2014 NFL Draft Combine: Offensive Linemen, Tight Ends Run
By Daniel Lago
Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Trey Burton (8) against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Gators 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The “action” portion of the NFL combine started on Saturday, as the offensive linemen and tight ends took the field for drills. The 40-yard dash always comes to mind first when talking about the combine, but it’s importance is diminished significantly for offensive linemen.
Full results for the offensive linemen and tight ends can be found in the following links to Walter Football.
The Jaguars aren’t really in the market for one of the top tackles in the draft, but they are in desperate need of interior offensive linemen. David Caldwell will likely address the offensive line in Day 3, maybe Day 2 if a tempting player falls to them. Besides traditional guards and centers, Caldwell could potentially find a gem in converting a tackle and moving him over to the inside. Someone like Cameron Fleming out of Stanford doesn’t really have the athleticism (5.28 40-yard dash) to keep up with edge rushers, but he wouldn’t be as much of a liability as a guard. Same goes for Wesley Johnson out of Vanderbilt (5.11 40-yard dash), who needs to bulk up over 300 pounds to fill out his frame.
The Jaguars probably won’t target tight end until later in the draft either. Jedd Fisch seems to like Marcedes Lewis and thinks he’ll have a big impact when healthy, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Caldwell picks up a more pure pass-catching tight end in the draft. A guy like Trey Burton out of Florida (4.50 unofficial 40-time) could have a similar impact in his rookie year that his old teammate Jordan Reed had with the Washington Redskins. Burton doesn’t have elite size for the position, but his speed and athleticism makes him ideal for that “move” tight end position to complement Marcedes. A.C. Leonard out of Tennessee State is another late round prospect who showed good speed (4.43 unofficial 40-time) and might be worth a look.
-Daniel Lago
Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89