2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cameron Erving

By Ian Wharton on Monday, January 5th 2015
2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cameron Erving

Name: Cameron Erving

College: Florida State

Class: SR

Position: OT

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 310

 

Background/Character
Leadership: 10 Experience: 9 Off-the-Field: 10
Mental Capacity: 10 Mental Toughness: 9 Durability: 10

Cameron Erving has been a willing teammate and solid leader for the Seminoles. He moved positions twice in his career; from defensive tackle to offensive tackle to center. He settled on center at the tail end of his career because of injuries, and starred. He’s an accomplished student athlete and has no off field concerns.

Final Grade: 9.66

 

Athleticism
Balance: 9 C.O.D: 10 Explosiveness: 9
Flexibility: 10 Coordination: 9 Body Type: 10

As soon as Erving moved to center, he became one of the elite athletes we’ve seen at the position. His combination of length, quickness and ability to move upfield is rare. At 6’6” and 310 pounds, Erving is a physical monster that can be a force to reckon with as an interior lineman.

Final Grade: 9.5

 

Blocking - Upper Body
Hand Strength: 8 Hand Exchange: 8 Initial Punch: 8
Extension: 10 Engaging: 9 Intensity: 9

Erving’s length is a major asset, but he had issues using it correctly at tackle, and it’s still going to be an area he can improve even at center. At least inside, there isn't as much of a focus on his rawness and inconsistency using his length to deliver a strong punch. His hands are strong and his motor runs high, so his upper body is likely to improve.

Final Grade: 8.66

 

Blocking - Lower Body
Anchor: 8 Leg Drive: 8 Lateral Quicks: 10
Upfield Control: 9 In Space: 9 Foot Quickness: 10

Some of this evaluation is still based on his talent as a tackle, specifically his anchor because he did not face a pure nose tackle often. His anchor and leg drive at times are poor, leading to him being pushed back. This hasn't happened much as a center. Erving is excellent in space and again shows elite lower body traits.

Final Grade: 9.00

 

Blocking Technique
Football IQ: 8 Hand Placement: 8 Kick Slide: 7
Power Rush: 9 Speed Rush: 9 Body Tech: 8

Although inexperienced at center, Erving looks in control of blitz pickups. The Florida State line has greatly improved since he moved inside, and his ability to call plays is a big factor. He handles both power and speed well, using his length to subdue each and re-direct effectively. Erving won’t kick slide really at center, but his was poor at tackle.

Final Grade: 8.16

 

Player Comparison: Max Unger
Projected Draft Position: 1st Round
Best Scheme Fit: Center
Injury History: Back injury as freshman, missed season
Career Accolades: All-ACC First Team 2013, 2014
Career Stats: 42 career starts in 3 years

 

Final Analysis

The best possible thing happened to Cameron Erving just a few months before his FSU career ended, which was moving from left tackle to center. Erving was not a good tackle prospect, as he lacked the skills to be effective when facing edge rushers one on one.

At center, Erving should be considered an even more special athlete than he was at tackle. His length is a huge asset, and he re-directs players with ease in pass pro. As a run blocker, Erving is fantastic at getting out into space and finding the second level defender. His strength and quickness make him a terrific asset for the offense.

Centers are rarely worth high investments, but Erving has the makeup of an elite center in the NFL, and he deserves a first round pick.

 

Final Grade: 8.82- 1st Round Value

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