Max Garcia Was The Steal of Broncos Draft
By Tylor Walden
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Max Garcia (76) blocks against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When the NFL Draft began, I believed that Cameron Erving and Hroniss Grasu were the best of the best when it came to center prospects. No one else would come even close to them. Then the name Max Garcia showed up on the Broncos selection.
In round four of the 2015 NFL Draft, Max Garcia was selected by the Denver Broncos. With the Broncos trading Manny Ramirez on the first day of the draft, it was apparent that center was going to be a need for the Denver Broncos. Honestly, I did not even hear of the name Max Garcia until he was drafted.
I wish I had done my homework on him, because I believe that he will be a steal for the Broncos. His flexibility on the offensive line allows the Broncos to plug him in where he could fit into the Broncos system. I project that he will play center, but he will have to beat out Gino Gradkowski for the starting job. I do not see that happening at this moment, but he will be a solid player for years to come.
Because of how flexible Max Garcia is on the line, he could see some time at the guard position if Gino Gradkowski ends up winning the center position. Either way, Max Garcia could really help out the offensive line whether he lines up at center or at the guard position.
Max Garcia: "I'm listed as a center/guard, so I can play either one between the two."
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) May 2, 2015
During his time at Florida, he developed into quite the leader on the line, which is something the Broncos are hopeful that he can do in Denver. He has good hands, which will be helpful as all center’s need to be quick and fend defensive players away.
The Broncos were looking to find some offensive linemen that can fit the zone blocking scheme and Max Garcia can do a solid job at that, especially in the running game. His ability to get to the second level and take care of linebackers will substantially help out the running back.
With his abilities and his leadership, I have no doubt that Max Garcia could go down as one of the best players to wear the orange and blue in recent history.