Cowboys: Undrafted Free Agents – Who Are These Guys?

Jake Brendel, Center, UCLA

Brendel performed fairly well in the speed tests at the combine, however, didn’t fair well in the strength tests. He does display a lot of leadership traits and fits coach Jason Garrett‘s “right type of guy” mold. He is best suited for the run game, but could become a starter if he can build up his core strength.

While Brendel won’t take over as the starting center, he can be a viable backup at a position with very little depth. Brendel will need to work on his strength and his short arms really means he will only ever be a center. Watching him you will see he needs help on the more powerful linemen in the passing game, but handles the run blocking well alone. He is always looking to make a block and can get into the second level quickly.

Brendel will most likely be looking to be a practice squad player and looking to be the backup at center. He has the leadership, smarts, and agility. He will need to add some serious size and learn how to hold up on a pass rush, but these are fixable.