The NFL combine is ongoing and the Denver Broncos are searching hard for the next batch of rookies. This is an important draft class after the Broncos return to the playoffs, but now they have to take the next step and set themselves up to maintain that success.
The Broncos are approaching an era where you can play compensatory pick games, but they need to be consistently hits to maximize their draft class. One area Denver can play for the compensation pick next year is in the defensive line.
It can take a year or two for a defensive lineman to develop, so this year you should be looking for someone who can intervene as a starter next year. Denver may be set up as an external linebacker, but with Nick Bonitt’s contract expires after 2025, teams should consider this draft class pass rush. I’ve heard the proverb “You can never have too many pass rushes.”
As for the internal linebacker, the need for the Broncos country was clearly stated and emphasized it was essential for the team. These three positions took to the field on Thursday for training and testing at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Today we look at winners and losers only from defensive lines, edge rushes, and internal linebacker position drills, without including measurements or exercise tests. Despite jumping out of the building, Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) is not included as he did not perform the position drill.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins | Georgia
There was no better day than Ingram-Dawkins. Once in the combine, he was primarily considered a prospect for the third day, but his training brings people back to tape and talks about him as a top 75 outlook. His fieldwork was close to perfection that you could get.
Ty Robinson | Nebraska
Robinson has some stiffness when it comes to changing directions, but his techniques are clean and consistent. On top of that, he may be one of the most powerful defensive linemen in his class. There may be some problems on the side, but he may not be able to stop when working downhill.
Alfred Collins | Texas
Collins’ measurements are eye-opening, but seeing them and seeing him play the drill was amazing. He was big and long enough, he moved well, maintaining his lower body techniques clean and disciplined.
Darius Alexander|Toledo
Alexander is getting older with leads as he turns 25 at the start of the season, but the good news is that the team is fine with it, and some are welcoming. He had a great combination of athletic tests and fieldwork, and checked many boxes.
TJ Sanders | South Carolina
It’s fair to question Sanders’ efforts after seeing the drill. Instead of finishing the drill, he was pulled up early and emphasized by the coach. His footwork and bass are also issues, and these issues are evident on tape.
Tonka Hemingway | South Carolina
Hemingway is a talented athlete, but he is reckless. He needs to play with control and develop techniques.
During the drill, Hemingway’s recklessness led to multiple slips. Plus, he has dropped the drill at least four times, so he needs to tie his shoes tighter.
Nazir Stack House | Georgia
After a series of excellent defensive linemen, Georgia spent a down year. Stackhouse struggles during the combined drill with the shrine bowl and the rough draft process.
Jared Harrison-Hunte | SMU
Focusing on techniques, Harrison Honte left a lot of things to be desired. He moved neatly, especially for the defensive lineman in the interior, but his footwork led to obvious issues on tape.
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Femi Oladejo | UCLA
Oladejo has an excellent process starting with the senior bowl. He has still spent years as a linebacker, but his job in the drill helped his stock more than any prospect in this group. He also showed leadership during the drill.
Ahmed Hassananein | Boise
Hassanian made history as the first Egyptian player at the Combine. Five years ago, he never played soccer and couldn’t even speak English, so his story is amazing. His training was full of energy and his techniques were relatively good for a new guy in football, just like him.
Donovan Ezellak | Boston College
There are no good engineers in this class from this position group. Because Ozilak is a calm technician, the drills were smooth, fluid and easy.
Landon Jackson | Arkansaud
Jackson had an outstanding day in athletic testing and fieldwork. Several questions were raised about how he used him, but he answered them by showing solid athletic skills and adequate strength.
Ethan Downs | Oklahoma
This is difficult because Downs’ problems seemed to lie in his mind. It’s impossible to see how he worked through the drill and what he was thinking, but everything seemed calculated rather than relying on his training in the flow.
Nic Scourton | Texas A&M
Maybe there wasn’t any unfair training on the day. Schoolton’s form was awful throughout the drill. Instead of securing himself as a two-round player, it’s no surprise to see him move down the board instead.
Ashton Guillott|Louisville
Guillott was reckless and gave little technical evidence, especially in the drills that featured his pass-rush moves. There are a few traits, but teams need to build techniques.
Jah Joyner | Minnesota
There are motor traits to cooperate, but Joiner did not show them to the drill. His footwork was clunky and his legs were heavy. His direction was rough and he wasted many moves to gather himself.
Shemar James | Florida
It was a solid Senior Bowl Week for James. The drill showed consistently clean and fluid movement skills with his techniques. He was the smoothest initiator of the group.
Teddye Buchanan | California
Buchanan could be a riser throughout the process. He had a great week at the Shrine Bowl and had a great show at the Combine. It was clear that Buchanan had worked to clean his direction and motor skills.
Barrett Carter | Clemson
Carter did not do athletic tests, which is a shame. He is a smooth and natural mover with fluid directional skills.
Kain Medrano | UCLA
There is a future for Medrano as a linebacker for a special team with his athletic ability and athletic skills. His technique in the drill was clean and showed that there may be something to develop for defence. He could potentially contribute to a special team early.
Jackson Woodard | UNLV
The wooded is very narrow in the lower half and appears on tape. He had to show more lateral ability, but that wasn’t there. In the NFL, side jobs in coverage or defending play are difficult.
Carson Bruner | Washington
With multiple drills, Bruner was tricking the drill. When cheating the drill, it raises only the red flag for your scouting report.
Colin Oliver | Oklahoma
Oliver is a downhill player who is not a smooth mover with a tight waist. Drills are not made for players like him to succeed.
Smael Mondon Jr | Georgia
As a coverage linebacker, I wanted to see the smooth movements from Mondon when working with coverage drills. Instead, he gets tight on his lower back as the direction changes.
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