OWINGS MILLS — Miami (Ohio) offensive guard Brandon Brooks was one of the biggest snubs as far as not being invited to the NFL scouting combine.
NFL teams have been eager to meet with the imposing blocker, and the 6-foot-5, 346-pounder will take a total of 23 visits.
Among his visits: the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts.
Brooks’ stock is rising fast in NFL draft circles, so much that some draft analysts have him going as high as the second or third round.
Brooks bench pressed 225 pounds 36 times, posted a 32-inch vertical leap and ran the 40-yard dash twice in 4.99 seconds.
He also had an 8-9 broad jump, a 4.54 20-yard shuttle and a 7.37 in the three-cone drill.
His 10-yard split was 1.71 seconds.
Brooks was all-conference for three consecutive seasons.
He has played both left tackle and left guard, but is expected to play guard in the NFL and played right guard as a senior.
A four-year starter, Brooks went from a 290-pound freshman to a solid 346-pounder as a senior.
Brooks is regarded as a strong run blocker who needs to cut down on penalties as a pass blocker.
