With the second of their three third-round selections, the Denver Broncos picked one of the most NFL-ready prospects in the class, snatching up LSU center, Lloyd Cushenberry III.

Cushenberry was the second-ranked center on our Big Board, carrying a second-round grade. He was also one of the most impressive performers, on and off the field, at the Senior Bowl, constantly impressing with his plus-physical traits at center, incredibly high-character and a proven track record against one of the toughest schedules in college football history.

His selection gives Denver an immediate front-runner to start at center, with the potential to build a relationship with Drew Lock for many years to come.

After following Cushenberry closely thought this process, here’s what you should expect from the four-year graduate from LSU.

Note: the scouting report is taken from the 2020 DNVR Draft Guide, Cushenberry’s report was written by Andrew Mason.

Strengths

• A 28-game starter who saw regular action as a freshman, battle-tested in the SEC for the reigning national champions.
• Fluid and balanced; does a nice job.

• Lower body mechanics are very consistent, makes it look effortless.
• Has versatility; converted from tackle and has the requisite quick reaction to play at guard and handle interior pass rushers if needed.

• Very good base and outstanding quickness at getting into position after the snap; uses that well to hold his own against interior pass rushers who attack with power off the snap. This allowed him to hold his own during one-on-one drills against South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw during Senior Bowl week.

• One of LSU’s leaders last year, serving as a team captain. Coaches gave him the No. 18 jersey, which he wore in practice; this is granted to LSU players with high character.
• Intelligent and can quickly incorporate teaching into his play. He will be a coach’s dream.
• I.Q. and smooth feet in pass protection allow him to be very effective picking up blitzes or stunts.

• Extraordinary length for a center allows him to recover incredibly well in pass protection. This gives him the ability to win with leverage and stay on top of defenders, especially shorter interior lineman.

• Smooth feet allow him to be effective blocking on the move or getting to the second level.

Weaknesses

• Not exceptionally athletic; relies on technical prowess rather than raw speed, quickness and power.
• Saw his pressure rate spike in 2019, although he remained stout as a run blocker. LSU had him work one-on-one against opposing interior rushers more often last year than in 2018, and he struggled for long stretches. His work against Kinlaw during Senior Bowl week in one-on-one pass-protection drills offers evidence that better days are ahead for him in similar situations.
• Not a great finisher at the second level given his athleticism

Broncos Fit

Immediate starter at center. Cushenberry is ideally suited for a zone scheme, showing good movement skills but is also more than big and strong enough to handle gap or power concepts. His strength and length have allowed him to stand out in one-on-one pass protection reps making him a key asset in stopping the best interior pass rushers of the AFC West as he becomes more consistent.

He gives the Broncos a formidable trio on the interior offensive line and another young leader in the locker room. Cushenberry is the kind of presence you want handling every single snap for you.