Cooper has the athleticism and versatility to play guard or center at the next level (Photo: US Presswire)

By Marc Sluis, Staff Writer

My upcoming Big Board will feature three offensive linemen at the top, which is unusual to say the least. So this class has a lot of potential or I’m way off, but either way there is no denying the bevy of talented “big uglies” available for teams come April.

Even though they’re not known for their speed or agility, that doesn’t mean athleticism is irrelevant when evaluating an offensive lineman. Here is who used the combine to jump to the head of the class in terms of athleticism.

Offensive Line:

1. Lane Johnson OKLAHOMA

6’6
303

Arms: 35 (1/4) in
Hands: 10 (1/8)
Reps: 28
40 Time: 4.72
Athletic Grade: A+

Junior college quarterbacks don’t normally become offensive linemen, but rarely are offensive linemen this special athletically. Whoever was responsible for taking the 6’6 300 pounder and sticking him on the left side of the O-line made Johnson some serious money. Because of the fact that he’s a relative newcomer to the position Johnson’s rise to being mocked in the top ten has been swift but at the same time deserved. A great 40 time is just the tip of the iceberg. Obviously a great athlete he has an easy backpedal, fluid  footwork and smooth lateral agility. If he can add some bulk in a few years we could be talking about the best player in this entire draft.

2. DJ Fluker ALABAMA
6’4 (5/8)
339
Arms: 36 (3/4)
Hands: 10 (1/2)
Reps: 21
40 Time: 5.31
Athletic Grade: A+
Fluker is real physical specific, maybe not in terms of sheer athleticism, but at just under 6’5, 336 pounds and a massive wingspan with 10 (1/2) inch hands he doesn’t need a stellar 40 time to be a first round pick. He might not go that high, but his gigantic frame has a boat load of potential as a right tackle or even kicking inside to guard.

3. Terron Armstead ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF
6’4 (3/4)
306

Arms: 34
Hands: 9 (1/4)
Reps: 31
40 Time: 4.71
Athletic Grade: A+

The darling of the offensive line prospects at the combine wowed scouts with an impressive 4.71 40, faster than half the linebackers! Armstead is a stellar athlete with the arm length and size to develop into a nice pro but it will take considerable coaching and refinement to get him to that point. With his performance at the combine I think a few coaches would love to take up that challenge. Check out Kyle Casey’s post, he does a nice job highlighting the hype behind the small school stud’s combine performance.

4. Kyle Long OREGON
6’6 (1/8)
313

Arms: 33 (3/8)
Hands: 11
Reps: DNP
40 Time: 4.94
Athletic Grade: A-

Son of Howie and brother of Chris, Kyle might be the best “athlete” of the bunch. A former top pitching prospect, who threw in the high 90s, has a similarly promising future in football. He ran a sub 5.0 40 and has the combine’s biggest hands (11 inches). Is he a guard or a tackle? I’m not exactly sure but that sounds like a versatile lineman with some upside to me.

5. Menelik Watson FSU
6’5 (1/8)
310

Arms: 34
Hands: 10 (3/8)
Reps: DNP
40 Time: 5.29
Athletic Grade: A-

The Brit’s combine performance wasn’t exactly rubbish, but was far worse than what most expected. Being heralded as a supremely athletic football newcomer ready to make a first round push after his skills are publicized in Indy was apparently optimistic. That said just put on the tape and you can see why scouts love his potential. Watson is extremely raw and probably not ready to play for at least a year but that long term investment could pay off down the road.

T-6. Eric Fisher CENTRAL MICHIGAN
6’7 (1/4)
306

Arms: 34 (1/2)
Hands: 10 (1/2)
Reps: 27
40 Time: 5.05
Athletic Grade: A-

Fisher, already a top five overall prospect, has made a case (and a good one) to overtake Luke Joeckel for the #1 pick in the draft. Fisher is 6’7 and more than a great athlete. He plays with great balance and aggressiveness, both of which he’ll need to make the steep jump from the MAC to the NFL game. He tested better than Joeckel, but I give the razor slim edge as an overall prospect to Joeckel because of competition level, experience and consistency.

T-6. Jonathan Cooper NORTH CAROLINA
6’2 (1/8)
311

Arms: 33
Hands: 10 (1/4)
Reps: 35
40 Time: 5.07
Athletic Grade: A-

Cooper was the leader of a terrific Tar Heel offensive line and a big reason Giovani Bernard was able to run his way to a phenomenal sophomore campaign and a likely early round selection. The 311 lb guard has the lower body explosion and mobility to excel in space and handle a variety of tasks. That versatility will be highly valued and could easily make the move to center depending on scheme. I’ve said since September he could be an All-Pro if he does kick inside.

Tags: Lane Johnson, Menelik Watson, Terron Armstead

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