As we get closer and closer to the 2019 NFL Draft, it’s worth looking at some of the prospects the Buffalo Bills may be picking in less than a few days. As we approach the big night, we take a look at the background of former Oklahoma Sooner offensive lineman Cody Ford, an offensive tackle expected to be taken within the draft’s first round.
After redshirting 2015 season, Ford made his debut for Oklahoma in the first three games of 2016 before leaving the game against Ohio State with broken fibula on team’s first drive and missing the rest of the season. Then, as a sophomore, Ford started four games in place of regular starter Ben Powers and acquitted himself well. Finally, this past season was his first as a starter, this time at right tackle. With Orlando Brown moving to the NFL, Ford was moved to right tackle to replace Bobby Evans, who moved to left tackle. The young man proved that he had the movement skills and talent to play tackle this past season, by starting in 14 games and helping take his team to the College Football Playoffs.
It’s difficult to explain Cody Ford’s poor combine performance. His numbers in Indianapolis didn’t scream “athlete” and his closest comparison using those numbers is actually to former Bills right tackle Jordan Mills. However, if you look back at the tape, you’ll see a prodigious athlete for his size with the short-area movement skills to hold up in pass protection as a tackle. Ford also participated in the combine drills, and did seem more than capable in comparison to the other tackles there.
Ford elicits various opinions from most draft analysts. Some see him as a much better fit at guard, where his movements skills would make him among the most versatile in the NFL. Others think that he is more than capable as a right tackle, and that his 2018 season at Oklahoma proved it. Regardless, he has the hype of a first rounder, although he may be selected towards the end of that round.