2017 NFL season: Top 10 week 1 rookie performances
2. Pat Elflein, C, Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings trotted out a rookie center for the first time in over half a century on opening day, and Pat Elflein was up to the task.
Pro Football Focus graded Elflein pretty poorly in the running game, which I’ll have to go back and look at, but for the most part it seemed like Elflein was in control this game.
Pat Elflein directing traffic here is a beautiful site to see. pic.twitter.com/IMudI0b5EJ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 12, 2017
Fantastic job here by Elflein and CJ Ham. pic.twitter.com/ovJcnHYzxe
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 12, 2017
Elfein does a great job anchoring here at the POA. The throw here is great too. Right in stride to where Thielen can catch it and get YAC. pic.twitter.com/yU033CX7Ef
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 12, 2017
Pat Elflein running with Jerick McKinnon 20 yards downfield pic.twitter.com/sYz1mznG5v
— BJ Reidell (@RobertReidell) September 12, 2017
I have to say, in terms of pass protection and the athleticism Elflein showed here, this was unquestionably one of the best rookie performances of the first week of NFL football.
The Vikings didn’t have a first round pick this year, but they may have had one of the best draft classes led by Dalvin Cook, Elflein, and defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson.
Elflein looks like a decade-long starter at the center position, and watching these clips above, it’s easy to see why. He’s physical, athletic, smart, and obviously already able to make all the calls at the line of scrimmage for the offensive line.
He was a major reason why the Vikings’ offense had so much success on Monday night.