Outland Trophy watch list 2017: 5 favorites to win

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10 SEP 2016: Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) is under center during the NCAA football game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and TCU Horned Frogs played at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX. (Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Frank Ragnow

Center, Arkansas Razorbacks

For as bad as the offensive line pool was entering the 2017 NFL Draft, that may not be the case in 2018. The SEC will have some incredible players on the offensive interior, none more polished that Arkansas Razorbacks senior center Frank Ragnow.

There is a great chance Ragnow will end up being the best offensive lineman to play for Bret Bielema since Joe Thomas starred for him with the 2006 Wisconsin Badgers. Ragnow is a technician up front that thrives in run blocking and in pass protection. He feels like one of those players that won’t need a redshirt year in the NFL. Ragnow can make an immediate impact in 2018 as a rookie for somebody. He’s a top-100 pick no question.

What helps Ragnow in his quest to win the Outland Trophy is that he plays in a familiar pro-style offense under Bielema’s watch. NFL scouts already know that this guy will play at a high level on Sundays. Ragnow having a reliable signal caller playing behind him in Austin Allen only helps in his cause to win the Outland.

While Ragnow is presumably the favorite to win the Rimington Trophy as the best center in college football, that may not be enough to garner him the Outland as well. He will have to compete against all the country’s best guards, offensive tackles and defensive tackles. Frankly, Arkansas may not win enough games for Ragnow to win this award, but he’s an excellent center nonetheless.

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