2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Billy Price, OC/OG, Ohio State

It is a foregone conclusion that the New York Giants will invest considerable resources into rebuilding their offensive line. As it stands now, every position to the right of the left tackle is open, and they might need as many as four new starters compared to the line that opened for them in September of 2017, as well as depth behind them.

So, it would behoove the Giants to not only look for talent in rebuilding their line, but versatility and value as well.

Ohio State center Billy Price not only fits Dave Gettleman’s physical mold for offensive linemen, but potentially offers both schematic and positional versatility to aid in their rebuild.

Measurables

*note: Price suffered a minor pectoral tear while benching pressing at the combine. He is expected to be able to play in 2018.

Pros

• Powerful blocker. Easily absorbs bull rushes and blitzes, and routinely generates movement in the power run game.
• Plays with a wide base and good leverage. Generally keeps his hips and pads low.
• Solid hand usage. Works to establish his hands inside their shoulders and push lunging defenders to the ground. Finishes his blocks.
• Shows good movement skills working to the second level or when pulling.
• Athletic enough to run outside zone plays.
• Works off double teams well and generally deals with stunts and twists well.
• Versatile, could play guard as well as center at the next level.

Cons

• Isn’t consistent blocking in space. Sometimes misses his target and is left blocking nobody.
• Occasionally caught unaware by delayed blitzes.
• Can struggle with athletic interior defenders if he loses the hand battle.

Prospect Video

What They’re Saying

SOURCES TELL US

“Man he is a different kind of guy altogether. Has a lot of edge for sure. Love his toughness and his grit and wait until you see him at the combine. He might hit 40 on the bench and he’s going to run well too.” -- AFC team pro personnel director

NFL COMPARISON

LeCharles Bentley

• Via NFL.com

Does He Fit The Giants?

There is a lot to like about Billy Price.

Personally, I have him as my top-rated center because I believe he can play in man-gap, inside zone, and outside zone schemes, and coming from Ohio State, you know he is well prepared for the NFL.

Adding to his value, I think he has the potential to be one of the top guards in the class as well as center -- in fact, that might even be his best position if the team that drafts him primarily uses outside zone runs. His raw power and aggression will translate well to guard, and though he isn’t as nimble as James Daniels (in this draft class) or Weston Richburg, Price has excellent feet for a guard.

That power and his size will likely appeal to Giants’ GM Dave Gettleman, and the versatility to play both guard and center would make him an intriguing option in the second round. It should be easy for the Giants to retain center Brett Jones, who played well in relief of Richburg, while Price would slot in as the starting left guard. That would also give the Giants a natural insurance policy at center in case of injury to Jones.