Ryan Ramczyk

in our view

Someone alert the Lifetime network, because the "Ryan Ramczyk Story" is one made for television. A year after Carson Wentz went from a relatively unknown quarterback from North Dakota State rose all the way up to the No. 2 overall draft pick, Ramczyk has nearly matched the improbable ascent, going from a little D-III to a legitimate first round prospect and quite possibly the first offensive lineman off the board.

strengths

Shows terrific initial quickness when asked to block at the second level, firing out and making tough cut blocks at the second level appear routine. When the time comes to simply knock defenders off the ball, Ramczyk shows good power and pad level, as well, bowing his back and showing the leg drive to move the pile. Given his relative inexperience, Ramczyk shows impressive balance, agility and patience in pass protection. He eases off the snap, sliding left with light feet and bent knees waiting for the defender to come to him. The coordination between his upper and lower body is impressive, as Ramczyk keeps his feet sliding while shooting his hands into the chest of opponents. From there, Ramczyk's long arms and strength typically take over, essentially ending the play for the defender. Shows the poise that will earn him high marks from offensive line coaches as well as scouts, maintaining his technique with bent knees and using his trailing right arm to get a final, powerful shove on the rusher. Showed toughness in fighting through a hip injury in 2016, opting to push off surgery until after the Cotton Bowl.

compares to

Nate Solder, New England Patriots - Ramczyk is not quite as tall as the 6-foot-8 Patriots' left tackle but he is also a hulking presence with similar poise, balance and agility in protecting the edge.

weaknesses

Relatively inexperienced against top competition, as he did not take a snap at the FBS level until 2016, following transfers from a Division II program where he never played and then to a school close to his home that did not have a football program, so NFL teams will want to gauge his true passion for the game. Does not show a lot of fire in his play. Can get lazy with his technique, failing to bend at the knees, at times and getting too high with his hands. Occasionally over-sets to his left, leaving too much room between himself and the guard. Requires a careful check by team doctors at the Combine due to his recent hip surgery.

Named first-team all-state by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and honorable mention all-state by Associated Press as a senior

selected to 2012 WFCA All-Star Game

also earned first-team all-region and first-team All-Wisconsin Valley Conference as a senior

named team MVP and offensive player of the year as a senior

served as team captain

coach was Scott Rice

Parents are Randy and Lori Ramczyk

volunteered with Operation Bootstrap

hobbies include hunting and fishing

majoring in sociology