B.J. Finney
Kansas State, OC
Height: 6.3
Weight: 309
Age: 23
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Athleticism: D+
Athletic ability is below average for an NFL offensive lineman, but is workable at the center position. Is an efficient mover out of his stance. Shows limited change of direction and is best moving in a straight line, or at least in one direction only. Has good balance and is rarely on the ground.
Pass Blocking: C-
Limited by his athletic ability as a pass protector. Moves quickly off the snap and into his set but can still be out-quicked. Played in very wide splits on occasion at Kansas State and was able to reach stunting defensive tackles. Has an above average anchor, and can reset himself when he starts to give ground. Can be knocked backwards by a delayed blitz, but is able to recover. Can struggle to lock out and poor pad level is most evident in pass protection.
Run Blocking: C+
Has the desired from for an interior linemen, especially a center, and can turn defenders out of the hole and gain some movement off the ball. Is best utilized in a phone booth and has the trench mentality to succeed inside in the running game. Good lower body drive and upper body power to control and steer defenders. Can be effective on short pulls, but doesn’t have good range and can have trouble staying in front of defenders and sustaining when he reaches the second level.
Technique: C+
Shows good footwork while blocking on the move and drives his legs on contact. Gets good body placement and understands blocking angles. Has quick and active hands, but placement warrants consideration and will need to improve. Doesn’t play with good pad level and appears to lack length on tape, which is a bad combination. Can get stood up by opposing linemen.
Intangibles: A
Strong intangibles and make-it qualities to stick on a roster and potentially start. Is a smart and poised blocker, who is assignment sound. Flashes a nasty edge and will block through the whistle. A four year starter and three-time team captain. Very tough and durable.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: B.J. Finney is not the fastest, the biggest, or the strongest, but he is one of the most dependable interior offensive linemen in college football. Finney has some limitations, particularly in how well he can operate in a zone heavy scheme, but he is a functional player who can step in for an injured starter or be a short-term solution on a bad team’s starting lineup.
Comparison: J.D. Walton
Grade: 8.0 (3rd Round)
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