Denver Broncos 2010 Draft Prospects – Offensive Centers
The Denver Broncos offensive line needs help! Josh McDaniels has officially switched to a power style running attack and minus their two young tackles, Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris, they are in need of new and bigger bodies, particularly at the center and guard positions.
While there are holdovers such as Chris Kuper, Russ Hochstein and Seth Olsen, whom McD has mentioned his high hopes for, the team needs to bring in a flux of new talent.
The Broncos O-line has long been considered one of the top units in the league, until now. After releasing C Casey Wiegmann, the only center on the team roster is Dustin Fry and he is listed there as a reserve/future player. Things can sure change in a hurry if your not looking, players get old, schemes change, and team’s gotta keep up with the times.
With the center position now a glaring need, we will take a look at options for the Broncos in this upcoming 2010 NFL Draft…
Maurkice Pouncey Florida 6’4″ 304 lbs. – With out a doubt, the #1 center prospect in the 2010 NFL Draft. Pouncey was an All-American in 2009 and was also the winner of the Rimington Trophy awarded to the best center in college football, prompting him to declare for the draft after his junior season with the Gators. His decision to enter the draft early split the twin tandem in Florida for the first time in their lives, as brother Mike is staying in Gainesville for his senior year.
Pouncey has the rare combination of size, quickness, power and athleticism that should make him a top performer at his position for years to come. He is also a versatile lineman as he started 11 of 13 games at right guard as a true freshman.
The Broncos spend a lot of time in the shotgun which is precisely what Pouncey is known for. With his quickness and accuracy, Maurkice is able to still get his hands up quickly to catch the defensive tackle. He was actually in the shotgun with Florida’s spread offense so much, the only concern is whether or not he can handle the adjustment to the traditional snap. This should not be a problem with his athleticism and intelligence, as he made all the line calls for the Gators.
In order for the Broncos to get Pouncey, they will either have to reach for him with the 11th pick, as centers just aren’t drafted that high, or trade back a few slots in order to take him at a lower cost, but there are other teams targeting a center behind the Broncos in the draft. He could be worth the reach at #11, considering the Broncos need for a center and McD’s drafting strategy: best player available at a position of need.
J.D. Walton Baylor 6’3″ 300 lbs. – Walton finished his career with 36 starts at Baylor after transferring from Arizona State in 2006 and was selected as an Associated Press First Team All-American in 2009 and Rimington Trophy candidate.
J.D. is a tough and physical center that plays with a mean streak and possesses a killer instinct, especially in the run game. He snaps the ball quickly and has power in his base for the initial push off the ball.
Like Pouncey, Walton is adept in shotgun, which Baylor uses often, but he is also skilled in direct snaps. While he has short arms, J.D. has good hand placement and with a quick burst is able to get his hands inside on the tackle.
Not only that, he is smart too! Walton was a regular on the Big 12 commissioner’s honor roll.
This is the type of player I believe McD is looking for. He is big and nasty in the middle with intelligence that will give you everything he has on every play. Plain and simple, J.D. is a Football Player!
Given the Broncos current draft spots, he is a strong candidate for the #45 pick in the second round.
Matt Tennant Boston College 6’5″ 300 lbs. – Tennant was a 2009 Rimington Trophy finalist from a school that pumps offensive lineman into the NFL, including standout center and former Bronco great Tom Nalen.
He was the man snapping the ball at center when former Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) passed for over 4,500 yards as a senior and, needless to say, Tennant showed off his pass blocking skills in 2007.
After Ryan’s departure, Boston College went through four QB’s in two years and had to rely more on their running game. Thus, in 2009, Tennant helped pave the way for Montel Harris, who rushed for 1,355 yards and 13 scores during the regular season, proving he can also be a run-blocker.
He has the experience that a lot of teams are looking for as he started in 40 consecutive games while at BC; all the while displaying his athleticism and blue-collar tenacity.
Like Walton, Tennant is projected as a 2nd to 3rd round pick, which would place him somewhere around that #45 pick the Broncos currently occupy in the 2nd round.
Eric Olsen Notre Dame 6’4″ 306 lbs. – Charlie Weis called Olsen the line’s “heart and soul.” Olsen’s father, Andy, was a firefighter on the ground after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001. I Guess leadership runs in the family!
Olsen proved his durability and versatility during his time at Notre Dame. He finished his career with 31 consecutive starts while playing both guard positions during his sophomore and junior years before making the switch to center for his senior season.
Eric was Notre Dame’s offensive co-captain in 2009 and allowed just one sack. This earned him Guardian of the Year honors, which is presented to the top offensive lineman on the team.
Let’s not forget, he was playing in a pro-style offense that is similar to the one now run in Denver.
This leader with a nasty demeanor can be had in the mid rounds come draft day.
Jeff Byers Southern Cal 6’3″ 301 lbs. – Byers is a local Colorado athlete that attended Loveland High School and was the 2003-04 Gatorade Player of the Year.
He never allowed a sack in his high school career and was a standout linebacker on defense, with 203 tackles, 56 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries (with a TD) in his senior year, Wow!
Byers started in four games in 2004 as a true freshman. He missed 2005 due to torn cartilages in his left hip, and was sidelined again in 2005 following severe back spasms after seeing playing time in only one game. He then made a remarkable recovery in starting in 12 games in 2007 and 2008 at guard.
Byers was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA because he missed 2005 and 2006 with injuries and returned to his original position of center in 2009, after an injury to starter Kristofer O’Dowd.
Jeff looks like a mid to late round pick and the Broncos might win some local hearts if they bring him back home to Colorado! His injuries are a scare, but Byers was able to stay on the field the last three seasons.
*Keep checking back as we lead to the draft. We will be looking at Offensive Guards next.
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