NFL Combine 2012 Results: Offensive Linemen Who Are Improving Their Stock

The NFL Scouting Combine is a golden opportunity for under-the-radar athletes to burst onto the scene, and these linemen are not squandering that opportunity.

Championships are won up front, and these players are all showing they can be a part of that. As a result, they will shoot up draft boards across the NFL.

Tony Bergstrom, OT (Utah)

Current NFL Draft Scout Projection: Rounds 3-4

Bergstrom came away from the 225-pound bench press with an impressive 32 reps. Going against the best linemen in the country, he has done as well as any, which shows that stamina will not be a concern. 

The Utah lineman has the ideal size to be a tackle in the NFL. At 6'5" and 313 pounds, he will not be overpowered by anyone up front.

In addition to the 32 reps, Bergstrom also ran 5.27 in the 40, which is stellar for a lineman. While linemen will rarely have to run 40 yards, it is important that they get off the line quickly. For linemen, the 40 time tests quick bursts more than anything else. Bergstrom passed that test as well, so speed-rushers getting by him will not be a concern. 

After today, it is safe to pencil Bergstrom in as a solid third-rounder. 

David Molk, C (Michigan)

Current NFL Draft Scout Projection: Round 5

Molk was not only the top performer at the bench press, but he dominated the drill in Secretariat like fashion. David DeCastro is easily going to be a top-half of the first round pick, and he was second among all linemen with 34 reps at 225 pounds—Molk had 41. 

You want to see endurance from all linemen, but especially at center. That position takes an incredible amount of abuse, as centers are frequently taking hits before they're able to brace themselves. 

Molk is smaller than your average lineman, weighing in at just under 300 pounds. Theoretically, that would mean he isn't as strong, but that didn't show today. 

A strong Pro Day showing, and Molk could easily move into the fourth round or better. This was an extremely impressive showing from the Wolverine center. 

Ryan Miller, OG (Colorado)

Current NFL Draft Scout Projection: Rounds 5-6

Miller is a massive guard, coming in at 6'7" and 321 pounds. There is no doubt that, in looking at him, the size is there to compete in the NFL. 

Today, Miller is proving he has the athleticism to man the interior part of the offensive line. With 32 reps at 225 pounds, endurance will not be a concern. As his combine profile says, Miller ran 5.27 in the 40 with a 28-inch vertical leap and a 100-inch broad jump. There is no doubt the athleticism is there.

But ultimately, like the other linemen, this comes down to the bench press. Miller excelled in that category today and, as a result, we'll see him go firmly in the fifth round, if not before. 

Further Reading:

NFL Scouting Combine Profile: Tony Bergstrom

NFL Scouting Combine Profile: David Molk

NFL Scouting Combine Profile: Ryan Miller

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