2017 NFL Draft Profile: Forrest Lamp
Unlike in previous years, the 2017 draft is hardly teeming with talent on the offensive line.
Over the past few seasons, teams have snagged linemen in record numbers on draft day, with the position earning more importance than ever before.
However, tonight’s draft class is significantly more sparse, with only a few big men likely to get the nod on day one. In fact, the RAF interactive mock predicted that only three will be drafted on Thursday night – with none inside the top ten.
One of those players that is likely to be picked up this evening, however, is the focus of this profile. The man with surely the best name in the class of ’17 – Forrest Lamp.
Combine Results
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 309 lbs
Bench Press: 34 reps
Arm Length: 32 1/4″
Hands: 10 5/8″
Strengths
Lamp has been one of the better players in Conference USA over the past four seasons. Utilised mostly at left tackle, the Western Kentucky Hilltopper has been a driving force for his team, and he’s well worth his value as a potential top-15 pick.
One of the more pleasing aspects of Lamp’s game is his athleticism. At 309 lbs, no one would expect the lineman to be nimble, but he ran a relatively impressive 5.00 40-yard dash at the combine – which ranked him fourth in his position – and, believe it or not, the most iconic moment of Lamp’s college career was a receiving touchdown.
He’s versatile across the line, which will help him tremendously in the NFL, and despite the lowly nature of his school, he has come up against some legitimate defences during his career and excelled. Just last year, Lamp faced off against the might of Alabama – a game which really catapulted his draft stock into the first round.
Weaknesses
The major red mark against Lamp is his size. Although certainly not a small guy, his lack of length and average build do not make him stand out and will hinder him for sure. Nowadays, with the sheer ferocity that opposing rushers pose, NFL linemen require that explosive power, and it’s hard to tell at this point whether Lamp truly possesses it.
In the game against Alabama, Lamp mostly got the better of the Crimson Tide. However, he wasn’t perfect, and there were a few occasions where Jonathan Allen broke through. Of course, Allen is a potential top-five pick and a superb talent, but there are many more players with the build of Allen in the league. Players which Lamp will be coming up against week in, week out.
Lamp has plenty of game-time at both guard and tackle. However, it’s very unlikely that he can become an elite-level tackle in the NFL. Through no fault of his own, he just simply doesn’t have the genetics of a prototype left tackle and therefore may be limited to his options. It’s a shame, as his footwork is excellent and he seems to have the football IQ, but there’s a good chance – thanks to his short arms – that he would get run over by dominant EDGE rushers in the pro’s.
Top Three Team Fits
Seattle Seahawks:
This would require a bit of a slide for Lamp, considering many have him slated as a top-15 selection, but this draft looks to be the most unpredictable in years, so it’s certainly likely. This fit would allow Seattle to shift Germain Ifedi to right tackle and slot Lamp into the guard position. After the signing of former top-five pick Luke Joeckel, this would give Seattle an excellent base for their line.
Indianapolis Colts:
Sure, the Colts need help on the defensive side of the ball, and that’s likely the direction they’ll go. However, if Lamp is around when Indy get on the clock, they’ll definitely have some interest. Let’s face it, everything the Colts do, depends on Andrew Luck. Hence, Andrew Luck must remain healthy. Lamp is a safe pick, who would definitely upgrade the inside of their line. After taking Ryan Kelly in round one last year, Indianapolis have previous, and this could do their offence a world of good.
Atlanta Falcons:
Again, Lamp would be unfortunate to slide this far, but Atlanta would love to bring him onto their roster. The Falcons have retained much of the side that won the NFC Championship, but the departure of Chris Chester has created a gap at the right tackle position. Although the Falcons have personnel willing to fight for the role, this pick would sort out the situation instantly. If the best guard – and possibly the best overall lineman – is available at pick #31, he will surely be headed to Georgia.
The Verdict
Although many argue that Pro Football Focus rankings don’t count for all that much, Forrest Lamp has ranked in the top five offensive linemen in the nation for three straight years. When you consider the level of talent that has been drafted over the past two years, that’s hard to ignore. Lamp may be the safest pick in the entire draft as he has all the tools necessary to be a great inside blocker, even if his physical intangibles mean he won’t be able to excel on the edge. You really can’t go far wrong with this guy and his pro comparison – which almost everyone agrees on, by the way, speaks for itself.
Pro Comparison: Zack Martin
Draft Prediction: Lamp’s Thursday night will likely depend on how brave general managers around the league are feeling. If every team is desperate for a star, and willing to take a chance, then the offensive guard could see himself slide down the board. However, a smart GM will surely see the value of taking such a reliable lineman in the middle of the round. Regardless, with teams like Seattle and Atlanta lurking at the end of the night, there’s next to no chance Lamp falls out of the first round, and for good reason.