Congrats Buffalo fans, O’Cyrus Torrence will be a brick wall for years
The NFL draft is all about shoring up holes and building for the future. And while flashy players like Anthony Richardson get people talking the most, it is unassuming players along the offensive line like O’Cyrus Torrence that create the true stability that teams need to be successful.
For a team like the Buffalo Bills, grabbing Torrence brings a day-one starter to town that should stick around for the next decade.
O’Cyrus Torrence: Another Brick in the Wall
Lost in the disappointment that was the 2022 season for the Florida Gators was how dominant the run game was for Florida. The Gators average 5.3 yards per carry, tied for 10th in the country in 2022.
While running backs Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne (brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne) played a big role in that, Torrence opened up holes at will for the duo to run through all season long.
He started his college career with Louisiana, but Torrence came to Florida when Billy Napier also made the jump to Gainesville. While he does have the size to play tackle, listed at 6-5 and 347 pounds, Torrence is best suited to play guard.
His Combine metrics don’t jump off the chart, running a rather average 5.31 in the 40-yard dash and benching 23 reps of 225 pounds. By comparison, teammate Trey Dean, a safety, benched 25 reps of the same weight.
But on film, he repeatedly ragdolls guys and never appeared to be overpowered by an opponent.
There are some questions in regard to his lateral movement in pass protection. His three-cone drill at the Combine was particularly slow compared to other offensive linemen. But it must be noted that Torrence didn’t allow a single sack during his three years as a mainstay starter between Louisiana and Florida.
If you are a Buffalo fan, O’Cyrus Torrence should open up holes for you in the running game and is solid enough to keep Josh Allen upright. Barring injury, there isn’t much reason to believe Buffalo fans will look back an be disappointed with this pick.