NFL Combine: Offensive Linemen Who Shined on Day 3

Though not considered the deepest of positions in this year’s NFL, the offensive line is still one of the most important positional groupings in professional football. Rarely is an elite quarterback or runningback partnered with a low ranking O-line.

Offensive linemen went through the 40 yard dash, positional drills such as the mirroring drill and completed the bench press a day prior.

Aviante Collins, OT, Texas Christian

Originally seen as a day three prospect, Collins could see himself sneaking into day two after posting impressive numbers the first two days of Combine events. His on the field tape leaves much to be desires, but raw physical ability shows potential as a starter in the NFL.

A one year starter at TCU, Collins surrendered 33 pressures and didn’t not have the strongest season. However, teams could see him as a redshirt prospect in the NFL and start his second year after coaching.

Height: 6040
Weight: 295
Arms: 33 3/8
Bench: 34 Reps
10 Yard: 1.69
40 Yard: 4.81

Instant comparison in terms of performance so far at the combine has to be Terron Armstead. Armstead ran a 4.71 in the 40 and hit the bench 31 times. These combinations of speed and power are rare.

Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky

The 1st round graded Lamp only helped solidify his stock and may have renewed the discussion of him as a possibility at tackle with his performance in the positional drills. Dan Brugler comps him with Zach Martin of the Dallas Cowboys.

A four year starter at Western Kentucky and playing the Sun Belt, Lamp made a name for himself with his performances against teams like Alabama and LSU. While those matchups were rare because of his conference, Lamp is curently slated as the best guard (Playing LT in college) in this year’s draft.

Height: 6040
Weight: 309
Arms: 32 1/4
Bench: 34 Reps
10 Yard: 1.75
40 Yard: 4.99

Ben Braden, G, Michigan

Like Collins, Braden is considered a day three prospect whose performance so far today could have increased his stock. Towering at 6 foot 6 and over 320 pounds he is one of the larger guards in this year’s draft.

At Michigan, Braden was an All Big Ten Honorable Mention that helped the team average 387 yards a game and 25 rushing touchdowns. With the Saints being in need of a guard, but defense taking priority, a player like Braden could be an option late in the draft.

Height: 6060
Weight: 329
Arms: 34
Bench: 25 Reps
10 Yard: 1.78
40 Yard: 5.04

Danny Isidora, G, Miami

Evening out the spectrum, Isidora is one of the few middle round guard prospects. While not the deepest position in the draft, Isidora could hear his named called due to a team’s need at the guard position.

Rob Rang comps him to Shaq Mason, and collected impressive accolades during his time at Miami such as being All-ACC. Has impressive lower body strength, but only had an average number of reps at the bench press. Seen as inconsistent and slow at times, his 40 and 10 yard split times might have helped silence some concerns.

Height: 6030
Weight: 306
Arms: 33
Bench: 26 Reps
10 Yard: 1.73
40 Yard: 5.02

Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

The Utah product is seen as a potential first rounder, but is more likely to fall into the second depending on how the first twenty picks play out. A “nasty” football player in the trenches, Bolles produced the best broad jump so far at 9 feet, 7 inches.

A former juvenile delinquent, Bolles walked away from football for two years before returning to the game after a renewal of his faith and dedication. While he was only a one year starter at Utah, his was one of the most heavily coveted players when making the decision on which school he’d bring his talents too. He was a first team All-Pac 12 standout who while still raw, possesses many of the physical traits the NFL is looking for.

Height: 6050
Weight: 297
Arms: 34
Bench: DNP
10 Yard: 1.71
40 Yard: 4.95

If you have questions about specific players from today’s totals that were not mentioned here please leave their name in the comments and I will provide the information.