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2014 NFL Draft: Scouting Denver Broncos OL Michael Schofield

By Sayre Bedinger

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Nov 24, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke talks to offensive linesman Michael Schofield (75) in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

When the Denver Broncos’ pick rolled around in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, most had a sneaking suspicion that they might go after an offensive lineman, and that’s exactly what they did.

With the 95th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Michigan offensive tackle Michael Schofield, 84 picks after his teammate and bookend tackle with the Wolverines Taylor Lewan was selected by the Tennessee Titans.

So what does Schofield bring to the table? How does he alter the Broncos’ plans on the offensive line?

This is an interesting prospect who some believe is a guard in the NFL, some believe he is a right tackle only, and some have felt like he could play left tackle.

Here’s what you need to know about the Broncos’ newest offensive lineman.

Vitals

Ht: 6’7″
Wt: 301 lbs.
40: 5.00
10 yd. split: 1.73 seconds

Career Accomplishments

Honrable mention All Big Ten in 2013
26 career starts at RT, 10 starts at LG

Positive Attributes

  • Size
  • Arm length
  • Plays with a nasty streak
  • Plays with a good bend
  • Versatility to play LG and RT
  • Great Senior Bowl week, showing prowess in 1-on-1 drills
  • Quick to 2nd level
  • Lot of experience at a major school
  • Tested well athletically

Negative Attributes

  • Somewhat of a tweener OT/OG
  • Can be beaten by speed rush if he doesn’t set low
  • Sometimes looks flat-footed
  • Needs to add strength

How Schofield Fits With the Broncos

The Broncos have two question areas on the offensive line at left guard and right tackle. The plan–as of now–seems to be to move Orlando Franklin, the team’s starter at right tackle the last three seasons, inside to left guard, where he was projected to play coming out of college. With Franklin moving inside, Chris Clark is expected to take over the right tackle spot after his excellent season taking over for the injured Ryan Clady, who will resume duties at left tackle.

Schofield will start his career at right tackle, but could work in at guard and could eventually find a home either place. He prefers the right tackle position, but this pick is oddly similar to the one the Broncos made in 2011 to that of Orlando Franklin. Franklin was more highly rated but Schofield is a player who played OT in college as well as some OG, that people don’t quite know where he projects at the next level.

Most people thought Franklin would be a guard, and he ended up doing pretty well for the Broncos at tackle. The question surrounding him was, could he mirror pass rushers? That to me is the biggest question for Schofield.

The biggest thing I think is talent evaluators feel like this guy can be a starter at the right tackle position, and be good at it. Others think he could be a starting guard. Either way, the Broncos look to have filled a need on their offensive line.

Schofield Video from Draft Breakdown

Michael Schofield vs. Ohio State (2013)

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