Dallas Cowboys (almost) final 7-round mock draft: Wheeling and dealing

Round Five – Luke Fortner – Center/Guard – Kentucky

Fortner played both guard and center at Kentucky, but he projects best as a center at the next level. However, his versatility is an added bonus for the Cowboys and he was the best player available at this point in the draft. I wanted to look toward a linebacker here, but his value was too good to pass up.

Fortner is technically sound and uses his hands really well. He is a smart player who understands blocking assignments and adjustments which will help him develop quickly at the next level. He is good at both run and pass blocking and will do well in a zone-blocking scheme. He has active feet which help him get to the second level quickly.

Fortner will need some work with his pad level as sometimes it looks like he would get a touch high. Consistency will be key for Fortner in his development as he will sometimes have lapses with hands that doesn’t make a lot of sense. He has all the tools to be a quality starter at the next level with a little work.