Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Watch: OL Combine Buzz
The Detroit Lions 2015 NFL Draft Watch gives you college football players to watch who could be on the Detroit Lions’ radar this spring, with a particular focus on positions of need.
Now that the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is finally upon us, let’s take a look at what noted experts are saying about some of the offensive linemen we’ve previously highlighted, whose performances have caught the attention of Lions’ scouts.
La’el Collins (OL 08), OT – LSU
“He is surprisingly light on his feet, yet powerful when making contact with defenders at the point of attack.” – Bucky Brooks
Bucky Brooks had nothing but positive comments for La’el Collins after Friday at the combine. Brooks wrote, “In positional drills, Collins flashed exceptional balance, body control and agility. He is surprisingly light on his feet, yet powerful when making contact with defenders at the point of attack.” Collins also posted a 5.18 in the 40, fast enough to tie for sixth out of the linemen tested. For a point of reference, 5.28 seconds is average; under 5.1 is considered very good.
Brandon Scherff (OL 47), OT – Iowa
“I fully expect Brandon Scherff to be the first offensive lineman off the board. I think he kicks inside and day one becomes a starter.” – Mike Mayock
Despite having to leave the combine early due to a minor hamstring injury sustained during drills, Brandon Scherff made quite the impression on Mike Mayock. According to NFL.com, Mayock noted, “He checked off all the boxes he needed to check off,” having run a 5.05 in the 40, ranking him fourth out of the linemen, and looking strong and quick in the on-field drill he did complete. Mayock also went on to say, “I fully expect Brandon Scherff to be the first offensive lineman off the board. I think he kicks inside and day one becomes a starter.”
Scherff’s arm length measured at 33 3/8 inches, which is concerning in terms of his projection to play outside. As Mayock mentioned, he has the potential to be a very good guard.
Andrus Peat (OL 42), OT – Stanford
“He is the most talented left tackle prospect in this class.” – Todd McShay
Andrus Peat’s tree trunk-like lower body was one of the most popular topics of conversation during yesterday’s workouts. It is being said that Peat (only 21 years old) has the most upside of the group with the natural ability to be the most talented left tackle in this year’s draft. Todd McShay commented of his performance yesterday, “He tested out well, with an above average 40 time (5.18) and broad jump (8-9) and really good short shuttle (4.62) for his size (6-7, 313 pounds).” McShay went on to add that, “the Saints, Texans and Lions would all make sense for him.”
Laken Tomlinson (OL 52), OG – Duke
“Smart as can be, he gets movement in the run game, surprisingly quick in short areas.” – Mike Mayock
Laken Tomlinson, who earlier this week confessed he models his play after the Lions’ own Larry Warford, ran a strong program during Friday’s drills. Despite not being notably fast (5.33 in the 40), at 6-3 and 323 pounds he was agile and showed good movement on-field. In addition to his ability to be effective in pass protection, Tomlinson is a mauler in the run game and intelligent to boot (double major and possible future neurosurgeon). As Mayock noted in a conference call to MLive, Tomlinson is “smart as can be, he gets movement in the run game, surprisingly quick in short areas.”