Finding Broncos: Two Centers to Finish the Line Rebuild
While the Denver Broncos have spent big money to work on rebuilding their offensive line, they still have a weak spot. They need to upgrade the center position, and there are some solid options in the NFL Draft. These two prospects are two of the better options that could be within range for Denver.
Luke Wypler | OC | Ohio State
Pros
- Excellent execution, with 16 total pressures and one sack allowed over two seasons.
- He had a great combine and tested exceptionally well athletically, with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.27.
- Technician that plays with excellent body control.
- Cleaned up snapping and penalty issues from 2021 to 2022.
- Punch timing and placement are excellent, with solid power.
- Excellent base and sustains proper bend and width.
- Quick reaction to protect the gaps.
- Mobility is quick with clean and proper footwork.
- He finds and hits his landmarks on pulls and climbs quickly and comes to balance to engage.
- He keeps his head on a swivel and looks for work.
- He has the attitude and demeanor to win and put his assignment on the ground.
- He keeps his feet driving.
Cons
- Center only prospect with shorter arms than ideal, even for a center.
- Doesn't have the strongest anchor to handle bull rushes.
- He likely will find himself scheme limited with a lack of power in his game.
- Will lung and lean into blocks to compensate for the lack of length.
- He struggles to protect his chest against longer interior defenders.
- Will need to spend time in the weight room to generate more push in the NFL.
Overview
Wypler is an athletic center that doesn't have the best power in his game. While he is a technician and could work in a scheme that wants power, he is ideally drafted into a zone scheme. He has a great combination of athleticism and technique, which can ease his transition to the NFL.
Fit with Broncos
Sean Payton likes to adapt his running scheme to the running backs, so there is an added value in having some versatility. While Wypler doesn't have excellent power, he is a technician that can work in the concepts that you look for power. On top of that, he is a natural fit with his athleticism and technique in a zone scheme. Wypler could be an immediate starter in Denver and be a significant upgrade at the center position over what Denver fielded last year.
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
Olusegun Oluwatimi | OC | Michigan
Pros
- Experience with almost 3,500 snaps played.
- His upper body power is apparent.
- Adjusts and resets hands with ease.
- Praised for his football IQ and being a leader on the line.
- Does roll from the lower to the upper body to generate some push.
- Does well to get into a position to use leverage.
- Has good length and scheme versatility.
- Competitive blocker that wants to win.
- Has plug-and-play traits as a rookie.
- Solid technical foundation, with great technique working double teams.
Cons
- Up and down with results allow four sacks in 2019, none in 2020, three in 2021, and none in 2022.
- Penalized 24 times over four seasons, with 15 in the last two seasons.
- Doesn't finish blocks like you want to see.
- Doesn't remain disciplined against twists/stunts leading to open gaps.
- Doesn't have great range when climbing or pulling.
- Tight in the lower body.
- Doesn't generate much power from his lower half.
- He opens his chest to defenders instead of making them work for it.
Overview
Oluwatimi has plenty of experience and can be a starter right away as a rookie. He doesn't have that one elite physical trait in his game, but he is solid all-around, which can lead to some reliable versatility. For the last two years, he has been an integral part of the best offensive line in college, and that can't be undersold as a positive.
Fit with Broncos
With looking for some versatility, Oluwatimi has it to draw the Broncos' attention. At the start of the draft process, he was viewed more favorably but faltered with a mediocre week at the Senior Bowl. However, there is plenty of experience, and all the intangibles are there that can make his transition to the NFL a little easier. He can be a starter right away for the Broncos and be a solid upgrade over what they had last year.
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