Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin, a top JUCO player in the nation two seasons ago, is now projected to be a high First Round draft pick according to many that cover the NFL Draft.
The first round of 2018 draft projections are upon us, and many consider Mississippi State left tackle, Martinas Rankin, as one of the top prospects in next year’s draft.
Martinas Rankin is no stranger to being considered one of the top offensive lineman in this class, as he was rated #1 by 247 sports, as the best offensive tackle in the 2015 Junior College class. He can play either tackle spot, or even center.
So, what has contributed to these lofty projections?
His size. Rankin is 6’5″ and 300 pounds, not a small guy by any means. His technique has received high praise from experts. Also, not to mention, the way he dominated on the offensive line last season for the Bulldogs once he found his groove impressed many.
Many projections have Rankin going in the first round, but where? Fox Sports’s Dieter Kurtenbach has Rankin going at #9 to the Bengals, and Mel Kiper of ESPN even considers Martinas Rankin the top center in the 2018 Draft Class.
Behind paywall, Mel Kiper ranks Mississippi State O-lineman Martinas Rankin as top center prospect in 2018 NFL draft.
— The John L. Pitts Initiative (@JohnLPitts) May 19, 2017
Fans may find it interesting that Rankin has never played a down at center, but he projects well at the next level in experts’ minds. Mississippi State’s left tackle practiced at the position a lot during the spring, and he may play there this upcoming fall. Definitely something to keep an eye on.
Kurtenbach and Kiper are not the only draft minds that are high on the Mississippi State product. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has Mississippi State’s offensive lineman heading to protect Andrew Luck with a top-20 selection in his Early 2018 Mock Draft — at offensive tackle.
Yes, I'm a little crazy. I also know you guys are too.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) May 11, 2017
Here's a 2018 mock draft: https://t.co/lNy9HrIrp8
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The versatility to play at three different spots on the offensive line is a big reason why Rankin has the opportunity to hear his named called early next April.
However, of course, Rankin will have to live up to these large aspirations on the field in his last go around in Starkville. Rankin has the potential to be the highest drafted player from Starkville, since linebacker Johnnie Cooks was drafted 2nd overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1982 NFL Draft.
Stay tuned to Maroon and White Nation for news, coverage, analysis, and opinions on anything and everything Mississippi State.