OC Lamont Gaillard, Georgia

6’4” – 305 lbs. – N/A
Played defensive tackle in high school, but converted to the offensive line when he arrived at Georgia. Appeared in two games as a redshirt freshman, then became the team’s starting right guard in 2016. Slid over to center in 2017 and spent the next two seasons starting there, giving him a total of forty-two collegiate starts. Thickly-built center with solid height and length; arms measured 33.5”, with hands just under 10.5” at the Combine. Was asked to block inline and occasionally on angles; fires out low and with some explosiveness from his stance. Gets his arms extended and keeps his feet churning to generate push in a phone booth; can overwhelm smaller defensive tackles as an inline blocker. Also displays impressive short-area quickness in the run game. Wasn’t asked to pull much during the games reviewed (all of which were at center) but can climb up to the second level and engage opposing linebackers. Plays with physicality and works to sustain through the whistle. However, has some issues with balance; can get caught overextending/bending at the waist and consequently falls off of more blocks than you’d like. Doesn’t appear to have the strongest grip to lock onto opponents, but flashes the ability to drive defenders into the dirt and finish his blocks when he’s able to frame them up. Inconsistency carries over into the passing game as well; the tools are there to protect the passer, but had a few ugly snaps (see national championship game vs. Alabama). Bends at the knees and prevents his helmet from getting above that of the defender. Has a powerful punch to knock opponents off-balance, and the lower body strength to absorb opposing bull-rushers. However, can struggle to handle quick penetrating types; may not be the most laterally quick player, and despite his thick build, seemed to have trouble cutting off the A-gaps during the games reviewed. Lacks recovery speed to get back into position against stunts/twists and delayed blitzes. A big, strong, and athletic lineman with extensive starting experience against SEC defenses, coming both at guard and center, he should be appealing to teams seeking interior line help, but may not be quite as pro-ready as his three years with the first team would suggest; needs to play with better balance as a run blocker in order to avoid falling off of blocks, and can have trouble handling one-gap penetrators on the interior in the passing game. Interesting developmental project who looks like he might go early on the third day.