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PFF scouting report: Max Halpin, C, WKU

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 21: Brandon Doughty #12 and Max Halpin #70 of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers celebrate winning the 2015 Miami Beach Bowl against the South Florida Bulls at Marlins Park on December 21, 2015 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Name: Max Halpin

School: WKU

Position fit: Center

Stats to know: Surrendered 23 pressures in 2015 but only nine in 2016.

What he does best:

  • Very quick off the snap. Gets into position quickly and can make the difficult reach blocks required in a zone-heady scheme.
  • Good consistent grading throughout the season.
  • Was asked to do a lot in WKU’s scheme.
  • Showed good angles on pull blocks.
  • Good awareness and minimal mental errors.
  • Ranked eighth in the draft class with a run-block success percentage of 91.4 percent.
  • Strong showings against both Alabama and Vanderbilt in 2016, his stiffest competition.
  • Improved every year from 2014 through 2016.

Biggest concern:

  • Only one year of strong grading. 2014 and 2015 seasons were subpar.
  • Struggled with back blocks on “power.” May be scheme-limited at the next level.
  • Moves OK on the run.
  • Can get thrown off of blocks.
  • Can stop feet upon contact.
  • Tendency to trip from time to time (weaker lower body?).

Bottom line: Halpin was a solid college center and was productive in 2016. He was asked to do a lot and held his own. However, he also loses blocks and does not possess the athletic ability as other centers in the 2017 draft class. He can lose his footing from time to time and against better talent, his game is a concern. He shows some good skill but a lack of core strength shows on film. Halpin will be a development player for a team, likely in a zone-heavy scheme, and his biggest test will be how he fares against NFL-caliber talent.

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