2018 NFL Combine day one: Stock up, stock down for offensive linemen

Who improved their stock on day-one of the NFL combine?

By Brandon Carusillo@B_Carusillo Mar 4, 2018, 11:41am EST

Each year, NFL draft prospects make or lose millions of dollars by improving or decreasing their stock at the combine based of their performance in drills and interviews.

This year was no different. An offensive line class that was already considered thin, didn’t see many outstanding performances at the combine. However, there were some improved their stock.

Yet, there were some who saw their stock plummet. We saw a tackle turn in one of the worst performances ever recorded.

Let’s dive into three winners and three losers of the combine for offensive linemen.

STOCK UP

James Daniels, Guard/Center, Iowa

Daniels already had impressive tape coming into the draft, but he further solidified his draft stock. He finished with one of the ten fastest three cone times by an offensive lineman in the last decade-plus. His size, strength and athleticism, combined with his techniques continue to impress. His fluidity in drills stood out to teams who are looking for a versatile interior lineman that can fit in a team’s scheme from day-one. It was a great showing for Daniels.

Will Hernandez, Guard, Texas-El Paso

Hernandez showed he had a terrific combination of strength and footwork. He racked up 37 reps (best among linemen) on bench press with ease, as if he were lifting paper. Hernandez had impressive footwork and quickness during drills for a guy who relies on strength and power to move defenders. Though he lacks height and length teams would like, he showed a rare combination of power, balance and athleticism. Hernandez is tough, nasty and fundamentally sound.

Wyatt Teller, Guard, Virginia

Teller had arguably the best day for an offensive lineman. Not only was he very impressive in bench press (30), but he finished tops among all guards in the broad jump, showing off his sneaky athleticism ability, even though he may come off as limited. His body control and hand usage are what teams will look for, but he lacks consistency and polish. He had a great 2016 season, before showing a lack of consistency and motor in 2017, raising questions as to how he’ll handle life in the NFL. Teller’s muscular frame looks the part for an interior lineman, but he must avoid lackadaisical effort and focus to drive defenders back consistently. He looked like his 2016 form at the combine.

STOCK DOWN

Orlando Brown, Tackle, Oklahoma

Brown came into the day as a first-round target for many teams who wanted to take advantage of a paper-thin offensive tackle class. Brown may have lost millions of dollars after his performance. His feet seemed heavy, and his average lateral movement really stood out in drills. After an underwhelming bench press (15 reps), Brown had one of slowest 40-times ever (5.85) for an offensive lineman at the combine. Additionally, Brown’s field workouts were below average, and he was yelled at by coaches on more than one occasion for loafing during his drills. An overall nightmarish day for Brown.

NCAA Football: Rose Bowl-Oklahoma vs Georgia — Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Orlando Brown (78) defends against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Davin Bellamy (17) in the 2018 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Georgia defeated Oklahoma 54-48 in two overtimes.

Jamarco Jones, Tackle, Ohio State

Jones isn’t a speed demon, but he looked slow in his workouts. A 5.5 40-time, 8.32 3-cone drill and 4.99 20-yard shuffle were very underwhelming results for the Ohio State tackle. He was also unable to participate in bench press, restricting him from showing off his strength to teams.

NCAA Football: Bowling Green at Ohio State — Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Jamarco Jones (74) during the first half against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10.

Billy Price, Center/Guard, Ohio State

Price was considered by many to be the top center in this class, and also offered versatility as a guard too. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn pectoral while doing bench press at the combine, hurting his stock a bit. Price will likely fall from the first round to the second or possibly even third. His tape speaks for itself, and Price’s technique is exceptional, but he lost some money with this injury. Barring a setback, he will be able to play for 2018. Regardless, if Price comes back from injury and retains full form, he’ll be excellent value in whatever round he’s drafted.

NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Ohio State vs Clemson — Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Billy Price (54) during the 2016 CFP semifinal against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Clemson Tigers won the game 31-0.