We continue our recap of the 2019 NFL Combine by taking a look at some of the standout offensive linemen from the week. This is a strong offensive line class, and the combine only appeared to make it stronger.
Both on the interior and at tackle a couple of names emerged above the rest, and got themselves in the midst of early-to-mid first round discussion. Here are my notes on some of the best offensive linemen at this year’s NFL Combine.
Notes
- Andre Dillard (Washington State) tested like a top 3 tackle in this class. At 6’5″ 315 pounds Dillard proved to be fluid, flexible, and athletic at the combine just as he appeared on tape. He’s as smooth as any tackle in this class in terms of pass protection, and can start at tackle in the NFL from day one. He’s earned a first round grade on my board, along with Florida’s Jawaan Taylor and Alabama’s Jonah Williams.
- Garrett Bradbury (NC State) might’ve had the best combine of any offensive lineman, and has put himself well into first round discussions. Bradbury is currently iOL2 on my board behind Elgton Jenkins of Mississippi State, but he’s a plug-and-play center in his own right.
- Speaking of plug-and-play centers in this year’s draft class, meet Erik McCoy (Texas A&M). While not as polished a zone blocker as Bradbury, McCoy tested like he can operate well on the second level in space. I have to go back and watch more of his college tape, but he ran a blazing 4.89 40 yard dash, the fastest among all offensive linemen and looked fluid in the agility drills as well.
- Chris Lindstrom (Boston College) has been talked about as a first round guard by many draft analysts over the last few months, but on film I just haven’t seen it. At the combine, however, Lindstrom looked more smooth and comfortable in his movements than I remember on tape. I’ll have to go back and check on Lindstrom once again, but as of right now there’s a significant gap between him and the top interior linemen in this class (Bradbury and Jenkins) on my board.
- Dalton Risner (Kansas State) deserves a shoutout for his work as the “rabbit” in the mirror drill alone, but as an actual prospect he continued to impress as well. Risner should be an instant starting tackle in the NFL, and he did nothing to hurt his stock or bring about second guessing with his week at the combine.
