Denver Broncos select Nick Gargiulo in 7th round of 2024 NFL Draft

The professional football dream has officially come true for former South Carolina Gamecocks offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo.

Gargiulo was selected with the No. 256 in the seventh of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Now, he’ll be looking to prove his supporters right, and his doubters wrong, as he moves on to the NFL.

Prior to joining the Gamecocks last season, Gargiulo spent his college career with the Yale Bulldogs. That experience in both the Ivy League and the SEC will go a long way towards his success at the next level.

Moreover, Gargiulo played high school football at Somers Senior (NY) SCHOOL, where he did not have a star rating as a prospect, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Nick Gargiulo

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein took some time to evaluate almost every prospect who could be selected.

When it came to the former South Carolina offensive lineman, Zierlein listed his strengths, “Played tackle and center during his time at Yale and split time between guard and center at South Carolina. Possesses athletic talent for lead pulls and screen blocks. Impressive feel for improving positioning after first contact. Grip strength and body control help him stay connected to the block,” among them.

Additionally, Zierlein added what he believes the weaknesses for Gargiulo are, “Grasp-and-lean protection technique leaves him open to counters. Wide base makes it tougher to recover when beaten. Gets off the snap with average pad level as a center. Combo blocks lack timing to make it to the Mike linebacker.”

Alas, Zierlein provided his full analysis on the former South Carolina offensive lineman, and it’s evident he’s a believer in his potential.

“The former multi-position starter at Yale proved he could hop into the SEC and make a solid contribution to the Gamecocks’ offensive front,” Zierlein wrote. “He has the size, length and play strength for center/guard roster flexibility. He’s not a body mover, but he’s also not a basic stalemate blocker. His body control, patience and core strength show up in pass pro and as a run blocker, and he’s athletic enough to make blocks in space.

“The tape won’t blow you away, but he’s consistent, with an above-average feel for finding positioning to wall off interior defenders. Gargiulo’s physical traits and position flexibility could earn him a backup role on a roster.”

Time will tell how the NFL career of Nick Gargiulo goes, but the former Gamecocks offensive lineman is receiving his opportunity, and it’s up to him to make the most of it.