Combine morning workout notes

A breakdown of the top offensive linemen from the morning session at the NFL Combine.

This is the type of environment where Boston College offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo can shine, and he did not disappoint on Saturday morning. He was fluid when asked to change directions during position drills, quickly was able to get out of his stance and pull and overall looked like the best athlete in group one. After this workout I’m going to have a tough time seeing him fall past the top 20 picks.

I wasn’t real impressed watching Miami OL Orlando Franklin during position drills today. He looked stiff, struggled to open and close his hips and wasn’t real fluid when asked to change directions. Plus, he lacks range off the edge and in my view looks nothing more than a reserve right tackle in the league.

Despite weighing in at 358 pounds -- said to be down from 375 -- TCU OL Marcus Cannon still seemed too heavy and didn’t appear to be in great shape. He also lacked great range off the edge and even if/when he’s in shape looks more like a right tackle only.

Don’t read too much into the workout of Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi. The guy actually looked pretty fluid when asked to change directions during position drills. He’s not a great athlete and will struggle with his balance/footwork at times, but unlike Castonzo, this is not the type of environment where he will shine.

It was pretty obvious watching LSU OT Joseph Barksdale that he feels more comfortable playing on the right side than left, especially when asked to reach speed off the edge. He also was fluid during change of directions drills and certainly looks the part. I just worry about his drive and overall passive demeanor.

Arkansas OL Ray Dominguez continues to build on his draft stock. He isn’t a real gifted straight-line athlete, but his short-area quickness was once again solid for a big guy when asked to mirror in space. Seems to be building momentum as a mid/late round guard prospect.

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