Lennie Friedman can now join the list of Broncos waiting to see if John Elway returns.
Friedman was drafted by Denver with the last pick in the second round, and 61st overall, in the NFL draft Saturday afternoon. He was projected as the second-best center available by draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.
The West Milford, N.J., native was a three-year starter at offensive guard for Duke and was named the team's offensive lineman of the year last fall. He earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors in September after grading 89 percent in blocking against Northwestern.
NFL scouts say his intelligence might be his biggest strength, as the 6-foot-3, 301-pounder is of average height and size. The 301 pounds, though, represent a gain of more than 20 from his junior season. Friedman put on 10 pounds to reach 290 before the start of the '98 campaign and added more weight this offseason.
Friedman will certainly face a lot of competition for playing time in Denver. The two-time defending world champion Broncos already have an incumbent starter at center. Tom Nalen has started 47 straight games and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl two seasons ago. He was just a seventh-round pick in 1994 but his reputation has risen quickly.
Nalen's backup last year was K.C. Jones.
Friedman was the only offensive lineman drafted by Denver, and after his time at Duke, certainly has plenty of versatility with experience at both guard and tackle.
No other Blue Devil was selected in the seven-round NFL draft.
Kentucky's Tim Couch was taken with the first overall pick by the Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Akili Smith followed at Nos. 2 and 3, while running backs Edgerrin James and Ricky Williams were the Nos. 4 and 5 selections.
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