Arkansas’ Frank Ragnow could be the next first round center
Arkansas Razorbacks center Frank Ragnow is one of the best players in the country. Could he be the next first round center?
Arkansas Razorbacks All-American, All-SEC center Frank Ragnow has accomplished just about everything a center can hope to accomplish at the collegiate level, save for a National Championship.
Could he add first round pick to the list in 2018?
He’s certainly trending that way.
Ragnow has been an absolute stud for the Razorbacks at center since earning playing time back in 2014 as a true freshman. Even then, Ragnow earned the respect of fellow SEC coaches, and became the Razorbacks’ full-time starter at right guard in 2015 before moving back to center in 2016.
Now in his fourth year of playing at the collegiate level, Ragnow doesn’t have much left to prove to NFL scouts. He has yet to allow a sack in his 38 career starts, and is flat out destroying those who oppose him on the field:
In honor of National Pancake Day, check out this finish from Arkansas C #72 Frank Ragnow. Grown man strength. Pass pro doesn't mean passive. pic.twitter.com/AIq2rC5yY2
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) September 26, 2017
There haven’t been many centers in the recent history of the league to generate a solid first round grade from scouts, but Ragnow could be one such player.
There were no centers selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, while Alabama’s Ryan Kelly was picked 18th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. There weren’t any centers selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft depending on how you classify Cameron Erving, and the next center picked in the first round prior to him was Travis Frederick in the 2013 draft.
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Frederick, not coincidentally, was coached in college by the same coach Ragnow currently has at Arkansas — head coach Bret Bielema.
Bielema was known at Wisconsin for his massive offensive linemen, and those guys were often looked at very closely by NFL scouts. Bielema’s connections to the midwest hooked him up with the Minnesota native in Ragnow, who is now potentially set to follow in the footsteps of Frederick and become another pupil of Bielema’s drafted in the top 32 picks.
He’s certainly deserving, from what we’ve seen.
Ragnow has been a model of consistency for the Razorbacks, and has been one of the highest graded players in the country almost every time he steps on the field. He has played at this level against SEC competition, widely considered among (if not) the best in the country.
Moving forward to the NFL level, Ragnow should be considered a starting candidate at center or guard, which should also help increase his value.