Cleveland Browns: 3 options at center in 2022 NFL Draft
By Joel W. Cade
Cleveland Browns center option No. 2: Luke Fortner, Kentucky
Another option at center for the Browns is Kentucky’s Luke Fortner. Fortner switched to center from guard this past season at Kentucky. Despite his experience as a guard, he is best suited to play center in the NFL. Kentucky played a zone-style scheme much like the Browns do. Fortner excelled in his role as a guard and center.
On the positive side, Fortner fits exactly what the Browns do. He’s quick, has a good base, plays with effective leverage, and is quick off the ball. This is exactly what the Browns are looking for. Further, Fortner will have two Master’s degrees by the end of the Spring semester of 2022.
He’s smart. He plays smart. He’s quick and plays with leverage. This man just sounds like a Cleveland Brown.
On the negative side, his pass blocking could use some work. He needs to work on his base. He shows an average strike with his hands. He needs to get better with hand fighting. These things will come with training and coaching.
The Browns have an elite training staff. They have possibly the best offensive line coach in the NFL. One or two years of training and coaching and Fortner could be a solid NFL starter.
If Luke Fortner is available is around in Round 3, the Browns should take him. He has all the makings of a solid Cleveland offensive lineman.