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The Denver Broncos didn't waste too much time interviewing two of the top prospects at the Senior Bowl.
First, WalterFootball.com is reporting that the Broncos met with Western Kentucky guard Forrest Lamp today. Also, Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com is reporting that the Broncos will meet with Alabama tight end O.J. Howard sometime tonight.
Alabama TE O.J. Howard says he expects to talk with the Broncos later tonight. Says he's met with 15 teams already.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) January 25, 2017
Denver Broncos General Manager John Elway was on hand for the first day of practices, so it will be interesting to see if he is the one visiting with these top prospects or if scouts or possibly coaches are the ones doing these meetings.
Howard is coming off a very good first practice where he showed off his athleticism and routinely made one-handed catches throughout practice.
O.J. Howard gets my first impression rose for South practice. Big dudes that can move like him with hands are rare
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) January 24, 2017
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah ranked Howard as his 18th best prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Howard has ideal size, speed and toughness for the position. As a route runner, he is at his best on run-away routes. He uses his speed to create separation on seam routes, deep crossers and flat routes. He isn't used much on option routes and he will need to develop a feel for working in zones and adjusting his route on the move. He has strong hands and a big catch radius. He uses his speed to run away from defenders after the catch and he's capable of taking underneath throws and turning them into big gains. I love the way he competes in the run game. He can set the edge on the front side and consistently reach and seal on the backside of the play. Overall, Howard is a complete player and he should be an integral part of an NFL offense very early in his career.
The Broncos do have a need at tight end and could look to add Howard in the first round of the draft. Veteran Virgil Green has failed to step up as a starter, A.J. Derby showed some potential but likely isn't the top option, and Jeff Heuerman has failed to stay healthy. So adding a player like Howard would make sense for the Broncos this offseason.
The Broncos also met with guard Forrest Lamp today(best name in the draft). Because of his size(6-3, 305lbs) and arm length(31 1/8 inches) he is moving from tackle to guard in the NFL.
OL-DL 1-on-1s underway at South practice. @WKUFootball Forrest Lamp and @AlabamaFTBL Dalvin Tomlinson pic.twitter.com/11IgFZTSrB
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 24, 2017
Lamp practiced at both tackle and guard today and looked much better inside than he did on the outside. When he was inside he held up well against the defensive lineman in one on one drills.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah ranked Lamp as the 16th best prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Lamp carries weight well on his 6-foot-4 frame. He excelled at offensive tackle in college, but I believe it would be in his best interest to move inside to guard at the next level. This is one of the more technically sound linemen you'll see at the college level. He is quick out of his stance and he bends really well. He keeps his hands in tight and consistently stays on balance. He is always very patient and doesn't overextend. In the run game, he runs his feet on contact and generates movement at the point of attack. He was lights-out against Alabama. His lack of ideal height and length could be an issue in the NFL but that would be alleviated with a move to guard. Overall, Lamp is very strong, consistent and reliable, which should allow him to get on the field right away.
The Broncos will look to improve the offensive line this offseason and could add up to four different starters along the line. If General Manager John Elway fails to address the guard position in Free Agency, he could target the strong and very consistent Lamp to plug into their starting lineup.