NFL Draft Profiles: Interior Offensive Linemen Kansas City May Consider
By Ben Nielsen
Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels center Russell Bodine (60) plays in the game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T field. Wake defeated the Heels 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
RUSSEL BODINE (CENTER/GUARD)
HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 310 COLLEGE: North Carolina
10 YARD SPLIT: 1.72 BENCH: 42 BROAD: 9’1″
There are those who suggest Bodine entered the draft a year too early and his draft stock will suffer for it. This could be a good thing for the Chiefs in terms of acquiring a talent late in the draft, but it may also mean Bodine is not quite ready to start immediately. His size, quickness, and strength could be an asset for him to make the leap to the NFL earlier than most expected.
Reading about Bodine seems to suggest he is the kind of player who is at his best when paired next to a quality offensive lineman. Bodine was the center when Jonathan Cooper was a guard at North Carolina, and the two were very effective in opening holes for Giovani Bernard. Moving Bodine to guard could be something that benefits him.
It is hard not too look at his strength and speed an not be tempted to see what he could do for the Chiefs as a guard.
Here’s Rang on Bodine:
"Possesses squatty powerful frame, with broad shoulders and thick limbs. Good initial quickness. Capable of firing the snap (shotgun or typical) and turning to seal off defenders in one fluid motion. Plays with very good knee bend and on the balls of his feet, helping him anchor against the bull rush and mirror quicker defenders while in pass protection. Latches on and turns with defenders, keeping himself between the defender and the ball. Surprisingly light on his feet, showing good athleticism to block at the second level. Strong initial punch on defenders when he meets them, showing enough power to knock some off-balance and to the ground. Alert and competitive. Looks for someone to hit on each play. Started one game at left guard in 2013; all others at center over the past two seasons."
Bodine has a fifth-to-seventh round tag on him.