Follow-up OL combine comments … Just a couple of belated observations on the weigh-in element of the offensive linemen’s day at the combine earlier today. We noted in some of the discussion of their 40 times, for example, that several OT could end up being kicked back inside because of the dreaded short arms. Most prominent was Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, who had been considered to be the consensus #1 prospect at the position heading into the combine, but now may be considered to be the top OG after his arms measured only about 32-inches. Same for North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch, arguably the most versatile OL in this year’s draft class, if not the most versatile player period, who measured in at a full-sized 6-5 and ran well, but only has 32.5″ arms. Same for Michigan’s Ryan Hayes who came in with 32.5″ arms while Maryland’s Jaelyn Duncan was right on the edge at 33-inches.
On the other hand, the one OL we anticipate seeing on post-combine ‘Who helped themselves the most’ lists is Georgia OT Broderick Jones, as if those Georgia guys need any more help. Jones had generally been considered to be only around 6-4, which is borderline tall for an OT. Instead he measured in at a full-sized 6-5.5 with just under 35-inch arms and big 10.5-inch hands. As noted, earlier Jones then went out and ran a solid 4.97 40 and looked very smooth in the positional drills. It certainly should be no surprise if Jones starts to get some props ahead of Ohio State’s Paris Johnson as the top overall OT this year. For his part, Johnson did not run the 40 today, but also looked very smooth in the positional drills. He also looked very much the part at the weigh-in where he measured in at 6-6.5 and a sculpted 313 with 36-inch arms. We would also be remiss by at least not mentioning Johnson’s OSU teammate Dawand Jones who was mistaken for a house on a couple of occasions today. For the record, Jones measured in at over 6-8 and 374 pounds with 36-inch arms and 11.5 inch hands. As noted, he didn’t move all that well in the drills, posting a 5.36 40 clocking, but if he can keep his feet moving at the next level, he will be a long way around.
