STRENGTHS - Turnley is a solid all-around offensive linemen who has been productive starting at center and has the ability to play guard also. He has a thick build and the playing strength to anchor vs. pass rushers and lock on and turn DL out of the play on in-line run blocks. He uses hands well to lock on and tie up LB's on the 2nd level. He has good footwork in pass pro and it helps him to slide well side to side to stay on and maintain blocks. He has the footwork to pull to the second level of the defense.
WEAKNESSES - Blake is average when it comes to initial quickness, which allows explosive defensive tackles to get their hands on him first too often. He needs to do a better job of setting up quickly with a good base and leverage because doesn't always play up to his natural strength. He is constantly pulling in the Panthers offense and needs to do a better job of finding someone to block. He whiffs on blocks at times. He needs to do a better job of keeping his head up in pass protection so that he can deliver a good initial punch first, and not the other way around. He has had nagging foot injuries.
SUMMARY - Turnley began his career as a backup left guard, but moved to center for his final two seasons at Pittsburgh. On film he shows the flexibility to bend knees and sink hips to pass block with good base/leverage. When he blocks with good base he can slide well side to side to pick-up different DL stunts and blitzes. If he is going to make it at the NFL level where he has to compete against better athletes, he is going to need to be more consistent at setting up quickly and blocking with good base/leverage. Overall, Turnley is one of the top senior center prospects of this class, but will still need time to develop into a starting interior lineman. His ability to play center and guard makes him a nice late-round selection and gives him time to develop. In time he should develop into a very good backup center and adequate fill-in starter. Turnley warrants a sixth/seventh round grade in the 2013 NFL draft.