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One prospect who the Broncos are showing interest in and could select in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is former Florida Gator offensive lineman D.J. Humphries. He is a 6'5, 307lb offensive lineman who is considered to be one of the top tackle prospects in this year's NFL Draft. Humphries is rated as the 49th overall prospect by CBS Sports and is ranked as the 7th best tackle in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Humphries played 29 career games at the University of Florida and started 19 games for the Gators. In 2014, Humphries played in 66.9 percent of the team's snaps, missing two games due to injury. He is a former five-star recruit, and was considered one of the top overall high school recruits. Humphries won the Anthony Munoz Award given to the nation's top high school lineman in 2011.
D.J. Humphries:
Offensive lineman, Junior, Florida
Height: 6'5" Weight: 307lbs 40 time: 5.12 seconds
Arm Length: 33 5'8" Hands: 10"
Bench Press: 26 reps Vertical Jump: 31.0 inches
Broad Jump: 104.0 inches 3 Cone Drill: 7.87 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.64 seconds
Film Room:
Florida vs. East Carolina(2014)
Scouting Report:
Strength:
- Athleticism: He looks and moves like a tight end playing offensive tackle.
- Good frame: Has broad shoulders, long arms and a trim middle. Could gain another 10-15 pounds to fill out his frame.
- He is quick off the line, shows impressive balance, and lateral agility.
- Has the athleticism to get to the second level quickly.
- Has flexible knees and hips which helps him gain leverage in the run game.
- Has very good foot quickness.
- Takes smart angles on defenders.
- Tough in the trenches. He plays angry and cranky throughout the game. Gives his all every snap.
Weaknesses:
- Too often is caught leaning and lunging
- Sometimes plays a little too aggressive which affects his fundamentals.
- Needs to work on his hand placement.
- Injuries. Has missed seven total games the past two years because of ankle and knee injuries.
- He did struggle to consistently lock up his defenders and it resulted in pressure from opposing front sevens.
- Weight. Played a little light(280's) in college. He did show up at 300+ at the combine but can he keep that weight on?
Does Humphries fit with the Broncos?:
I believe so.
Chargers, Panthers, Broncos are all teams late first round I'd say are "in" on DJ Humphries.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 18, 2015
As we all know the Broncos have a potential need at right tackle and Humphries could be that guy for a few years. I say a few years because he has the talent and ability to potentially be a very good left tackle in the future.
He does have the athleticism needed to fit into Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme. Humphries has plenty of talent he just needs to work on his technique and hand placement.
Where Humphries goes in the draft is hard to say. Some view him as one of the top tackles in the draft, and others think he could fall into the second round. I think he will land somewhere in the 20-32 range and will be high on the Broncos board.