Colts select Iowa center Austin Blythe

Iowa center Austin Blythe was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the NFL draft.

Blythe, a Williamsburg native, opened the final 45 games at Iowa and had 49 career starts in 50 games played. He started at center in both his sophomore and senior seasons and split time at center and guard as a junior.

At Iowa, Blythe was named a permanent team captain. He was a second-team all-Big Ten selection, a third-team All-American and a Rimington Trophy finalist, which goes to the nation's best center. Blythe stood 6-foot-2 and weighed 291 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Blythe is the 16th offensive lineman drafted under Coach Kirk Ferentz but the first center since Bruce Nelson was taken in the second round of the 2003 draft. Blythe was chosen No. 248 overall.

Here's Blythe's NFL.com scouting report:

Strengths

: Four-year starter featuring durability and leadership qualities. Has played center and both guard spots which gives him a mental head­start. Controlled glider up to inside linebackers and plays with plus body control. Patient, confident run blocker who consistently lands his blocks in the center of his targets. Keeps his feet grinding after contact to generate movement and prolonged engagement as a blocker. Sticks to opponents like a shadow and is always bodied up near his man. Excellent outside zone blocker. Uses feet and upper body strength to run gap­-shooters up the field past the quarterback. The Hawkeyes love pulling him and using as lead blocker in space. Technician able to snap and step quickly on reach blocks. Sinks hips and can anchor up against bull rushers. Good functional strength for his size. Played in over 96 percent of team's offensive snaps over last three years.

Weaknesses

: Undersized by every standard that NFL teams use for centers. Lack of length and mass is a legitimate concern moving forward. Has played both guard spots and center, but size likely limits him to center only in the league. Teams may view him as fit for zone specific teams which could limit his draft stock. Catches pass rushers rather than punching. Will have to adjust to defensive tackles using length to disrupt his task.

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