The NFL Combine has wrapped up, and the Denver Broncos are evaluating several offensive linemen who did not perform as expected during the event. While the team has solid starters, their depth and future on the offensive line remain uncertain. Although measurements were previously included, concerns have arisen regarding their accuracy, particularly arm length, leading to their omission in this analysis.
This article focuses on ten offensive linemen whose athletic testing and on-field drills did not meet expectations. Among them, DiGiorgio possesses impressive size but struggled with his 10-yard split, falling below the necessary threshold for tackle prospects. His height may also hinder his effectiveness at guard due to pad-level challenges.
Reed-Adams raised some red flags with his explosive testing results, although he was not far below the benchmarks for interior offensive linemen. Similar to DiGiorgio, Reed-Adams may find his chances at tackle limited as a result.
For tackles, a 10-yard split of 1.75 seconds is ideal, but Casey recorded a 1.85, raising concerns about his initial burst, which is crucial for pulling and climbing in the run game. Carmona also faced difficulties, with his overall athletic testing falling short of tackle standards, while his metrics were somewhat better for guards, though still not optimal.
Another prospect, Nwaiwu, did not participate in the 40-yard dash, but his jump results were lackluster, and his 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle times were far from impressive. Though his 40 and 10-yard split times were acceptable for an interior offensive lineman, his jumping metrics were among the worst at the Combine.
Davis shares a similar narrative to Campbell, where his 40 and 10-yard split were adequate, but his jumping numbers fell short. Proctor demonstrated good jumping ability relative to his size, yet his 10-yard split did not reflect the desired initial explosiveness.
Beerntsen performed well in athletic testing overall, but his broad jump raised concerns, as a poor result in a single test can overshadow an otherwise strong performance. Herron showed promise with a good full 40-yard time, yet his 10-yard split presented a red flag for tackle prospects, and although his agility drills were not problematic, they did not inspire confidence.
The Broncos will need to address their options moving forward. Crownover“s height and build resulted in awkward movements during drills, especially evident during pull and screen drills, where his foot speed was lacking. Harkey is a downhill player, but his footwork and pulling technique need significant refinement to succeed in a scheme that emphasizes pulling guards.
Discussions will continue regarding Taylor, who is tall and tends to play high, complicating his potential as a guard. Meanwhile, Braun raised concerns about his movement skills, but his punching technique became a more significant issue during drills. Teams favoring a downhill approach might appreciate Burke, but they must ensure he isn”t overburdened with outside movement tasks.
Adams displayed disjointed movement patterns, with his lower body failing to coordinate with his upper body, making it challenging for him to mirror defenders in the NFL. Transitioning inside might also bring about concerns regarding his footwork. Willis was expected to show better movement for his size, but he struggled to sink during drills and appeared consistently upright.
Stephens excelled in one of the mirror drills, yet he faltered in others where he should have excelled. Given his movement skills shown on tape, evaluators will likely revisit his performance during his pro day. Schrauth raised medical and technical questions during the Combine, leaving more uncertainties than answers in his wake.
Parker is anticipated to shift to center, and while his drill work was adequate for that position, there is a desire for improved footwork. His performance underscored that he is not suited to tackle duties in the NFL.
As the Broncos assess their options, they will need to weigh the potential of these underperforming linemen against their overall draft strategy.
