman season but contributed sporadically over the following two years. Fortner came into his own in 2019, starting all season at right guard and only allowing one sack over 646 plays. Despite solid play in 2020 as a senior, he chose to use the extra season afforded to him by the COVID-19 pandemic to have a final season with the Wildcats. Fortner shifted over to center and played exceptionally, earning multiple accolades. He was named Second-Team All-SEC by PFF and Phil Steele, and won two SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors. Fortner accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and was impressive in his time there. Aside from Fortner’s on-the-field performance, he was a Weurffel Trophy and Campbell Trophy semifinalist, which showcases his dedication to academics and community service. Fortner also managed to land on the SEC Academic Honor Roll five times as a mechanical engineer, which is no small feat for a student-athlete. Given his consistent performance in the SEC, positional versatility, and proven intangibles, Fortner will likely be selected early on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft

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Grades:

Current Player Value/Potential Player Value

5.8/6.9

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