Summary

Ben Powers was drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Round 4, (pick 123) out of University of Oklahoma. Powers is a reliable, physical interior offensive lineman whose game is built around run‑blocking strength, competitive mindset and dependable starting availability. He brings the kind of functional toughness and technique that NFL teams value in the trenches, particularly for power‑run offenses or units that prioritize downhill push.

His profile suggests a strong starter rather than a transcendent standout. The transitions to dealing with elite pass‑rushers, needing to win in mirror blocks and display elite agility remain areas to monitor. In the right offense—one that fits his strengths—he is likely to be a very solid contributor. In less ideal schemes (requiring constant movement, zone reach blocks, or heavy pass‑rush countering) his limitations may be more exposed.

Strengths

• Run‑blocking physicality and base: Powers is consistently praised for his strong lower‑body base, ability to sustain blocks, and effectiveness in the run game. For instance, one evaluation noted he “was fundamentally sound and rarely got out‑muscled… has a great base underneath him and does a good job operating with his hips.” Mile High Report

• Power‑driven attitude and competing mindset: From his earlier years (including participating in wrestling) he developed hand‑fighting technique, leverage awareness and a competitive edge, which translate well to the line of scrimmage. Denver Broncos

• Durability & availability: He played every game in prior seasons for the Broncos (pre‑injury) and logged a high snap count, showing that he can be depended on as a starter and an anchor for the interior line. RotoWire

• Solid pass‑pro fundamentals in many situations: While his primary strength is run‑blocking, he hasn’t been a liability in pass protection. One source noted that although the bull rush was a weakness, he “was almost always providing Wilson with a good pocket.” Mile High Report

Weaknesses

• Struggles against the bull rush / anchor vs power rushers: One of his more commonly cited weaknesses is that when defenders get momentum and drive him back (bull rush), he sometimes “couldn’t get his feet under him” and lost anchor. Mile High Report

• Mobility and agility limitations: In earlier scouting from college, evaluators flagged that his hip flexibility, lateral agility and foot‑speed were below ideal for the highest level—especially given the demands of mirror blocks in pass‑rush heavy schemes. Bleacher Report

• Pass‑blocking consistency & transition to NFL speed: Although not bad, some reports suggest Powers has not yet excelled in elite pass‑block win‑rate categories; one film review stated he “is better than most others at his position… but he is not living up to his contract.” Mile High Report

• Ceiling tied to scheme and role rather than elite level trait: While very good, some analysis suggests his physical traits may cap him as a high‑quality starter rather than a dominant “elite” guard across all systems. For example: “Strength is clearly lacking… footwork is slow… doesn’t keep his legs and feet moving.” Hogs Haven

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Powers is best suited for offenses that:

• emphasize power/gap run schemes and ask guards to block downhill rather than wide‑zone chase.

• require durable, tough linemen who can win at the point of attack and sustain blocks.

• use guards less for extreme lateral reach/pull heavy schemes and more for direct run/pass‑pro work.

• Given his signing with the Broncos and the internal review of his play, it appears they value him precisely for that kind of role. Mile High Report+1

• Outlook:

• Short‑Term: Powers should continue to be the starting guard, helping bolster the Broncos’ interior line, especially in the run game. Given his availability and past performance, he should deliver value.

• Medium‑Term: If he remains healthy and the team’s scheme aligns with his strengths (and is supported by complementary linemen), he could be considered among the better guards in the league.