The first groups up at the 2019 NFL scouting combine are the offensive linemen. With center and guard being a prime position of need for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, you better believe they’re going to be paying close attention to the workouts. Which ultimately means, you probably should too.
Here are the various offensive line prospects you should keep tabs on throughout the 2019 NFL combine, along with what drills will be important for them.
Running backs / Wide receivers / Offensive linemen
Elgton Jenkins / C / Mississippi State:
Jenkins is the best-rated center in the 2019 draft class, according to Walterfootball.com and could be in play for the Ravens early in the draft.
Jenkins needs to show explosion from his hands during on-field blocking workouts. He often lets defenders a little too far into his frame, which can be worked on but he has to show a good first punch at the combine.
Michael Jordan / C/G / Ohio State:
Jordan is an interesting prospect Baltimore has seen mocked to them before, largely thanks to need and his versatility inside. Jordan measures up to be a serious force at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds and could dominate the combine accordingly.
There are questions surrounding his footwork and technique, making the blocking drills important to watch to see how he sets his feet. The Ravens don’t ask their offensive linemen to pull as much as they used to, but the 20-yard shuttle will help show if Jordan can do that and still put power behind his blocks on the move.
Connor McGovern / C/G / Penn State:
McGovern was a key piece on an extremely talented Penn State line that helped Saquon Barkley become the second-overall pick last year. Still raw in pass protection, McGovern will have to impress at being physical to solidify his draft stock.
As a guard, being able to simply maul a defender and push him to the goal post is the priority here. An impressive bench press will help show that, as will a solid broad jump prove power in the lower body needed to stay tough inside.
Ben Powers / C/G / Oklahoma:
Powers is a guy not many people are expecting much from at the combine. Known for being tough and smart but not as big or athletic as most teams would want, Powers potentially has the most to earn on this list.
Given his supposed athletic issues, Powers can post up a good 10-yard split at the 40-yard dash and solid 20-yard shuttle to prove he’s more athletic than he’s given credit for. The bench press and broad jump to prove functional power are the next most important for him. Doing all of them well could push him forward out of the later round.
Cody Ford / T/G / Oklahoma:
Ford is widely considered to be one of the top offensive linemen in this draft class. For the Ravens, he’s being mocked right around when they select and as a capable tackle/guard prospect, they could be incredibly interested in how he does at the combine.
He’s pretty raw as a tackle, which could force him to slide inside to guard early on in his career. But he can get a huge bump if he impresses in a few drills that translate over to pass protection. His footwork in the blocking drills will be huge for him as will the broad jump. A poor showing at the bench press could be cause for concern though.
