Luke Fortner 2022 NFL Draft Profile

The 2022 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Luke Fortner 2022 NFL Draft Profile.

Luke Fortner Background

Position: Offensive Guard/Center

Size: 6-foot-4, 307 pounds

Class: Redshirt Senior

2021 stats: All-SEC First Team

Fortner developed well at Kentucky and is now a solid draft prospect. He is now heading to the 2022 NFL Draft.

As a three-star recruit out of Ohio, Fortner signed with Kentucky as a high school recruit. He redshirted his first year on campus and played sparingly the next two seasons. Fortner stepped into the starting lineup at right guard in 2019. He helped the Wildcats go 8-5 that season. In 2020, he started again and helped Kentucky go 5-6 and win the Gator Bowl. For the 2021 season, he was named All-SEC for his play at center. Kentucky finished the 2021 season with a 10-3 record and a win in the Citrus Bowl.

After five seasons in Lexington, Fortner is going pro. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Luke Fortner Strengths

Fortner brings a lot of versatility to the table. He has played and been successful at both guard and center. For teams that are reshuffling their offensive lines, Fortner can be a fit for them regardless of their interior line needs. He can develop and be successful at either position.

His football IQ is going to be a great asset to an NFL team. He was tasked with calling out the protections at the line of scrimmage for Kentucky. Fortner also displayed the ability to recognize blitzers. He can pick up stunts and twists very well.

He has good technique, which includes both his footwork and his hand usage. Fortner keeps his balance well and takes short, choppy steps. He gets his hands on a defender early and makes sure not to get his hands too wide. From a technical standpoint, Fortner is sound.

Luke Fortner Weaknesses

Fortner could add more power to his game. He needs to fill out his frame a little bit more. Adding strength to his frame will allow him to move people and hold up better against bull rushers. He’ll be hitting the weight room when he joins the NFL to add more functional strength.

While he does a solid job run blocking, he could get to the second level a bit quicker. There are times when he struggles to complete blocks on the second level, because linebackers are able to dip around him and make the play.

When more athletic pass rushers come on the interior, Fortner can have a tough time matching up. They can get around him, as he struggles to stay in front. He’ll need to make sure he doesn’t overreact and open up to inside-out or outside-in moves.

Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick

 

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