Finding Broncos: Combine OL Risers and Fallers from Final Day
The Denver Broncos got lucky with their offensive line in the 2023 season by having the same five starters for all but one game. That's a good thing for multiple reasons, but one is how questionable their depth is. As good as that one, you can't bet on the same luck for 2024, and there is the potential loss of two of their starters.
Lloyd Cushenberry is set to be a free agent, and Garett Bolles has questions about his future due to his contract and the Broncos' financial situation. While George Paton spoke highly of Alex Forsyth and Luke Wattenberg to replace Cushenberry, they could still look elsewhere. They also need to add to their tackle room with or without Bolles.
It is good for them that this is one of the best offensive line classes I have seen in my 10+ years scouting the draft. They will have plenty of options at 12 overall if they don't go quarterback. This is an excellent year to add multiple players on the offensive line, and let's get into it with some risers and fallers from the combine.
Offensive Line Group 1
Riser: Troy Fautanu | Washington
Throughout the process, the question was if Fautanu would show enough to confirm he could be a tackle at the NFL level. His measurements checked many boxes for that, which was needed, and his drills showed he is a plug-and-play starter at all five spots on the line.
Riser: Zach Frazier | West Virginia
No one expected Frazier to partake in the drills at the combine despite breaking his leg on a game-winning drive on November 25th. That right there is a big win for him, adding that he is said to have aced the medicals and was outstanding with the drills. He is one of the best center prospects in the class.
Riser: Tannor Bortolini | Wisconsin
Bortolini tested out well and was mentioned as acing his interviews. He showed fluid and smooth movement with outstanding technique during the position drills.
Riser: Cooper Beebe | Kansas State
It was a good showing for Beebe, who showed some high-quality movement skills, which were a slight concern coming into the combine. He is a technician with excellent power, and while he couldn't show the power, he could show the technique.
Riser: Garret Greenfield | South Dakota State
I was unable to watch Greenfield before the combine, but he is enticing. He set a record at the combine with the athletic testing, and his movement was smooth and explosive. The technique was also consistent and textbook.
Faller: Delmar Glaze | Maryland
This was a chance for Glaze to show off more than he does on tape, but he mostly confirmed what I saw on tape. He is a heavy-footed, clunky mover who doesn't have great balance when he moves.
Faller: Andrew Coker | TCU
Coker is a big offensive lineman, and his movement skills are lacking. He could work in a suitable scheme, and it would need to be one that would keep him in a phone booth working inside.
Faller: Nick Gargiulo | South Carolina
Garguilo is similar to Coker. He can work in a suitable scheme, which has to be one that won't have him move or pull often. It is also an issue; his workout confirmed he is a center-only prospect.
Offensive Line Group 2
Riser: Roger Rosengarten | Washington
Rosengarten hasn't gotten much attention so far, but that should change. He is a technician from top to bottom and was textbook with every drill. The athletic testing was exceptional as well. You can plug him into the starting lineup right away and be content. While he may not have the high ceiling other tackle prospects do, he has one of the highest floors.
Riser: Jackson Powers-Johnson | Oregon
The best interior player in the class. Jackson Powers-Johnson was textbook with each drill, except one where he slipped when changing direction. You can play him at any of the three interior spots from day one and be more than content.
Riser: J.C. Latham | Alabama
Latham is a massive tackle who went through drills with consistent balance and a consistent base. It was an impressive showing that should cement him as a top-20 pick.
Riser: Dominick Puni | Kansas
While Puni played tackle in college, he will move inside for the NFL. The drills had some balance issues, but the footwork was clean. He also had a quick kick-slide that could suggest he could be a tackle in emergencies, giving him five-position versatility as he showed sound technique when flipping sides.
Riser: Sataoa Laumea | Utah
There are some similarities with Puni here: Laumea will move inside for the NFL but showed the ability to switch sides and play tackle in emergencies. His balance was consistent, and his technique looked cleaner than what you see on tape, showing he has been working to clean it up.
Faller: Nathan Thomas | Louisiana
Thomas probably had the heaviest feet, and his movement was lumbering and plodding. He is a guard-only prospect who is very limited in what scheme he can play in.
Faller: Beaux Limmer | Arkansas
The interior player had some tightness in his hips that hurt in the movement drills. His footwork will need to be cleaned up as well. He might not have a lot of versatility in his game.
Faller: Walter Rouse | Oklahoma
There were a few drills that Rouse had to restart because he wasn't doing it correctly. His footwork was clunky, and his heavy feet slowed his kick-slide.
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