Predictions: Arkansas Razorbacks in the NFL Draft
OL Denver Kirkland and Sebastian Tretola
Kirkland Prediction: Minnesota Vikings, Round 7, Pick 244
Tretola Prediction: Buffalo Bills, Round 5, Pick 156
The earliest picks in the draft for the Razorbacks should feature offensive linemen Denver Kirkland and Sebastian Tretola.
These guys are coming from the largest offensive line in all of football, so that’s saying something. But there is an underlying issue that is keeping them from moving up the draft board. Their size is not an issue as both are 6’5 and 340-ish pounds. So what’s the deal?
Well, they are both unathletic.
But Tretola’s athletic, he threw the touchdown with the spiral and everything! While that may be true, fake person with italic speaking, it’s also the worst argument ever. It was called the “fat guy touchdown pass” for a reason.
Kirkland and Tretola were consistent in the NFL combine… consistently bad. Both Hogs struggled to keep up with the other guys, and they were continually on the lower half (sometimes dead last) in the measurable events. Denver Kirkland finishing the 3-cone drill in 8.72 seconds is among the worst ever recorded, so I’ve heard.
While athletics aren’t the brightest spots for our “big nastys”, we all know these guys can still play football. Head Coach Bret Bielema has let Kirkland and Tretola thrive in a system where our offensive relies on the guys up front. Their ability to open lanes and protect the quarterback is why they will be in the NFL.
Galko: Sebastian Tretola has a better chance of being drafted than Denver Kirkland. He has the mental makeup of an NFL offensive lineman.
— John Nabors (@BuzzJohnNabors) April 27, 2016
Denver Kirkland isn't a guy you're drafting to play LT, but rather, to be the mauling guard that he projects to be. Pure stud inside.
— Coach Robert Ortiz (@CoachOrtizOL) March 29, 2016
Next: There Goes Our Quarterback