Luke Fortner, right, could be one of first 10 centers/guards picked in this weekend's NFL draft. (Photo by Vicky Graff)
He was known early in his Kentucky football career for his academic achievements more than his athletic exploits but this weekend don’t be shocked when UK senior Luke Fortner hears his name called in the NFL Draft.
He was a six-year player at Kentucky and made the move from guard to center this season. Yet look at mock drafts and you could see Fortner’s name at the end of the third round or definitely in the fourth round.
The 6-4, 305-pound Fortner gave up only two sacks, two quarterback hurries and one quarterback hit during the 2021 season.
Fortner was part of Kentucky’s 2016 recruiting class and was a three-star recruit out of Ohio. He redshirted his first year but played in eight games in 2018 and became part-time starter at right guard as a junior. He moved to center last season during his extra COVID season.
Consider this: Fortner played over 600 snaps at left guard, right guard and center at UK. That’s versatility NFL teams love and one reason Pro Football Focus has him going in the third round of the draft with the 93rd overall pick.
Pete Fiutak of Collegefootballnews.com lists him as a fourth-round pick and gave this analysis.
The Good: Look past the negatives, put him in the middle of your line, and go. He’s got good size and the leadership ability to instantly take over and make the front five his own. While he might need to be surrounded by bulkier blockers – or athletes – he’ll be the director of it all. There’s nothing about him that stands out at the highest level, but he’s got a quiet game – you’re not going to see too many bad things happening from the interior.
The Not-So-Good: Yeah … there’s nothing that stands out about him at the highest level, other than his locker room presence as a leader. He’s not all that bulky, he’s not the quickest of athletes, and he’s probably going to have to add at least 15 pounds of good weight.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Nah, he’s not going to be a Pro Bowl superstar, and you’re going to need stars who can take over for the ground game, but he’s a 10-year quarterback for a front five and the leader everyone will follow. Throw in his potential to work a bit at guard, and he’s a find just after the top 100.
Not bad for a guy with multiple engineering degrees and a MBA from Kentucky.
