Tag: tristan wirfs

4 realistic first-round NFL draft picks for Broncos

The Denver Broncos have the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Here are four guys they could land with that.

Now that the scouting combine has gotten underway, fans are getting to see the prospects that they have been hearing about in the flesh and on a football field doing drills.

Each of the 32 NFL teams have their undivided attention on what is going on in Indianapolis, but for weeks, these teams have known where they sit in the draft order and have gotten together a good list of the players they will have a chance to draft.

The Denver Broncos have the No. 15 selection in the first round as it stands now. Obviously, they aren’t going to get Joe Burrow or Chase Young at that spot.

So who are some of the players the team will have a crack at and also make sense for the roster? That is what we’re looking at here.

These are going to be realistic picks. So if you have been looking over the many mock drafts that are out there, you will see some familiar names here.

This will also not focus on just one position as the Broncos are a team with many needs.

Here are the four most realistic picks that the Broncos can make this April.

Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

AP Photo/Butch Dill

Ruggs is a guy who has been linked to the Broncos throughout the draft process, but after he just ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the combine, there will likely be a line of teams wanting to get the speedy wide receiver.

Ruggs can flat out fly, obviously, but he’s not just a fast wide receiver. He is a complete wide receiver, capable of hurting a defense on short throws, intermediate throws and deep throws. That is because aside from his blazing speed, his ability to run after the catch makes him a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.

The Broncos would be getting their version of Tyreek Hill with this guy.

A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Depending on what happens in free agency, defensive line could be an urgent need for the Broncos. Since Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris and Adam Gotsis are all unrestricted free agents, I’m going to assume the team will be looking for find a defensive lineman early in this draft.

Epenesa should be on the board at No. 15 and if the Broncos are looking for a pass-rushing defensive lineman, Young is probably the only better option in this class.

Epenesa registered 22 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss across the last two seasons at Iowa. He displays incredible power at the point of attack, has the desired length teams like for the position and the overall athletic talent to be a game-wrecker on defense for years to come.

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Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs posts record-breaking NFL combine workout

The NFL Scouting Combine has never seen a workout from an offensive lineman like the one Tristan Wirfs just gave

Mekhi Becton wasn’t the only offensive linemen turning heads during Saturday’s edition of the NFL Scouting Combine. No, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs is a top prospect in his own right and refused to be overshadowed.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound blocker tallied a 4.85 40-yard dash which was the best mark of any offensive linemen in attendance. He didn’t stop there. Wirfs went on post a 36.5-inch vertical jump which is a modern record among offensive linemen. He also posted a 10-foot-1 broad jump, tying the all-time record among O-linemen set by Kolton Miller a few years ago.

A consensus first-round talent, Wirfs showcased the athletic tools that should cement his status as a top prospect going into April’s draft. His performance matches the tape where Wirfs looks and plays like an elite athlete for the position.

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New PFF mock draft has Jets selecting Alabama OL Jedrick Wills Jr.

In Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft, they have the Jets taking Alabama OL Jedrick Wills, Jr., who can plausibly play both tackle spots.

Pro Football Focus released a new mock draft as the NFL Scouting Combine got underway this week.

In this mock draft, PFF has the Jets taking Alabama OL Jedrick Wills Jr. with the 11th pick. With prospects Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Andrew Thomas already off the board, the Jets elect to take Wills over Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton, both, who tested excellently at the scouting combine on Friday.

Instead of taking a plug-and-play left tackle, the Jets opt for versatility. Here’s PFF’s explanation for the selection:

While Thomas ranks first among offensive tackles on PFF’s latest big board, Wills is right behind him at No. 9 overall and No. 2 among tackles. The former Alabama standout is expected to blow up the Combine from a testing standpoint considering his sheer athleticism and foot speed. Wills also recorded a 90.1 PFF run-blocking grade in the SEC this past season, a remarkable figure for a underclassman.

Since the start of the draft process, Wills has been working on his versatility and trying to show NFL teams that he can also play the left side at the next level. When Joe Douglas spoke with reporters at the combine, he mentioned that versatility would be a big factor when New York evaluates its options on the offensive line before April’s draft.

“Trying to do both because I know thatā€™s something that teams have questions about,” Wills said. “Just trying to have that versatility. Itā€™s something thatā€™s new. Any time at a new position, thereā€™s going to be a new feeling, but itā€™s something Iā€™m trying to be comfortable with.”

Given the state of the Jets offensive line, Wills could start at both tackle positions depending on how the current Jets regime feels about Chuma Edoga, a player Douglas did not draft. Still, versatility is a trait the Jets are seeking out as they attempt to restructure the offensive line.

Wills is viewed as a potential top-five pick in the draft and arguably the best offensive lineman. It would be a surprise if Wills is on the board when the Jets make their selection, but if he is, this pick not only benefits Sam Darnold’s development, but it aids Le’Veon Bell as well.

Wills’ run-blocking grade should be something that intrigues the Jets. The team failed to adequately block and create running holes for Bell in 2019, which caused the All-Pro back to hit statistical lows in his first season in green and white.

Cardinals pass on Jeff Okudah, CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy in new mock draft

They take a tackle instead of the top corner or any receiver.

Presenting different scenarios is the best way to look at mock drafts this time of year. NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks recently published his second mock draft of the year and he has the Arizona Cardinals making a surprising decision.

With the eighth pick in the draft, he has them selecting Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs.

That isn’t the surprising move, though. No one would be surprised to see the Cardinals select an offensive lineman, especially someone like Wirfs who showed elite athleticism at the combine this week.

The surprise is who they pass up on.

Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah is still available and the Cardinals don’t take him.

The Cardinals don’t need a cornerback this year, as they expect to have Patrick Peterson, Robert Alford and Byron Murphy all play for them, but passing on a potential shutdown cornerback would almost go against general manager Steve Keim’s philosophy. Cornerbacks are hard to find. Tackles are, too, but if they see Wirfs more of a right tackle, that isn’t as rare.

If Okudah is on the board, it is unlikely the Cardinals do anything else other than draft him.

Brooks’ draft also has the Cardinals passing on the top receiver prospects like Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb. Passing on a receiver to take a tackle is reasonable, depending on how they see the receiver class in the second round.

What is also interesting is how the tackles in the first round are drafted. Wirfs is only the second tackle taken. Alabama’s Jedrick Wills is the first to come off the board. Louisville’s Meckhi Becton, considered by some to be the best tackle prospect in the draft, is the third tackle taken, landing with the New York Jets at No. 11.

Would Wirfs over Okudah, the other tackles and all the receivers be the best choice?

It might work out but it seems like a scenario that wouldn’t happen.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

Ep. 259

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Ep. 258

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Tristan Wirfs leaps into prime Browns consideration at No. 10 overall

Wirfs is a prime candidate for the Browns at No. 10 overall

If the Cleveland Browns value explosiveness in their offensive tackles, they’re going to love Tristan Wirfs. The Iowa right tackle posted one of the most explosive scouting combines in history for his position.

Wirfs set the combine record for offensive linemen with both his vertical and broad jumps. At 320 pounds, Wirfs showed off a 36.5-inch vertical jump and leapt 10 feet, 1 inch in the broad. His vertical was higher than more than 20 wide receivers that weigh over 100 pounds less than Wirfs!

Wirfs also ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.86 seconds. His 10-yard split of 1.69 is one of the fastest ever recorded for someone over 300 pounds.

All the athletic prowess in the world doesn’t necessarily make anyone a great football player. But Wirfs has the game tape to back it up, winning the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors while dominating foes in Iowa’s pro-friendly offense. In my own personal evaluations, Wirfs had the most consistent, most complete tape of any of the top tackle prospects.

Now he’s got the proven freak athleticism to back it up. Wirfs is one of the combine’s big winners and it should solidify him as a front-runner for the Browns first pick at No. 10 overall.

 

Watch: Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs puts on stunning show at NFL Scouting Combine

Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs put on quite the exhibition at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs checked in at a tidy 6-foot-4 7/8 and 320 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The huge Hawkeye lineman put on quite the show in Indianpolis, wowing scouts and executives with his agility and ability.

Wirfs pumped out 24 reps of 225 pounds to start his show.

He then nailed this vertical jump, which was the best for a lineman since 2003.

As a matter of perspective, there were 15 wide receivers who had better springs than Wirfs. The Hawkeye star had a higher leao than Oklahoma wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (34.5) and Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (35), among others.

He followed it up with a 10-foot-1-inch broad jump, which equaled the mark for an offensive lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine.

In 2019, Wirfs, who is projected as a mid-first rounder by Draftwire.com, was Ā named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. Wirfs only gave up two quarterback hits all season. He had shown his strength in the weight room, too.

An extended interview with Wirfs from Indianapolis.

 

2020 NFL Combine winners: Offensive linemen

Examining and identifying the top on-field offensive linemen performances from the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine continued their on-field drills on Friday night, this time featuring offensive linemen and running backs. As always, the workouts begin with the 40-yard-dash, and when they shifted into position drills, we got to see a handful of new drills.

The Detroit Lions were surely keeping a close eye on the offensive linemen tonight as they could be in the market for a starter at guard, as well as a future starter at offensive tackle.Ā Letā€™s take a look at those who earned positive marks today.

Tristan Wirfs, LT/RT, Iowa

6-5, 320, 10-y/s: 1.69, 40-y/d: 4.85, Vertical 36.5″, Broad 10-1

There is plenty of debate over who the top offensive lineman in this class is, but it wouldn’t be at all surprising if Wirfs was on top of the Lions board at the position.

Wirfs’ elite athleticism was on full display tonight, where he looked silky smooth in on-field drills, and set records in the measurable tasks. His 4.85 40-yard dash was the fastest among all offensive linemen this year and sixth fastest since 2003. His 36.5″ vertical jump was the highest at the position since 2003 and his 10-1 broad jump was tied for the furthest by an offensive lineman since 2003.

He dominated.

Cesar Ruiz, IOL, Michigan

6-3, 307, 10-y/s: 1.77

Ruiz and LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry are in a fierce battle for the top spot among the interior offensive linemen, and while both showed out tonight, I gave the edge to Ruiz based on his fluidity and movement skills. Ruiz was under control in every single drill and he executed each with precision and power. His ability to play center and guard could put him in play for the Lions at pick No. 35 at the top of the second round.

Austin Jackson, LT, USC

6-5, 322, 10-y/s: 1.73

Jackson is a young (only 20-years-old) and developing prospect, and while he likely won’t be grouped in the same tier as the top four offensive tackles in this class, his upside is obvious and was highlighted at tonight’s Combine.Ā A high-character pure left tackle, Jackson’s ability to take over a starting role a year from now will be very appealing to a team like the Lions.

Ezra Cleveland, LT, Boise State

6-6, 311, 10-y/s: 1.73, Bench 30 reps

Cleveland is a developmental offensive tackle who is probably a year away from earning a starting role in the NFL, making him a player who will draw interest from the Lions. At the Combine, Cleveland showed off his balance, ability to play with his head up, and moved laterally with ease.

Nick Harris, IOL, Washington

6-1, 302, 10-y/s: 1.76

Harris’ athleticism stands out when you watch him play and the Combine was no different. He was smooth, balanced, kept his center of gravity low, and moved laterally with ease. Harris will check a lot of boxes for the Lions — he spent a week with them at the senior bowl and will hit their athletic requirements — but he is likely headed for a Joe Dahl-like role, where it will take him time before he is ready to compete for a starting job.

Notes:

  • Mekhi Becton (6-7.5, 364, Louisville) started the show off with a bang, gliding to a 1.77 10-yard-split, but he pulled up after the first on-field drill or he would’ve been higher up this list
  • Jedrick Willis (6-4, 312, Alabama) put his power on full display in a kick-slide right tackle drill, where Willis punched through the bag, knocking the coaches head violently back

3 Chargers takeaways from NFL Combine workouts: Offensive linemen

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez drops his thoughts from the offensive linemen’s workout at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine continued on Friday with the offensive line working out on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Here are three Chargers takeaways from the workouts.

‘The Freak’ wows

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

This year’s offensive line class is thought to be one of the deeper position groups, with Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs sitting at the top. While they all performed well today, the former Hawkeye stole the show.

Wirfs, who was listed as No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List, absolutely tore it up. He put together one of the best all-around performances certainly by an offensive lineman in recent memory. Wirfs ran a blazing 4.85 40-yard dash and 1.69 10-yard split at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds.

Prior to running that eye-popping 40, Wirfs jumped out of the gym with an insane 36.5-inch vertical, which is an NFL Combine record for an offensive lineman. Wirfs then tied a Combine record for broad jump by an offensive lineman with a 10-foot-1 leap.

Should the Chargers look to address the offensive line in the first-round, Wirfs possesses starting-level talent at right tackle. He’s also played left tackle and he even provides the ability to kick inside to guard, but his strength and size are ideal for the right side in Year 1.

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NFL Combine: 320-pound OL Tristan Wirfs jumps higher than most wide receivers

Former Iowa star Tristan Wirfs had an amazing day at the NFL Combine.

February 28th may have been the day that former Iowa standout Tristan Wirfs, an offensive lineman who stands at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, locked himself into the top 10 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Wirfs ranked 12th in our first consensus mock back in December, with an average draft position of 12.8, but his stock is rising after a record-breaking day at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Wirfs set records in both the broad jump (10’1″) and vertical jump (36.5″) at his position – and even when compared to some of the most explosive athletes at the combine, Wirfs’ numbers hold up in those categories. His vertical jump would rank in a tie for 16th among wide receivers.

In the 40-yard dash, Wirfs set an official time of 4.85, the fastest at his position by more than half a tenth.

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Combine events and prospects to watch for Bills fans

Here are some players to watch for Bills fans during Friday’s Combine festivities.Ā 

A new crop of prospects will be on display at the Scouting Combine Friday. Running backs, offensive linemen, and special teams players will take the field for their on-field events.

While none of these position groups are necessarily a massive need for the Bills, they could use a few players to fill out the depth chart on their roster. Devin Singletary has the inside track as the starting running back this year, and four of the five starting linemen are projected to return this year.

The NFL Combine will take place from 4-11 p.m. EST on the NFL Network. Here are some players to watch for Bills fans during Friday’s Combine festivities:

Running backs

Georgia Bulldogs running back D’Andre Swift. Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

With the selection of Singletary last year and his tremendous rookie season, it’s difficult to envision the Bills taking a player to compete with the FAU standout for starting reps. However, Buffalo will be interested in finding a player to complement Singletary in the backfield.

Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor, Georgia’s D’Andre Swift, Ohio State’s JK Dobbins’, LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Florida State’s Cam Akers are all players who seemingly reside at the top of many big boards of analysts entering the Combine. While Buffalo may not be interested in using their draft capital for one of the players, it will be intriguing to see what the drop off between these players and those who are currently slated as later day two and day three picks.

If the drop off is not that steep, the Bills could find a great player later in the draft, yielding a great value pick for the team.

Anthony McFarland of Maryland, while a smaller back like Singletary, could be an option with his downhill running style. La’Mical Perine of Florida, KeShawn Vaughn of Vanderbilt, AJ Dillon of Boston College, and Joshua Kelley of UCLA are players who could find their way into the discussion for the Bills with solid Combine performances.

Offensive line

Michigan offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

At this time, it looks as if the Bills have at least four starters returning from the 2019 unit. Depending on what happens with Quinton Spain during the free agency period, there’s a chance that Buffalo could have all five starters back in the fold.

The Bills could take a swing at a top-rated guard on day two. It’s not a high priority at the time, but if the team finds a player who can further bolster the line and protect quarterback Josh Allen, the team will look to make that move.

Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz is one of the top-rated guards in the country. Draft analyst Chad Reuter from NFL.com has the Bills selecting Ruiz in a recent mock draft.Ā  Llyod Cushenberry III of LSU, Matt Hennessey of Temple and Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs are day two targets at this time.

Later in the draft, Buffalo could find value from Matt Peart of Connecticut, Ben Bredenson of Michigan, Shane Lemieux of Oregon, and Nick Harris of Washington.

Overall

Friday’s sessions will reveal some possible depth pieces for the Bills moving forward. It will be vital to hear General Manager Brandon Beane’s thoughts on the prospects from the day’s sessions and interviews to see if there are any standouts at this point in the draft process. It’s still early and front office members will be careful about revealing who might be moving up their boards at this time. Nevertheless, it’s important to become familiar with many prospects, as many names will be discussed over the next few weeks.

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