Name: Peter Konz
Position: Offensive Guard
School: Wisconsin
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 315 pounds
Summary: The Steelers like offensive linemen with position flexibility. Konz, despite having played center at the University of Wisconsin, has the skill set to play guard in the NFL. Guard is a position of need for the Steelers in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Konz’s resume of three starting years along one of the best offensive lines in college football make him an appealing option in Pittsburgh.
Pros: Wisconsin has been a factory for NFL offensive linemen who are big, strong, and absolutely dominant road-graders and Konz is just another in a long line. He’s a lot bigger than most NFL centers and he size should make for a smooth transition to guard. As a center he has learned to be quick off of the snap which is an advantage he would hold over Georgia’s Cordy Glenn. His technique is sound, can get to the second level, and he pulls extremely well.
Cons: At this point Konz biggest/only issue is a dislocated ankle he suffered and caused him to miss some games this season, although, to his credit, he can back to play very well against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
Draft stock: Peter Konz draft stock is high. He’s the highest rated center in this draft and I rate him as the second best guard prospect behind Stanford’s David DeCastro. It’s likely that he’ll go somewhere between picks 19-26 with a chance he could potentially go as early as 14th to Dallas. Teams like Chicago (19), Tennessee (20), and Detroit (23) all have big needs for a center. Houston (26) may not be able to retain free agent Chris Myers, putting them in play for Konz as well.
Final Word: Konz is an elite center prospect whose skill set should transition well and make him an elite guard in the NFL. The Steelers prize versatility among their linemen, and Konz is not only a guy who can come in and play guard right away, but with the recent rash of injuries to C Maurkice Pouncey, he provides depth at two other positions while potentially starting at one of the guard spots. Trading up for DeCastro may simply cost too much, but Konz would be a quality second option, one the Steelers may trade up a few spots to get.
Source: Behind the Steel Curtain
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