Among the offensive linemen invited to the 2011 NFL Combine, Syracuse Orange center Ryan Bartholomew led all with 34 reps. That’s nowhere near the recent record, set by Arkansas’ Mitch Petrus (EDIT: And just broken by Oregon State DT Stephen Paea's 49), but it’s the highest of the year.
Atlanta Falcons fans assume the team will look to draft an offensive lineman or two during the 2011 NFL Draft. While other drills like the vertical jump and cone drill are relevant to the skills a good offensive lineman needs, the bench press is going to remain the marquee for the big guys.
Bartholomew was followed by Clemson’s Chris Hairston, TCU’s Marcus Cannon, and Utah’s Zane Taylor at 33. Florida guard Marcus Gilbert, who counts Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff as an admirer, pumped 30. Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi, a frequent mock draft Falcon, tied with USC’s Tyron Smith with 29, the most of any likely first-rounder.
For more NFL Combine results, visit NFL.com’s frequently updated list on each drill.