Teams Question Ryan Ramczyk's Love of Football; Garett Bolles Impresses
A couple of days ago, WalterFootball.com heard from teams that Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson interviewed well at the NFL Scouting Combine. Robinson is in the running to be the first tackle selected, and the other two candidates who could challenge for that designation are Utah's Garett Bolles and Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk; they are all in the top three of our
2017 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
In reaching out to multiple team sources who interviewed them, both players received positive feedback overall. Surprisingly, Ramczyk was maybe the least impressive of the trio according to teams.
Sources said that Ramczyk seems like a good kid and they don't have any off-the-field concerns about him. They don't worry at all that he could get into any trouble or fail tests. However, Ramczyk only played one season of big-time Division I football, and they said that his football knowledge reflected that lack of experience. He is behind Robinson in that regard after Robinson started three seasons at Alabama.
The other issue for Ramczyk that rubbed some teams the wrong direction is a lack of love for football. It didn't sit well with some team sources that Ramczyk quit playing football after high school. They got the impression that he returned to the field not necessarily out of love for the game, but because he could get special opportunities by playing the game. Those sources have real questions if Ramczyk really loves football, and if he will be fully committed to doing everything in his power to max out as a player.
Meanwhile, Bolles' off-the-field issues are well known around the league after having a rough upbringing. However, sources from multiple teams have said that Bolles has interviewed well. He's been honest and accountable. Sources have come away impressed.
Here were the comments of one team contact: "I'm sure he's got some edge knowing his back story. He was dealt a bad hand that wasn't his fault, so it's a credit to him as a man to have persevered to where he is. Some of your greatest warriors have that type of makeup, and that's why they are trustworthy when time comes to battle. I'm sure a lot of people misunderstand him and don't know how to talk or deal with a guy who comes from the life perspective that he does. He's been great this week; very compliant, lots of personality and the other offensive linemen really like the dude. I guess it depends on the coach and his personal preference because nobody who coaches or plays in this league has all their screws in place and if they say they do, they're a total BS'er."
While the 2017 tackle class isn't a deep group of talented players, at least the players with off-the-field concerns like Robinson and Bolles have used to combine to improve their image with NFL teams. That could help all three to be first-round picks.
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