Report: Broncos Visit With Florida OT D.J. Humphries
According to a report from Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Florida offensive tackle D.J. Humphries and the Denver Broncos will meet at team facilities prior to the 2015 NFL Draft.
The draft is just two weeks away, but the Broncos haven’t been shy about bringing in top offensive line talent into the building to see if they can’t rebuild what’s keeping Peyton Manning upright, since last year it was a makeshift group with so many moving parts.
Hoping to solidify the line, bringing in Humphries is a solid move. He’s an athletic underclassman (Junior) who left school with some questions about his size and whether or not he was seasoned enough to turn pro, but the ability is and has always been there. Let’s take a look at Humphries a little more closely.
Measurables
Obviously, this is a physically gifted player. Word has it that Humphries played OT at Florida even lighter than his listed 307 pounds from the Combine, which would surprise no one. He’s not a big, thick mauler like some of the OT/OG hybrid guys. He wins with strength, athleticism, and excellent hand work.
If Humphries can get his technique squared away, there’s a contingent of scouts and analysts that believe he might just be the best tackle in this entire draft.
Here’s what my personal favorite, Lance Zierlein, had to say about Humphries:
“An elite-level tackle when he exited the high school ranks, Humphries relies on his superior athleticism and fist-fight mentality rather than an improved skill set and steady technique. He might always have an issue with being a leaner, but his hand placement should improve with more work and coaching. When he improves in that area, he could become a solid NFL starter on the left side.”
The Broncos have shown interest in virtually every top offensive tackle in this draft up to this point. They have brought in the likes of Andrus Peat, Cedric Ogbuehi, and T.J. Clemmings along with local product Ty Sambrailo. Having Humphries in for a visit is due diligence, but he’s also a player that could fit really well with the Broncos.
He could play the right side his rookie year with the intention that he might eventually play left tackle. Athletically, he’s a blank canvas. Coaches are going to be excited to work with this young guy. The Broncos might just be that team.