For most NFL organizations there is nothing more important than have quality guys in the trenches on the offensive and defensive lines. In this years 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl there will be a significant amount of offensive line talent on display.
Having a solid offensive line that can control the line of scrimmage enables an offensive to dominate in many facets. Winning in trenches allows running backs lanes to have success along with giving quarterbacks time to make plays in the passing game.
With that said, let’s take a look at three offensive linemen who have excepted invites to the prestigious game that all should have a close eye on at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
1. Chris Lindstrom, Guard, Boston College, 6’4″ 310 lbs
When looking at Lindstrom on film he demonstrates great power, quick feet and is very consistent in his hand usage in both the passing and running game. The three-star recruit shows a great technique which allows him to sustain blocks and clear lanes in the running game. In pass protection, he has shown the ability to anchor against a more athletic interior defensive lineman.
The 6’4″310-pound lineman’s pass protection skills will be something to keep a close eye on as Boston College was a run-heavy offense with non-traditional passing plays.
2. Elgton Jenkins, Center, Mississippi State, 6’4″ 310 lbs
Jenkins is a quick an athletic interior blocker who has been very impressive for the Bulldogs over the past two seasons. Many doing advance work for the 2019 NFL Draft say that Jenkins is an impressive player that could be a possible early-round selection.
Jenkins has good size to be a starting center in the NFL, but it will be interesting to see how he handles one on one matchups as he has often times lost against more aggressive defenders. Seeing improvement in his ability to be the aggressor at the point of attack sustaining blocks in the passing and running games will be important in where he is selected in the upcoming draft.
3. Dennis Daley, Tackle, South Carolina, 6’6″ 324 lbs
South Carolina offensive tackle Dennis Daley jumped into the SEC and started the season playing at a high level. The 6’6″ 324 pounder uses his size willingly and exhibits physicality at the point of attack. Daley can blow guys up in the running game and does a solid job of consistently sealing blocks forcing defenders up the field past the quarterback.
However, the former Gamecocks tackle doesn’t always have the pad level and technique to maximize his true potential. These inconsistencies will make it difficult in guarding against true speed rushers that can bend the edge. Daley will have an opportunity to show that he can change that narrative and should be an intriguing player to watch in this game.