Hogs in the NFL Combine: Grades and Analysis

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Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas offensive lineman Denver Kirkland speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Grade: F

Phew, this is a fun one to start on.

At 335 pounds, Denver Kirkland came into the NFL Combine being one of the heaviest guards participating. He consistently ranks as one of the top ten guards in the draft. Projected as a fourth round pick, Kirkland needed to do something to increase his draft position.

But he didn’t.

Nov 22, 2014; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Denver Kirkland (55) during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Mississippi 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Kirkland really only hurt himself at the Combine. With around 45 linemen competing in the combine, he needed to put himself in the better half in the tests. Unfortunately, he could not muster to put himself in that half. In fact, some of his tests put him at the very bottom, almost last.

Denver posted an official forty time of 5.55, ranking 44th among offensive linemen. Kirkland also tied for 39th in the bench press (19 reps). In fact, the highest ranking Kirkland got on the day was 39th. That came on the bench press and on a 5.06 20-yard shuttle.

But the worst of Kirkland’s showings came on his cone drill, which he did in 8.72 seconds. Not only was this the worst amongst the offensive linemen that also did the drill, but it was .17 seconds behind the guy who finished next to last (that’s not good).

Expect this performance by Denver Kirkland to drop his draft stock significantly. (Sigh)

What did you think of Denver Kirkland's combine performance?
— Razorbackers (@RazorbackersFS) March 1, 2016

Arkansas OL Denver Kirkland's 3-cone time of 8.72 seconds has to be up there for one of the worst times ever recorded.
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) February 26, 2016

Arkansas' Denver Kirkland is a phone-booth mauler at the NFL level. He'd get killed by pro speed off the edge, but pave roads on interior.
— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) February 26, 2016

From OL group 2, I like Ark. OT Denver Kirkland. Ran a very sub-par unofficial 5.54, but he's a body-mover with a wide, wide frame. G/RT.
— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) February 26, 2016

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