Broncos Draft Prospects: OG Ali Marpet, Hobart

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Offensive linemen get instruction before conducting a drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Coming from a small school such as Hobart, it could be believed that Ali Marpet could have flown under the radar in this year’s NFL Draft. But Ali Marpet wants to succeed at the NFL level.

Alexander “Ali” Marpet (pictured on the far right, Number 35) played football all three years at a small school called Hobart. As a senior in high school, he got very few FCS school offers, which led him to attend the small division three school. He started off like almost every college football player and played limited snaps as a freshman, but started his domination on the offensive line when he won a starting job his sophomore year. He became a force on the line ever since, including his senior year in which he did not allow a single sack on his quarterback and was the co-offensive player of the year for the Liberty League. He also impressed in the Senior Bowl going up against FBS players.

Ali Marpet right now could be an early day two draft pick, where he could be projected to go either in the late picks of the second round or early picks of the third round. If he happens to fall to the Broncos in the second round, John Elway needs to pick up the phone and give this guy a call.

During his combine workouts, he recorded a 4.98-40 yard dash, benched 30 times at 225 pounds, and completed the shuttle at 4.47 seconds to name a few of his drills. He is an offensive lineman that the Broncos could be very interested in. He has fast feet and his technique looks clean in my eyes. He also has a passion for the game. Not many Division Three players seek out a career playing in the NFL, but Ali Marpet is one guy who could excel at this level.

Since he played at a lower level of competition, there could be some areas that will need some improvement, since he will be going up against players at a far higher level who have more experience playing for FBS and FCS schools during their collegiate years. He might also be asked to be more flexible on the offensive line. He played left tackle during college, where that position is already filled in Denver by Ryan Clady. So, he could be asked to move to a guard position or even the center position. There is a possibility that Orlando Franklin might not return to Denver in 2015, which would clear the road for Ali Marpet to take over that spot if the Denver Broncos do not address the left guard position during the free agency period. And with the uncertainty of Will Montgomery returning to the Broncos, Ali Marpet could see a role as a center if the Broncos do not address that in free agency.

If Ali Marpet falls to the Denver Broncos when they are on the clock with the 59^th overall pick during this years draft, it could be a good fit for both the Broncos and Ali Marpet. Clancy Barone, the current Broncos offensive coordinator, could help him transition to a higher level in the league.

If the Broncos decide to go a position other than offensive lineman with their first round pick this season, Ali Marpet would be a great player to draft with their first second day pick.