by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Georgia Bulldogs.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Georgia, Center, Sedrick Van Pran
Name- Sedrick Van Pran
Pos- Center
Team- Georgia
HT/WT- 6’4” 310 lbs.
Born- 10/23/2001
Home – New Orleans, LA
Sedrick Van Pran played center for Warren Easton East High School and was selected to represent Team Pressure in the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game. ESPN.com rated him a four-star prospect, ranked as the #68 player nationally, and the #2 center in the nation. He helped lead his team to back-to-back class 4A Championship games and committed to Georgia over a slew of other Division 1 offers.
He played in 4 games as a true freshman, mostly at the end of games as a reserve. In 2021, he started all 15 games for the Bulldogs at center and played more offensive snaps then any other Georgia player. He started all 15 games in 2022 at center and was named second-team All-SEC for his play. He was also on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s best center.
He enters the 2023 season as a preseason First-Team All-SEC selection as well as a Draft 412 preseason First-Team All-American selection.
Van Pran plays at a competitive level with a high motor, always looking for more blocks. He battles through the whistle and looks to help teammates on each play. He has a high football IQ and can be a leader on any offensive line, calling out blitzes and putting his teammates in the best position to make a play.
Sedrick Van Pran has a solid build and is athletic enough to play in any offensive scheme. He attacks at the second level with fluidity and purpose. He is savage in the run game and takes gratification in knocking you down.
On the downside, Van Pran needs some work on his lower body mechanics and technique in his pass protection. He needs to gain more upper body strength to sustain blocks longer. He loves to hit defenders but at times, just bumps and goes, leaving the defender free. He has heavy feet, and faster defenders cause him to lose his balance.
A current NFL comparison to Van Pran might be Connor Williams of the Miami Dolphins. Williams, like Van Pran, is a mauler in run blocking and is improving each year in pass protection.
Strengths
Run blocking
Football IQ
High motor
Plays with an edge
Weaknesses
Strength
Footwork
Pass Protection
Balance
Final Analysis
Sedrick Van Pran is one of the top 2-3 centers in this draft and has a chance to play his way into being a first day selection.
Draft 412 Draft Projection- Round 2