The big bruising offensive lineman have finished their workouts in Indianapolis. A team’s success starts up front so every NFL team could use line depth in one way or another. Here are some players that caught my eye for better or worse.
STOCK RISING:
1. Cameron Erving, Center (Florida State)
To me Erving was the most impressive lineman during the on the field drills. Part of Cam’s value comes from his versatility. Erving started the season at left tackle and moved to center when injuries occurred to the Seminole line. The Florida State line drastically improved once the big fella was in charge of the line cadences. The Florida State center also put up an impressive 30 reps on the bench press. Maurkice Pouncy of the Pittsburgh Steelers seems to be a perfect comparison. The Florida State center should be a late first round pick with a bright future ahead of him.
If there was one tap that was worrisome it was the Clemson game. While Erving projects better as a Center here was his one on one battle with my number one rated pass rusher Vic Beasley where Cam struggled for most of the game.
2. Donovan Smith Right Tackle (Penn State)
Donovan is a player who decided to forgo his final season of eligibility. The move seems to be a smart on as he is shooting up draft boards. Smith projects as a right tackle at the next level and can be had for a 3rd-4th round pick. Smith dominated the Senior Bowl and showed excellent footwork for a 6’6″, 340 pound mauler. D.J. Fluker comes to mind when drawing a comparison.
STOCK FALLING:
1. T.J. Clemmings Right Tackle (Pittsburgh)
Clemmings is the number one rated tackle on most draft boards but looks more like a 5th round project to me. Clemmings also had a poor weight room performance with 22 reps compared to the high of 37. T.J. is just so raw that it will likely take 3-4 years just to perform at an adequate rate.
Below is the Senior Bowl Practice where the Pitt alum gets beat time and time again.
https://youtu.be/pS2sOlKczpk
2. Andrus Peat Left Tackle (Stanford)
Peat is a project first round pick but didn’t show that potential during the combine. Andrus appeared to have a weak upper body and decided not to bench press #redflag. His 40 yard dash also just looked like it required way to much effort to get his body moving. Most left tackles are strapped together but the Standford alum looked like he enjoyed one to many cup cakes.
Player I need to do more homework on:
Ali Marpet Center (Hobart)
The division three standout may have had the best day of all the big fellas. Marpet had the fastest 40 time with a 4.98 and looked smooth during the drills. Ali was unfazed during the big spot light and I may have to dig into some D3 tapes to get a better understanding of the prospect. Looking for that diamond in the rough? Ali Marpet could be your guy.
Defpen’s Top Rated Tackles
- Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M)
- Jake Fisher (Oregon)
- Brandon Scherff (Iowa)
- Donovan Smith (Penn State)
- Ereck Flowers (Miami)
Defpen’s Top Rated Interior Lineman
- Cameron Erving (Florida State)
- A.J. Cann (South Carolina)
- Laken Tomlinson (Duke)
- Tre Jackson (Florida State)
- La’el Collins (LSU)
