When it comes to offensive line, I don’t break each position down individually. Many times the spot a guy held down in college isn’t the same slot he fills as a pro. In fact, you could probably fill a 53-man roster with guys that play in the interior line that were offensive tackles in the NCAA.
Knowing that, I base my NFL Draft rankings on the film alone. Where the the NFL team that eventually drafts them lines them up is anyone’s guess.
First up, here’s the guys that almost made the cut.
10. Martinas Rankin (OT, Mississippi State), 9. Tyrell Crosby (OT, Oregon), 8. Billy Price (C, Ohio State)…
TOP SEVEN OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
7. Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
6-2, 248 pounds
Hernandez is a a little shorter than the prototype for an interior lineman, but he’s strong with quick legs and can pull. He might be better served by moving to center as a pro. UTEP isn’t exactly a football powerhouse, but he’s the best and most decorated OL that’s ever gone through their system.
Ideal situation: Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos
6. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
6-5, 320 pounds
The knock on Williams is his arm length at 33 inches. That’s likely what will move him to guard in the pros. He definitely won’t be a left tackle. He’s got plenty of strength and a good first punch. What stands out to me is his knack for finishing blocks all the way to the ground.
Ideal situation: Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints
5. Isaiah Wynn, OT, Georgia
6-3, 313 pounds
While Hernandez and Williams will almost definitely be moved to guard or center in the NFL, Wynn has a shot at remaining a tackle, specifically a right tackle. What works against him is his height and since we know the NFL scouts value measurables and exercising over the game film, he could be looking at getting plugged into left guard. He’s got good feet and a nice punch. He’s played against the top talent in the country in his college career, guys that will all get drafted, so there’ll be no NFL learning curve. Wynn could plug in as a starter quickly.
Ideal situation: New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
6-9, 310 pounds
I’ve talked a lot so far about guys that will probably move inside, but Miller won’t have to worry about that. He’s most definitely a project, but any team that selects him is planning on playing him at the end of the offensive line at some point. He’s got a lot to work on when it comes to technique, especially his balance and pad level. He can make plays against west coast NCAA passrushers just from his strength and arm length, but he engages slowly and looks off-balance a lot. If you’ve seen him in the first round of any mock drafts, ignore that one completely. There’s no way a team spends a first rounder on him.
Ideal situation: Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings
3. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
6-8, 360 pounds
Here’s what doesn’t worry me about Brown, his slow 40 time. Here’s what does worry me about him, this 360 pounds is a low weight for him. At one point he was 420. It’s not just lineman that come in with weight issues that have to deal with it as pros. Look at the Kelvin Benjamin fat ass report that comes out every training camp. The film on Brown is fantastic and if he can handle himself like a professional, watch his nutrition and conditioning, he can have a long career like his dad, also named Orlando, who played in the NFL for more than decade. He also died at 40 from diabetic ketoacidosis, so this weight and health thing is going to be an issue.
Ideal situation: Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals
2. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
6-8, 312 pounds
McGlinchey too won’t have to worry about changing spots on the line, but he might have to play on the right side. If that’s the case, he won’t get taken in the top half of the first round. There’s plenty to like about McGlinchey’s game, especially the fact that he’s done it against some top NCAA talent. McGlinchey is the best tackle in a class without any real elite prospects. He has plenty of work to do himself to get up to an NFL level, but he should be able to forge out a long career. And if you want to talk about ceiling, the potential is there to develop into a top end tackle.
Ideal situation: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears
1. Quinton Nelson, OG Notre Dame
6-5, 329 pounds
It’s rare to see a guard listed as the top lineman in a draft, but I’m jumping on the bandwagon with everyone else. What I’m not too sure about is these projections that have him going in the Top Three, he should be the first OL taken. Nelson is a prototype NFL guard and probably the only Day One starter on this list. His strength showed up at the combine with 35 bench press reps to lead all linemen, but it’s on the film too.
Ideal situation: New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers
