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One player who may interest the Broncos is Alabama tackle DJ Fluker. There's reportedly some noise that the Broncos are considering moving current Broncos right tackle Orlando Franklin to right guard which would open a spot for Fluker. Fluker is a 6'5 339 lb. tackle and is currently ranked as the #4 tackle in the draft and the 22nd overall player in the draft according to CBSSports.com. Fluker is a mid to late round 1st round pick who may fall into the early 2nd round because he's strictly a right tackle.
Bio:
Class: Junior
Hometown: Foley, Ala.
High School: Foley
Height / Weight: 6-6 / 335
Position: Offensive Line
Experience: 2L
• Walter Camp & AP second-team All-American
• First team All-SEC selection
• Has logged 35 career starts at right tackle
• Has missed only 11 assignments (98.6%) in 728 snaps this season (only two penalties)
2012 (JUNIOR): Veteran of 35 career starts who has started all 13 games in 2012, at right tackle ... Walter Camp and Associated Press second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC selection (from the league coaches) ... has graded out at 98.6 percent on assignments, missing only 11 in 728 plays ... average weekly grade of 89.4 percent (eight games of 90-plus) ... second on the team with 33 pancake blocks ... has allowed only four sacks, in 267 pass attempts ... has blocked for eight individual 100-yard rushing performances this season and 23 in his career ... has helped open holes for 224.6 yards of rushing offense per game (20th nationally) and 439.1 of total offense (40th nationally).
Via: RollTide.com
Draft Profile for DJ Fluker:
NFL.com Scouting Report on DJ Fluker:
STRENGTHS
Tall, long, thick right tackle prospect with huge hands and a solid (not sloppy) build. That pure size gives him the power to collapse the edge to create running lanes. Defensive ends must be very quick off the snap to beat him on their initial pass rush move because of his length and hustle. Has improved his anchor against bull-rushes, wide base and length make him tough to move. Flashes footwork to reach linebackers at the second level, who can’t separate from him once he locks on. Shows some bend for his size in his stance, can get low to cut-block on quick passes and in short-yardage situations.
WEAKNESSES
Gives up too many secondary rushes, lacks recovery speed to stay in front of his man if the quarterback holds onto the ball. Must get his hands up more quickly to sustain blocks, both in pass protection and in the run game. Quicker players in space can avoid him if they see him coming. Loses his balance regularly when overextending towards his target, often ending up on the ground.
NFL COMPARISON: Phil Loadholt
BOTTOM LINE
Though not as dominant or purely athletic as the Tide’s last mammoth pro tackle prospect, Andre Smith, Fluker has the girth, length, and respectable movement skills to become a top-notch starting right tackle. His struggles were apparent against Western Kentucky, but when Fluker can get his hands on the pass rusher in a balanced position, his opposition has no chance of winning the individual battle.
NFL Combine results/measurements:
- 40 Yard Dash: 5.31 seconds
- Bench Press: 21 reps
- Arm Length: 34 3/4 inches
- Hand Length: 10 1/2 inches
CBSSports.com Scouting report on Fluker:
STRENGTHS:
Powerful run blocker. Fluker's combination of size and power make him a formidable prospect who should only get better. While he disappointed scouts by electing not to participate in the Senior Bowl (citing lingering calf, groin injuries), Fluker's incredibly impressive frame left scouts drooling. Despite weighing in 20 pounds heavier than he'd been listed at Alabama, Fluker showed impressive overall weight distribution, long limbs (including 36.38" arms) and shockingly little flab in his middle. Powerful hands. Is capable of latching on and controlling pass rushers. Passionate player who was regarded as a emotional leader for the Tide... For a drive-blocking, power-based scheme, Fluker ranks as the top right tackle prospect in the draft.
WEAKNESSES:
At his size, Fluker is strictly a right tackle or perhaps even a guard prospect as he hasn't demonstrated the agility or balance necessary to handle NFL speed rushers on a consistent basis. Even as a run blocker -- his specialty -- Fluker has a tendency to drop his head and stop his feet as he makes contact, resulting in some of his more talented opponents being able to disengage.
Compares to: James Carpenter, Seahawks -- Due to his massive size and upside, Fluker will often earn comparisons to former Alabama standout Andre Smith, who the Cincinnati Bengals made the No. 6 overall pick of the 2009 draft. In reality, a fairer comparison is to former teammate Carpenter, who also earned a first-round selection (No. 25) in 2011 by the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL Mocks.com Scouting Report on Fluker:
Positives:
+Legs resemble tree trunks
+Only player at the combine who’s arms are longer than my legs
+Creates the widest base you’ll ever see
+Plays with good on field intensity
+Good strength
+Good run blocker
+Good athlete for his size
+Might be better in the NFL than in college, since he’ll get to play against more 3-4 defense
Negatives:
-No feel for the game whatsoever
-Solid lateral range, but quickness is lacking
-Poor balance, simply clumsy
-Awkward in every phase of the game
-On field awareness is mediocre
-Very inconsistent
-Doesn’t know how to make use of his length
Via: NFLMocks.com
Videos:
DJ Fluker vs. Mississippi State (2012)
My take:
If the Broncos are considering moving Franklin to guard, Fluker could be a nice replacement. Fluker himself could be an option to shift inside. This will be an interesting story to keep and eye on. One sign of this potential move might be if Chris Kuper is cut. That would open up a spot for Franklin. Personally I'm iffy on this move since Franklin has been solid as at right tackle. I would be okay with adding Fluker in the first. I am a bit concerned that he only had 21 reps on the bench press at the combine, but that may be because of his long arms. His production at Alabama is hard to ignore though.
Go Broncos!