Lucas Crowley

Flashy skill position players like quarterback Mitch Trubisky and slot receiver Ryan Switzer earned most of the attention at North Carolina (and for good reason) but savvy scouts also noticed the gritty, technically refined play of Crowley, a 38-game starter for the Tar Heels who was recognized as the ACC's Blocker of the Week three times in 2016. Crowley appeared in six games as a reserve center as a true freshman and took over starting duties in the middle a year later, missing just one game due to injury (Miami, 2014) the rest of his college career. He was honored with Third Team All-ACC honors as a junior and rose to Second Team accolades as a senior. STRENGTHS: Possesses a squatty frame conducive to playing inside with a natural leverage advantage. Good initial snap and step quickness, showing the balance and agility to pull, as well as release to the second level. Solid technician. Plays on the balls of his feet and with his knees bent, which combined with his good core flexibility, helps him anchor, despite less than ideal power. Quick hands and good placement with his initial punch. Alert to stunts and surprise blitzers, pointing out potential concerns to teammates and releasing from his initial assignment to at least get a shove in. WEAKNESSES: Only average size for the position and does not appear to possess ideal arm length. Struggles to sustain against longer-armed defensive tackles, showing just average strength to overcome his size limitations. Possesses good initial quickness to pull and release to second level but gets flat-footed once there, lacking the change of direction and anticipation to hit and sustain blocks on moving targets. More of a seal off blocker in the run game than an actual people-mover, showing less than ideal leg drive to push the pile in short yardage situations. IN OUR VIEW: Crowley does not possess the measureables to wow scouts but he played an underrated role in UNC's success on offense. His quickness and solid technique project best to a zone scheme, though he may never prove more than a solid backup at the next level.

Rated the No. 5 center in the country by ESPN.com • Considered the No. 12 center in the country and one of Florida’s top 100 prospects by Rivals.com • Listed as the No. 20 center in the nation by Scout.com • Ranked the No. 50 offensive guard in the nation by 247sports.com • Named first-team All-First Coast • Member of the Jacksonville Times-Union Super 24 team • First-team all-state • MaxPreps Second-Team Medium Schools All-America selection • Prepstar All-Southeast Region selection • Coached by Shane Matthews.

His favorite food is fried fish • The reason he wears number 68 is because his brother wore it when he played • His favorite off-day activity is golfing • The person who had the biggest impact on his life is his brother Travis Crowley • Birthday is Sept. 7 • Son of Dan and Laurie Crowley • Exercise and sport science major.