Bama Players at the Combine: Offensive Linemen

Over the next few days we will keep you updated on the invited former Bama players as they audition at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Workouts over the weekend involved OL, QB, RB, and WR. Unfortunately Barrett Jones (foot) and Eddie Lacy (hamstring) had to skip the workouts altogether (though Jones did speak to the media), leaving DJ Fluker and Chance Warmack as Bama's only representatives at these positions. A brief recap of their efforts:

DJ Fluker was limited due to a nagging groin injury but was able to participate in the 40 yard dash and bench press, though he was rather underwhelming in both events. His 40 time of 5.31 ranked 31st out of 49 runners, and he managed to bench 225 pounds 21 times to finish 36th out of 45 who lifted. As expected, scouts praised his size and smarts but were somewhat critical of his lateral movement. Apparently some had wondered coming in if DJ could play LT at the next level, but at this point the consensus seemingly places him at either RT or OG. Best news for him is that he weighed in at a svelte 339 pounds, showing the necessary commitment to be in shape. He was also quite entertaining at his presser.

Chance Warmack participated in the 40 yard dash, position drills, and broad jump. While he is still projected to be an early pick, Chance didn't quite live up to the ridiculous hype. His 40 time was actually slower than DJ's at 5.49, tied for fourth-slowest among those who ran. He did post a seventh-best 110" in the broad jump but was generally rated as "average" in the position and lateral movement drills. He will still be the first OG off the board, but it seems less likely that he will go in the top ten. Like DJ, Chance presents himself well in front of a microphone.

All things considered, the Combine had minimal impact on any of the Bama players' draft stock. Warmack is a surefire first rounder who is still considered the best OG to come out in the past few seasons and will be selected a half-round or more ahead of the second OG off the board. Fluker will likely go in the late first or second as a potential first-year starter at OG or RT. Eddie Lacy should be fine to work out at the Bama Pro Day event in March and is projected as the #1 RB. Barrett Jones may see his stock drop a bit depending on his recovery, but as long as he progresses on schedule you have to think that his film and accomplishments will convince some team to snatch him up in the second round.

Today's workouts will involve the DL and LBs, with DBs rounding out the event on Tuesday. Stay tuned.