Broncos Draft Reports: Offensive Tackles Part II
By Dan Armelli
Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA Florida Gators offensive lineman D.J. Humphries (70) blocks during the second half against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion
Out of these three, D.J. Humphries is clearly the best prospect. He’s the only tackle out of this group that I’d considering taking at pick 28 if I’m the Broncos. Even if he fails at tackle, which I don’t think will happen, he’ll be able to hold up with his strength and leverage inside at guard. He’s just a fighter.
Jake Fisher is the next guy I would look at out of this group. I’ve seen him labeled as a first rounder to some and even as high as the best tackle in the draft. I just didn’t see it.
He looks very solid as a pass protector with probably the best hand placement I’ve seen from any tackle I’ve watched so far.
On paper, he’s a good fit in the Broncos’ zone-blocking scheme. However, I have my doubts about him as a run blocker. I think especially early he’d be a liability in this area. Any of these tackles that are drafted high will be put in at right tackle. Fisher just doesn’t have the ability to move guys at will like you want to on the strong side. He’ll probably be a solid pass protector, though his measurables are a bit worrisome, but his run blocking will need work.
Flowers was very underwhelming for me. If you go to my Vine page, you’ll notice I had more negative things to point out than positive ones. That said, his foot quickness for his size is downright impressive.
But he was also one of the more frustrating tackles, making constant errors. To be fair, if you see consistent technical mistakes game after game, it could be a matter of his coaches not teaching him properly. I’m not saying that’s definitely what happened, but he may just need a professional coach to coach him up.
Seeing this on almost every pass play is downright horrifying.
This isn’t a player you put your trust in at the outset of his career.
Flowers has the size and athleticism, but he needs a lot of tuning up.
Next week I’ll have my last batch of tackle reports, so stay tuned Broncos Country.