NFL Scouting Combine: Michael Jordan gets off to bad start
By Erik Lambert
Offensive line will be a focal point on the first day of action at the NFL scouting combine. For this position group, the bench press holds more sway than most.
It’s the best indicator teams have of deducing upper body strength, which is a necessity in being able to control defenders when blocking. For those who don’t think it’s important to the evaluation process? Will Hernandez of Texas-El Paso threw up 37 reps last year and became a 2nd round pick for the Giants. By contrast, the much more highly-touted Oklahoma tackle Orlando Brown managed just 14. He fell to the 3rd round. So it holds some serious sway.
That is probably why Ohio State offensive lineman Michael Jordan is probably disappointed. Current projections have him as a 2nd or 3rd round pick but a good combine likely could sway some opinions. His bench press certainly won’t do him any favors as he put up just 19 reps. It was the 4th-worst number among all offensive linemen present with the others being late round projections. Oklahoma tackle Cody Ford also had 19 but he had to stop due to muscle tightness.
By contrast, West Virginia tackle Yodny Cajuste who is almost the exact same size as Jordan had 32 reps. No matter how one looks at it, Jordan isn’t off to the best start.
Michael Jordan still has time to rescue his draft stock before it’s too late
The good news is Jordan has fans in the scouting community. They see an athletic and versatile offensive lineman who can play guard or center in the NFL and be a good player. Even better, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com indicates that his muscle frame is incomplete and is still developing his body to where it should be.
"“Center-guard prospect with NFL size and a frame that should add even more mass and muscle. Jordan has rare height for a center but has easy flexibility in his hips, knees and ankles, allowing him to man the position.”"
Teams look for athleticism above power these days. This will help keep Jordan afloat in the minds of evaluators as the main drills get set to begin at the combine. If he can deliver a solid 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle and look smooth in blocking drills? There’s every reason to think he will get top 50 consideration. If he ends up failing to stand out, then it will be difficult to cover up his poor bench press performance.