2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Brian Schwenke - C, California

There are times when you look at a guy, and you can guess how quick they, how strong they are, etc., just by glancing quickly at them, and you'll be right about 85% of the time. For example, if I were to go play in a pickup basketball game, I wouldn't be one of the first few selected, and they'd find out during the game that their presuppositions would be correct: I'm slow and can rebound a little, but that's about it. If you glanced at Brian Schwenke though, you'd be dead wrong on your assumptions.

Schwenke played in 48 of Cal's 50 possible games during his career, starting in 36 games. His first three years he was a Guard exclusively, and played it really well. Over the spring, however, he made the switch to Center, and played it even better. He was named to the First Team All-Pac 12 by the league's coaches. All told he made 16 starts at Left Guard, 12 games at Center, and 8 at Right Guard, so he easily can play any position on the interior of the Offensive Line.

By far the most fascinating thing about Schwenke is his deceptive speed and quickness, something you'd never guess by just looking at him. He ran a 4.99 40 at the Combine, flying for an OL. He also ran the 3 Cone Drill in 7.31 seconds, tied for the 2nd fastest by any OL. When you look at him, he gives no indication of this sneaky quickness, but he's extremely light on his feet. Just think if he could improve his physique...

Schwenke wouldn't be automatically given a job on the Colts Interior OL, but I think he'd earn a spot at either Guard or Center over one of the guys that's currently there. He's being projected in the 3rd Round, a pick the Colts could go in any number of directions. I think the Colts should get a pass rusher with one of their first two picks, so a G/C might not be feasible at this spot, but the fact that Schwenke has played both positions so well, I'd certainly be ok with a guy like Schwenke.

Scouting Profile from NFL.com:

Strengths

Extremely quick off the snap, gets his hands on his target very quickly. Quick to provide assistance on a double team, and aware of who needs help. Plays with a good, low pad level. Constantly wins the leverage battle. Gets his hands inside of the chest plate of defenders.

Weaknesses

Not an impressive body type. Needs to do a better job of being able to sit back into his blocks in pass protection. Lacks great power. Shotgun snaps are often placed low.

NFL Comparison

David Bass

CBS NFL Draft Scout Profile:

STRENGTHS: Possesses a compact build well-suited to interior line play. Has a naturally low center of gravity and uses it, along with a wide base and excellent use of leverage to anchor against bigger, more powerful bull-rushers. Possesses an exceptional initial burst off the snap to turn and seal off defenders. Quick, active hands and shows an explosive pop on contact.

WEAKNESSES: Has only one season at center. Struggled at times with low shotgun snaps in 2012 (Ohio State). While possessing very good quickness to the second level, shows only average change-of-direction and awareness in re-directing to make effective downfield blocks. Must improve in his sustaining of downfield blocks.

COMPARES TO: Max Unger, C, Seattle Seahawks -- Like the former Oregon Duck standout, Schwenke's value lies not only his versatility but in his short-area quickness, reliability and smarts.

Combine Measurements: