Quick 6: Get to know NFL Draft Prospect Mike Novitsky

Offense lineman Mike Novitsky has experience playing all the positions on the offensive line is incredibly versatile. Starting off at the University of Buffalo in 2020, he excelled against the MAC competition. When he went to the Big 12, there were questions regarding his ability to keep up with the talent, but he proved that moving to a stronger conference was no problem.

The center displays excellent movement in space and has good vision on zone runs. The New York native was a three-star athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and lacrosse. He was initially recruited as a lacrosse player and verbally committed to the University of Virginia his freshman year. However, he chose to pursue football.

Novitsky acknowledged that he likes touching the ball on every play, but the transition to center was tough at first.

Novitsky recently spoke with The Patriots Beat about the pre-draft process, playing three sports in high school, and what teams have shown interest.

I know you played some defense in high school. How did that help you when you moved to the other side?

It helped because, in high school, you worked the moves of a D-line. When I could switch over to the offensive line, I could get a feel for what kind of moves they might do or what they might like. So, it kind of helped me that way, knowing the opposition when I switched to the other side.

What made you want to make the complete transition to football? I realize you were a three-sport athlete in high school.

I played basketball, football, and lacrosse. I was a freshman on the varsity team for basketball and then a freshman on varsity football. And then, in my senior year, I decided not to play basketball, focus on football, get in the weight room, and kind of get ready for my next journey ahead. And, with football, I was verbally committed to the University of Virginia for lacrosse before de-committing and going all-in on football.

Being a good center is all about communicating. How important is it to be on the same page as everyone?

Yeah, being a center, you have to be very efficient and fluent with communication to the rest of the offensive line. You have to have a good relationship with the quarterback, the running back, and know all of your some protections. You have to be quick with the communicating to your teammates. You also have to identify looks and know how you’re going to combat that with specific techniques and schemes.

What teams have you met with during the pre-draft process, and have any teams stood out?

I met privately with the Ravens and Chargers. At the College Gridiron Showcase in January, I met with many teams. So I interviewed with the Raiders, the Bears, Broncos, Patriots, 49ers, Giants, Jags, Steelers, Bills, Titans, Packers, Cardinals, and Eagles at that all-star game.

What type of offense do you feel most comfortable running in?

I feel very comfortable running the wide zone and either cutting off a play side two-eye or helping the guard on the play side and then climbing up to backer and getting to the second level. So, I feel comfortable when I’m in space, and I can use my feet and move around, but I can really in any play style.

What type of person are NFL teams getting if they draft you?

They’re going to get a leader, a guy who does it right in and out of the facility, a guy who dedicates, all of his hours to being the best football player and the best teammate that he can be, and a guy who demands excellence and will do anything to win.