Scouting Combine O-Linemen Who Passed The Ryan Poles Thresholds
We all know Ryan Poles loves his offensive linemen. He played the position himself, after all. So, one can safely assume the Chicago Bears GM has done a lot of work in that area ahead of the 2024 draft. Also, as we’ve established in previous articles, he has certain thresholds he needs players to reach in combine drills to consider them for selection. After watching the past two years, a few things are clear.
Players must be at least 6’3, have arms of 33 inches at minimum (preferably 34 or more), and boast an athletic profile that includes a 40 time around 5.0 seconds flat. Leeway is made for guys who are on the heavier side. If you go below that mark, you’re in great shape. Here are some names that checked the right boxes at the combine.
Ryan Poles targets rare athletes for their position.
Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia)
- Height: 6’8
- Weight: 340 lbs
- Length: 36 inches
- 40 time: 5.07
- Broad jump: 9 ft 3 in
Think about this. A guy who is 340 lbs, which is heavy for any NFL offensive lineman, had the 11th-best 40 time at the event. That is absurd. He also boasts some of the longest arms in the entire class and spent most of his college career doing nothing but winning. Mims was a central part of Georgia’s prolonged success, which included two national championships.
Kingsley Suamataia (OL, BYU)
- Height: 6’5
- Weight: 326 lbs
- Length: 34.25 inches
- 40 time: 5.04
- Broad jump: 9 ft 2 in
A cousin to Detroit Lions start Penei Sewell, Suamataia certainly has that family blood. Running a 5.04 at 326 lbs is beyond impressive. That mobility, along with good awareness, makes him a danger in space. He has a strong anchor against power rushes. The one thing holding him back is no polished hand technique, which he should get in the NFL.
Brandon Coleman (OG, TCU)
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 313 lbs
- Length: 34.75 inches
- 40 time: 4.99
- Broad jump: 9 ft 6 in
Being a good athlete is one way to get noticed by Ryan Poles. Another is having extensive starting experience and serving as a team captain. That speaks to Coleman’s character as a player and leader. He’s known for being nasty in his blocking assignments as well. Everything about his profile says he is a typical Bears target. The question is whether they see him as a tackle or guard.
Roger Rosengarten (OT, Washington)
- Height: 6’5
- Weight: 308 lbs
- Length: 33.5 inches
- 40 time: 4.92
- Broad jump: 9 ft 5 in
The Huskies’ offensive line was stacked with talent last year. That makes it easy to overlook Rosengarten. He reminded everybody with the best 40 time at the event. Couple that mobility with his good proportions and nasty disposition, and you have somebody who should at least become a solid backup in the NFL. Much of it depends on whether he can handle a move inside to guard.
C.J. Hanson (OG, Holy Cross)
- Height: 6’5
- Weight: 300 lbs
- Length: 32.25 inches
- 40 time: 5.00
- Broad jump: 9 ft 7 in
Poles loves dipping into the small school circuit. Braxton Jones and Travis Bell were such examples. One can bet Hanson caught his attention with a strong workout. He’s experienced, polished, and was a team captain across three years as a starter. His primary issue is strength and mass. He is too light for the NFL. Hanson may require some time to adjust, but he has the foundation.