NFL Scouting Combine: Syracuse Center Ryan Bartholomew Improves Draft Stock

This could be a classic case of on-field performance vs. performance in scout-invented drills.

Which is more important when evaluating a potential draft pick? If you believe the latter is more important, Syracuse center Ryan Bartholomew will be drafted in the first round.

Bartholomew had the fastest time out of all of the Group 1 offensive linemen in the NFL Scouting Combine in the 40-yard dash. But more importantly, he led the linemen in 10-yard split time with 1.63.

Why is this more important? Well, at the center position, it is crucial to have initial quickness because you need to snap the football in a fast-enough time to be able to engage in a block with a defensive tackle or middle linebacker.

Not only did Bartholomew prove that he had that quickness, he also proved that he possessed the strength to push back defenders in run blocking. He had 34 reps in the bench press session.

However, NFL Network's Mike Mayock was quick to point out that he struggled in the East-West Shrine Game. Therefore, the round in which he will be drafted will depend on whether teams believe Scouting Combine performance is relevant or not.