Offensive Line Draft Talk Thread

[HoosierCat]

3 hours ago, ShulaSteakhouse said:

IF you get the chance to draft a generational talent - you do it and cross your fingers.

Yeah, it’s more or less the same argument for taking Burrow and not a basket of picks in 2020. And just like then I can see both sides, but just pulling the trigger and moving on has great appeal.

[membengal]

Here's Dane Brugler piece which just dropped on the draft and the o-line:

Top 12 offensive tackles for 2021 NFL Draft: Penei Sewell leads deep class – The Athletic

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With five offensive tackles drafted in the NFL Draft’s top 20 picks last year, the position was hyped as one of the best in recent memory. Led by Tampa Bay Buccaneers right tackle Tristan Wirfs, the group mostly lived up to the lofty expectations.

The 2021 NFL Draft class might not have five tackles drafted in the top 20, but the depth and volume at the position in the first three rounds are even better than a year ago.

All 12 tackles below are expected top-100 picks, and that doesn’t include several players (like USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker, Michigan’s Jalen Mayfield or Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood) who are listed as interior blockers in my rankings but might be projected as tackles by the teams that draft them.

Note: Each prospect’s age is calculated to the nearest hundredth on draft day.

1. Penei Sewell, Oregon (6-foot-6, 300 pounds)
Malaeimi, American Samoa (Desert Hills); Age: 20.56

A two-year starter at Oregon, Sewell lined up at left tackle in former offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo’s scheme and allowed only one sack in 1,376 career snaps for the Ducks. He made an immediate impact in Eugene (first true freshman lineman since 1997 to start a season opener at Oregon) and leaves as one of the most decorated players in school history. He, LaMichael James and Marcus Mariota are the only Ducks to earn unanimous All-America status.

For a blocker with his size and strength, Sewell is astonishingly efficient with his movement patterns due to his natural flexibility and footwork. Not only does he offer impressive physical traits, but his split-second reads and reflexes are also advanced for a player his age. (Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal: “I think of him as overall the best football player I’ve been around … the combination of football IQ, want-to, work ethic and raw ability.”) Overall, Sewell must fine-tune his body angles, timing and finishing skills, but he has prestigious big-man balance, mobility and football instincts. He projects as an immediate NFL starter at left tackle with Pro Bowl potential.

2. Rashawn Slater, Northwestern (6-foot-4, 308 pounds)
Sugar Land, Texas (Clements); Age: 22.09

A three-year starter at Northwestern, Slater lined up at left tackle in former offensive coordinator Mick McCall’s scheme. He started as a true freshman right tackle for a head coach (Pat Fitzgerald) not known for playing young players. He steadily developed over his three years in Evanston, including a standout performance against Ohio State’s Chase Young in 2019, and will be Northwestern’s first offensive draft pick in the first two rounds since 1995.

Slater will have trouble vs. long-armed rushers in the NFL, but he is agile, stout and power-packed and doesn’t allow rushers to go through him (Isaiah Wynn conversation all over again). He is very quick to lock up pass rushers before they can set up their moves, and stays connected due to his leveraged attack. Overall, Slater will be graded as an offensive tackle on some draft boards and a guard/center on others. Regardless, he offers the smart, technically sound approach to be an NFL starter and projects best in a zone scheme.

All-22 Takeaway: What I loved most about Slater’s film was his desire to lock down rushers before they set up their moves. That is the main reason he was one of the few offensive tackles who found success against Ohio State’s Chase Young in 2019 as he showcased his forceful hands and aggressive approach. The left tackle stays balanced out of his stance and times his strike to attack before the Buckeyes’ rusher can engage him and dictate his path. Slater’s performance vs. the future No. 2 overall pick put him on a first-round trajectory.

3. Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech (6-foot-5, 315 pounds)
Upper Marlboro, Md. (Riverdale); Age: 21.91

A three-year starter at Virginia Tech, Darrisaw lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen’s inside/outside zone scheme. He went widely overlooked as a high school recruit, but he developed quickly and made 35 starts at left tackle for the Hokies the last three seasons and earned the attention of NFL scouts in the process.

Keeping his weight over his toes, Darrisaw shows efficient slide quickness in pass protection and he is a bulldozer in the run game when he unlocks his hips to create movement or seal-block. While he shows the ability to manhandle defenders once he locks on, he tends to hit the cruise control button towards the end and you want to see more of a killer instinct. Overall, I wish Darrisaw was a more consistent finisher, but he has outstanding body control and feet for a man his size. He shows the technique and torque to be an NFL starter at either tackle or guard.

4. Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State (6-foot-7, 320 pounds)
Topeka, Kan. (Topeka); Age: 23.16

A four-year starter at Oklahoma State, Jenkins lined up primarily at right tackle in offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn’s offense. His versatility and intelligence allowed him to fill in at four offensive line positions in college (everywhere except center). He did not allow a sack as a junior or senior.

Jenkins ties up rushers early with outstanding body control and works hard to stay attached, then finishes with the kill shot while sending defenders into tomorrow once he gets the upper hand. With under 33-inch arms, he tends to lean into blocks and defaults to his power over technique, which creates occasional balance problems. Overall, Jenkins must improve his consistency, especially vs. arc speed, but he is competitive and uniquely powerful with light feet for his size. He compares favorably to Cam Robinson and projects as an NFL starter at tackle or guard.

All-22 Takeaway: With 12 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble, Texas pass rusher Joseph Ossai had a remarkable performance against Oklahoma State, including the game-clinching sack in overtime. But when lined up against Jenkins at right tackle, he was shut down. On this play, Jenkins latches on and flexes his power, driving Ossai (No. 46) away from the play and into the bench. The football term “blocked him off the screen” isn’t always a literal description, but in this case for Jenkins, it absolutely is.

5. Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 301 pounds)
Cleveland, Ohio (Saint Ignatius); Age: 23.28

A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Eichenberg lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ scheme. He started every game there the past three seasons, following in the footsteps of Mike McGlinchey (2016-17), Ronnie Stanley (2014-15) and Zack Martin (2010-13), who were all first-rounders in the NFL Draft. (If Eichenberg is drafted in the first round, Notre Dame will have started a first-round left tackle in 139 of the past 141 games.)

Eichenberg is a fundamentally minded blocker and stays centered in his pass-sets, allowing his fierce punch and play demeanor to battle defenders. While he plays under control, his mistakes are usually costly, opening rush lanes and lacking the quickness to easily recover. Overall, Eichenberg does not have the athletic traits of past Notre Dame tackles, but he is strong at the point of attack with consistent hands, technique and intelligence. He projects as a B-level NFL starter.

6. Samuel Cosmi, Texas (6-foot-7, 310 pounds)
Humble, Texas (Atascocita); Age: 22.20

A three-year starter at Texas, Cosmi manned the left tackle spot in head coach Tom Herman’s offense. He was a right tackle in high school and as a freshman for the Longhorns before moving to the left side in 2019 and producing two years of ascending play and consistent results.

Cosmi blocks with quickness and urgency in pass protection, usually marrying his eyes with his hands and base to stay square. He will give ground vs. power, but uses sink-and-settle to recover and relies on his posture to create leverage. Overall, Cosmi lacks overwhelming traits, but he wins with lateral positioning and strong hands to cover up edge speed and execute in the run game. He projects as a solid NFL starter.

7. James Hudson, Cincinnati (6-foot-4, 302 pounds)
Toledo, Ohio (Central Catholic); Age: 21.96

A one-year starter at Cincinnati, Hudson lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s scheme. After starting his college career as a defensive lineman at Michigan, he made the switch to tackle and transferred to Cincinnati where he didn’t allow a sack in his one season (11 starts) for the Bearcats.

Hudson fires out of his stance and achieves a balanced position in pass protection to mirror with quick, controlled steps. With only 719 career snaps at tackle, he has some bad habits, forgetting his feet or allowing his pads to rise, but he flashes power in his upper half to create torque on command. Overall, Hudson requires continued technical refinement to match up in the NFL, but his light feet, strong hands and natural balance are an intriguing starter pack at left tackle. He projects best in a zone scheme where he can develop into an above-average starter.

8. D’Ante Smith, East Carolina (6-foot-5, 294 pounds)
Augusta, Ga. (Grovetown); Age: 22.89

A four-year starter at East Carolina, Smith manned the left tackle spot in offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick’s shotgun offense. Learning from three different offensive line coaches in his five years with the Pirates, he showed steady development each season and was outstanding at the Senior Bowl after missing almost all of his senior year due to injury.

Smith credits high school wrestling for helping him unlock his skills and develop his temperament, toughness and balance. With his eager hands, he has the tools to answer either quickness or power, but his placement and angles could be more disciplined. Overall, Smith needs to sharpen his technique, but he is an ascending offensive line prospect with outstanding tools (feet, length, flexibility) and upside to see immediate NFL playing time and grow into a long-term starter.

All-22 Takeaway: Smith had strong tape at East Carolina, but he looked even better during his week of practice at the Senior Bowl. His NFL future is at tackle, but I wanted to share this practice rep of him at right guard because of his opponent. USC defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu had a strong week, using his power to bully his way to the pocket. But Smith used his quick feet and long arms to get into Tuipulotu’s frame and control him throughout the play. His intriguing, high-end tools should translate very well to the NFL.

9. Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State (6-foot-6, 304 pounds)

Becker, Minn. (Becker); Age: 23.09

A three-year starter at North Dakota State, Radunz played left tackle in the Bison’s read-based scheme, protecting the blind side of Easton Stick and Trey Lance. He finished his career with 32 consecutive starts (NDSU went undefeated in those starts) and although he played in only one game in 2020 due to the pandemic, he looked much improved at the Senior Bowl when he won the Practice Player of the Week Award.

Although he has some core strength concerns, Radunz has a workable frame with the physical attitude and foot quickness to execute angle/reach blocks. His shorter arms and inconsistencies make him a polarizing prospect, but most of his issues are coachable. Overall, Radunz’s overly aggressive style and average play strength lead to balance issues, but he has the mirroring talent, instincts and nasty temperament to eventually earn a starting role in the NFL. He projects at tackle or guard.

10. Walker Little, Stanford (6-foot-7, 320 pounds)

Houston, Texas (Episcopal); Age: 22.08

A three-year starter at Stanford, Little manned the left tackle position in head coach David Shaw’s pro-style scheme. He became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Cardinal since 2000 and was an NFL prospect on the rise as a sophomore in 2018, but he missed almost all of the 2019 season with a knee injury and opted out of 2020, which left several unanswered questions for NFL teams.

Although his pass-set depth is inconsistent, Little has good-enough movement skills to mirror and keep rushers from the pocket. However, he struggles to sustain (even when he gains the upper hand early) and long rushers too easily jab and separate, creating inside/outside rush lanes. Overall, Little’s balanced athleticism and smarts are attractive foundation traits, but he lost two years of development, and his core strength and timing issues need to be addressed before he is ready for regular NFL snaps.

All-22 Takeaway: Little is one of the toughest evaluations among this year’s offensive line class because of the lack of tape over the past two seasons. This play is from the 2019 season opener – the only game he has played since the 2018 season. Lined up at left tackle vs. Northwestern, you can see his balanced mirroring skills and forceful hands to protect the pocket. If NFL scouts are convinced this is the player they are drafting, Little will move up this list. His pre-draft workouts will carry a lot of influence in the next two months.

11. Brady Christensen, BYU (6-foot-6, 300 pounds)
Bountiful, Utah (Bountiful)

A three-year starter at BYU, Christensen manned the left tackle position in former offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ RPO-based, zone scheme. After serving a two-year religious mission and redshirting, he started all 38 games the past three seasons for the Cougars, becoming the school’s first consensus All-American since 2009 (Dennis Pitta).

Christensen shows efficient movement patterns in his pass sets, staying balanced at contact to center his block, sink and stay connected. He moves with bounce in his feet and consistent hand placement, but he will have a tough time adjusting to quick, long-armed defenders who get into his body. Overall, Christensen is an older prospect and needs to clean up his timing, but he displays quickness and body flexibility in pass protection and gets the job done as a run blocker. He projects as a low-ceiling NFL starter.

12. Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa (6-foot-8, 314 pounds)
Lenox, Iowa (Lenox); Age: 23.09

A three-year starter at Northern Iowa, Brown was the right tackle in former offensive coordinator Ryan Mahaffey’s scheme. A tight end and defensive end in eight-man high school football, he added almost 90 pounds the past five years and put himself on the NFL map after starting 32 games at right tackle.

Brown’s tight end and basketball background are clear with his smooth movements and natural body flexibility, which allow him to mirror and handle space. His tall pad level and immature processing skills lead to balance/anchor issues, and his overall consistency from snap to snap isn’t currently on an NFL level. Overall, Brown is still understanding how to properly use technique and the biomechanics of his frame, but he is a smooth athlete with the length and competitive toughness that make him an ideal developmental project for an NFL coaching staff.

 

 

[membengal]

I am a bit surprised where he has Hudson - I think Hudson clearly headed inside. 

[TJJackson]

I am not a Michael Jordan fan

however

I like it a LOT when a guy goes the extra mile trying to improve himself

so I give him credit for working with Big Willy, tho the timing - just as Free Agency is coming alive - is a little "sus"

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/bengals-guard-michael-jordan-is-working-out-with-willie-anderson

but still, this is a good thing.  cant hurt to have better OG depth.

[membengal]

If murdering his qb wasn’t motivating nothing else would be

[membengal]

Brugler on OG/C draft prospects:

https://theathletic.com/2424505/2021/03/04/top-offensive-guards-centers-for-2021-nfl-draft-all-about-position-flexibility/

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We could see as many as a dozen offensive tackles drafted in the first three rounds, but the interior offensive line prospects aren’t far behind in terms of intriguing first-round options and overall depth.

A common theme in this group is position flexibility. My top four guard prospects (and six of the top 10) played a position other than guard last season at the college level. And in my center rankings, the top four prospects have functional experience or versatility to also play guard. There are differing opinions on the best position for several of these players, which could make for a wide variance in grades.

Offensive guards

1. Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC (6-foot-4, 315 pounds)
Oakland, Calif. (Bishop O’Dowd); Age: 21.87

A two-year starter at USC, Vera-Tucker lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Graham Harrell’s scheme, producing strong tape on both zone and power blocking. A high school left tackle, he spent his first two seasons with the Trojans at guard before moving outside to tackle in 2020, replacing first-round pick Austin Jackson and taking home the Morris Trophy (top Pac-12 offensive lineman, according to conference defensive linemen).

Although his anchor can improve, Vera-Tucker is coordinated in pass protection and his punch connects with flat feet and natural force, winning early and resetting throughout the rep. He creates a surge in the run game and competes with the play personality required for the pro level. Overall, Vera-Tucker does an outstanding job centering his blocks and sustaining due to his balanced feet, strong hands and quick processor, projecting as an NFL starting guard with a Pro Bowl ceiling and tackle versatility.

2. Landon Dickerson, Alabama (6-foot-6, 326 pounds)
Hickory, N.C. (South Caldwell); Age: 22.58

A two-year starter at Alabama, Dickerson began his Tide career at guard before settling at center in offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s scheme, helping the Tide take home the Joe Moore Award as college football’s top offensive line in 2020. He started for Jimbo Fisher as a true freshman at Florida State and looked like a future star, but three season-ending injuries derailed his time in Tallahassee (played in only 13 of a possible 38 games from 2016-18). He started 24 straight games at Alabama before his torn ACL in the SEC championship game.

Dickerson moves with balanced footwork to handle gap penetrators and remove linebackers at the second level. Although he doesn’t always play with discipline, his mauling attitude, brick hands and finishing skills frustrate opponents. Overall, Dickerson’s medical evaluation could be an obstacle, but he offers guard/center flexibility with the smarts, toughness and competitive makeup that will win over NFL coaching staffs. He projects as an immediate starter with an All-Pro ceiling if he can stay healthy.

All-22 Takeaway: Dickerson is a tough projection because he is an easy first-round talent, but his medical history is troublesome. Nevertheless, he competes with the edge and play personality that will force evaluators to pound the table for him in the war room. On this play versus Tennessee, Dickerson (lined up at center) climbs, stands up the linebacker and knocks him backward into the safety, taking out two defenders to help spring the runner. His helmet comes off in the process, but that doesn’t stop him from finishing the play after the whistle.

3. Jalen Mayfield, Michigan (6-foot-5, 320 pounds)
Grand Rapids, Mich. (Catholic Central); Age: 20.93

A two-year starter at Michigan, Mayfield lined up at right tackle in offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ pro spread scheme. After seeing limited action as a backup left tackle as a freshman, he became the starter on the right side as a sophomore (13 starts) and looked like a potential All-American as a junior before injuries kept him sidelined.

As a run blocker, Mayfield flashes strength in his hands and rolls his hips into contact, attacking with leverage and leg drive to move defenders. While smooth in his pass sets with the ease of movement to quickly recover, his lack of length and elite foot quickness will be tougher to mask versus NFL rushers. Overall, Mayfield can survive at tackle, but his skill set will be maximized inside at guard with the coordination, power and awareness to compete for a starting role from day one.

4. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama (6-foot-5, 312 pounds)
Pensacola, Fla. (Booker T. Washington); Age: 22.32

A three-year starter at Alabama, Leatherwood manned left tackle the last two years in offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s scheme, helping the Tide take home the Joe Moore Award as college football’s top offensive line in 2020. As a true freshman, he stepped in at left tackle for an injured Jonah Williams during the title-game victory over Georgia. He then moved to guard, a position he had never played before, just weeks before the 2018 season opener before returning to left tackle for his junior and senior seasons.

Although he isn’t an explosive mover, Leatherwood is patient and strong in pass protection, relying on his hands to cover up edge speed. He plays like a robot because he is so consistent with his posture and technique but also because of some stiffness in his lower body. Overall, Leatherwood has the physical makeup to survive on the edges, but he might be better suited in the long term to play guard. Whatever the case, he offers the positional flexibility and steady temperament to be a day-one NFL starter.

5. Wyatt Davis, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 315 pounds)
Bellflower, Calif. (St. John Bosco); Age: 22.20

A two-year starter at Ohio State, Davis was locked in at right guard in head coach Ryan Day’s offense, earning All-America honors the past two seasons. The No. 1-ranked guard recruit out of high school in 2017, he was pressed into action as a redshirt freshman and never gave the job back, starting 24 straight games to finish his career.

In pass protection and as a run blocker, Davis is quick to get the upper hand because of his striking power, body control and competitive nature. While his physical appetite is a strength, he can be too eager to initiate contact without getting his feet underneath him, leaving him off balance and on the ground. Overall, Davis must play under control and improve his snap-to-snap consistency, but his forceful hands, powerful anchor and finishing skills are NFL-ready, projecting as an NFL rookie who will compete for immediate snaps.

6. Deonte Brown, Alabama (6-foot-3, 364 pounds)
Decatur, Ala. (Austin); Age: 23.29

A three-year starter at Alabama, Brown started at right guard in offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s scheme, helping the Tide take home the Joe Moore Award as college football’s top offensive line in 2020. After battling weight issues and inconsistency when he first arrived in Tuscaloosa, he continued to get better and better over the last three seasons, including a standout performance versus Auburn’s Derrick Brown in 2019 and consistent high-level play in 2020.

A massive blocker, Brown is uniquely powerful with freaky feats in the weight room that also translate to the football field. “He’s probably the most powerful, explosive guy that we have on the whole offensive line,” Nick Saban said. He didn’t allow a sack the last three seasons, but gap quickness throws off his timing. Overall, Brown moves heavy and lacks great recovery quickness, but he boasts an instant anchor and the upper-body explosion to displace defenders, flashing Gabe Jackson potential if he trusts his technique and vision against NFL speed.

All-22 Takeaway: At 364 pounds, Brown isn’t the most nimble mover, but he isn’t a slug either. The left guard has above-average footwork and balance on short pulls to execute plays like this one against Georgia, giving his quarterback a clean pocket.

7. Jackson Carman, Clemson (6-foot-5, 345 pounds)
Fairfield, Ohio (Fairfield); Age: 21.27

A two-year starter at Clemson, Carman lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Tony Elliott’s shotgun spread scheme. Clemson stole him out of Ohio and he took over for Mitch Hyatt at left tackle as a sophomore, starting every game there the last two seasons.

Carman has impressive size and physicality, creating torque and knock-back with his raw power. However, there are questions about his functional range and overall consistency. At times his strike timing and landmarks are on point, while other times he is sloppy and late. Overall, Carman isn’t ready for savvy NFL pass rushers and he is a much better run blocker right now, but the physical ingredients are there for him to grow into an NFL starter, projecting best inside at guard in a power or gap scheme.

8. Trey Smith, Tennessee (6-foot-6, 331 pounds)
Jackson, Tenn. (University School); Age: 21.87

A four-year starter at Tennessee, Smith lined up at left guard in former offensive coordinator Jim Chaney’s scheme, also seeing snaps at right guard and both tackle spots during his Vols career. He was highly decorated over his time in Knoxville (only one sack allowed his final two seasons), but overcoming blood clots and getting back on the field might have been his most impressive feat in college.

Smith looks the part with excellent base strength and shock absorbers for hands, allowing him to win in a phone booth. However, for a player with his raw power, you expect more displacement, body control and point-of-attack movement than what he put on tape as a senior, too often falling off blocks or simply getting in the way. Overall, Smith has the size and talent to start in a power-based scheme in the NFL, but the sloppy tendencies, streaky aggressiveness and potential lung-related health concerns are red flags, projecting as a boom-or-bust prospect.

9. Ben Cleveland, Georgia (6-foot-6, 354 pounds)
Toccoa, Ga. (Stephens County); Age: 22.68

A four-year starter at Georgia, Cleveland was the right guard in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme. He combined for only 16 starts (all at right guard) as a freshman, sophomore and junior as injuries kept him sidelined, but he started all nine regular-season games as a senior (sat out the bowl game) and earned first-team All-SEC honors.

Nicknamed “Big Country,” Cleveland owns a well-proportioned 350-pound frame and creates powerful torque with his upper half. While he stays balanced through contact, his lower-body stiffness is clear versus quick-twitch penetrators and away from his square. Overall, Cleveland is likely just a guard in the NFL and doesn’t have the ideal athletic profile for every scheme, but he competes with remarkable size, power and awareness, displaying starter-level traits at the next level.

10. Aaron Banks, Notre Dame (6-foot-5, 338 pounds)
Alameda, Calif. (El Cerrito)

A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Banks was a mainstay at left guard in offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ scheme, also seeing time at left tackle and right guard. He entered the starting lineup midway through his freshman season and started 31 straight games, finishing his South Bend career as an All-American.

Banks displays the body girth, brute strength and physical attitude to take up space and anchor, making him a hard guy to move. He isn’t the most dynamic athlete among the offensive line prospects, but he isn’t a slug and has some mobility to his game. Overall, Banks needs to mature his hand placement and body posture to match up with NFL defenders, but he has the massive size and brawling strength to be a square-dominating blocker and potential starter.

Offensive centers
1. Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma (6-foot-5, 312 pounds)
Shawnee, Okla. (Shawnee); Age: 22.84

A three-year starter at Oklahoma, Humphrey was a mainstay as the Sooners’ center in head coach Lincoln Riley’s scheme. After redshirting in 2018, he won the starting job and didn’t allow a sack in his 37 career starts, earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors as a sophomore and junior.

Humphrey plays with outstanding strength and smarts, which allows him to out-physical his opponent, as his wrestling background and mentality translate to the field. He has average athleticism and doesn’t flash the power to be a people-mover in the run game, but he finds a way to get the job done. Overall, Humphrey has some limitations, but he is a technician with the reaction quickness, play strength and intangibles that NFL teams target for the position. He projects as an NFL starting center with guard potential.

2. Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater (6-foot-3, 320 pounds)
Hartford, Wis. (Union); Age: 22.46

A two-year starter at Wisconsin-Whitewater, Meinerz was the left guard in offensive coordinator Peter Jennings’ zone scheme. Considered a borderline draft pick after his junior year, he didn’t have a 2020 college football season, but he spent the year training, reshaped his body and honed his skills, all of which were on display during his impressive Senior Bowl performance.

Meinerz is quick and controlled post-snap with the hand timing, core strength and finishing effort to impose his will. There is a level of transparency with him because there are no questions about his toughness or competitive spirit, but conversely, he lacks ideal experience and wasn’t routinely challenged at the Division III level. Overall, Meinerz faces a substantial uptick in competition at the NFL level, but his power, technique and play personality translate well to the pro game, projecting as a starting center with guard versatility.

All-22 Takeaway: No prospect has helped himself more over the last few months than Meinerz, who went from late-round possibility to top-75 pick. But that is how dominant he looked during Senior Bowl week. On this practice rep in Mobile, Pitt’s Patrick Jones helps him out by leaving his feet and abandoning his hands, but I’m focusing more on Meinerz’s body movements here. He uses a quick stab with his outside hands while he works his hips and feet into position to stymie Jones’ rush momentum. Meinerz does a great job staying on schedule with his technique and finishing skills.

3. Josh Myers, Ohio State (6-foot-5, 315 pounds)
Miamisburg, Ohio (Miamisburg); Age: 22.79

A two-year starter at Ohio State, Myers was the center in head coach Ryan Day’s offense. Despite not playing center before college, he served as a backup guard and center in 2018 before earning the center job in 2019, starting 21 games there the last two seasons.

Myers is a square, instinctive blocker with the core strength and competitive juices that allow him to consistently finish blocks. A guard in a run-only offense in high school, he is still developing his pass-protection skills and will struggle at times versus quick-handed rushers. Overall, Myers isn’t an elite athlete for the position and needs to cut back on the aggressive leaning, but he brings the desired levels of toughness, smarts and execution to start in the NFL, projecting as a guard or center.

4. Kendrick Green, Illinois (6-foot-4, 312 pounds)
Peoria, Ill. (Peoria); Age: 22.35

A three-year starter at Illinois, Green was the left guard in former offensive coordinator Rod Smith’s movement offense, also filling in at center. He arrived in Champaign as a defensive tackle before switching to the offensive line in 2018, starting 33 straight games (30 at left guard, three at center) and becoming the first Illini offensive lineman to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors since 2007.

An intriguing athlete, Green plays with quick feet and reaction skills to reach, pull and stay in front of the play. Although he can struggle to turn defenders or anchor versus bull rushers, he has strength in his hands and his wrestling background shows on tape. Overall, Green won’t be an ideal fit for every scheme, but he has the movement skills, range and body control that are ideal for a zone-based offense, projecting as a potential starter at any of the three interior-line positions.

All-22 Takeaway: Of his 33 career starts, only four came at center, but Green was impressive on those tapes with his ability to snap and pounce. In this clip against Purdue, he shows his outstanding quickness and range to leverage the defensive tackle, swing his hips through the hole and lock down his man. Green’s play quickness on this reach block gives the running back a clear lane for a chunk play.

5. Michal Menet, Penn State (6-foot-3, 300 pounds)
Birdsboro, Pa. (Exeter Township); Age: 23.73

A three-year starter at Penn State, Menet was the center in former offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca’s scheme. He took control of the Nittany Lions’ offensive line as a sophomore and became a two-year team captain, earning All-Big Ten honors as a junior and senior.

Menet is a smooth, technically sound blocker who sees things quickly and maintains balance at contact. He stays low to roll into blocks but lacks ideal length or leg drive to create substantial movement at the contact point. Overall, Menet lacks explosive or overwhelming traits, but he is well schooled and has the functional strength and movements in space to be a rock-solid pro, projecting as a potential NFL starter.

6. Drake Jackson, Kentucky (6-foot-2, 290 pounds)
Versailles, Ky. (Woodford County); Age: 23.39

A four-year starter at Kentucky, Jackson was a mainstay at center in former offensive coordinator Eddie Gran’s scheme. He worked himself into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season and never gave the job back, starting 45 straight games at center.

Jackson has the grip strength to latch and control but will struggle when matched up against power across from him. He is a technician at the position with the snap quickness and body angles to reach/pull with ease. Overall, Jackson lacks position versatility and will have his troubles against length and power, but his movement skills, hand strength and feel for the game are on an NFL level, projecting as a center-only prospect who will push for playing time in a zone scheme.

7. Trey Hill, Georgia (6-foot-4, 330 pounds)
Warner Robins, Ga. (Houston); Age: 21.27

A three-year starter at Georgia, Hill manned the center position in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme. He started the final four games of the 2018 season at right guard and then rattled off 26 straight starts at center for the Bulldogs, missing the final two games due to a “clean-up” knee surgery.

Hill has a physical blocking profile and looks to maul the man in front of him once he makes contact. However, he isn’t a consistent people-mover in the run game and his timing, balance and discipline need work in pass protection (his hands tend to be early while his feet arrive late). Overall, Hill absorbs contact well and often found a way to stay connected to SEC defenders, but his sloppy tendencies will be tougher to overcome versus NFL power and quickness, projecting as an NFL backup.

8. Drew Dalman, Stanford (6-foot-2, 299 pounds)
Salinas, Calif. (Palma); Age: 22.54

A three-year starter at Stanford, Dalman lined up at center in offensive coordinator Tavita Pritchard’s pro-style scheme. He grew up in a Stanford family and despite being the lowest-ranked recruit in the team’s 2017 class, he started every game at center the last two seasons and earned All-Pac 12 honors both years.

As the son of a Super Bowl-winning lineman and accomplished offensive line coach, Dalman is well-schooled with his blocking techniques and competes with a quick processor. However, he lacks the high-end physical traits that most teams desire at the position. Overall, Dalman works hard to gain positioning and consistently finishes, but his average play strength and struggles to sustain will be more pronounced against NFL competition. He projects as a potential backup who could surprise if given the on-field opportunity.

 

[membengal]

For the Sewell truthers - from Matt Miller’s mock today:

5. Cincinnati Bengals—OT Penei Sewell, Oregon

Get used to this one. You’ll see Sewell predicted here all the way to April 29 given the intel available. I was hearing from league sources in December that Sewell was already locked in as the Bengals’ target in Round 1

[COB]

3 hours ago, membengal said:

For the Sewell truthers - from Matt Miller’s mock today:

5. Cincinnati Bengals—OT Penei Sewell, Oregon

Get used to this one. You’ll see Sewell predicted here all the way to April 29 given the intel available. I was hearing from league sources in December that Sewell was already locked in as the Bengals’ target in Round 1

Yes, yes, yes.  

[COB]

3 hours ago, membengal said:

For the Sewell truthers - from Matt Miller’s mock today:

5. Cincinnati Bengals—OT Penei Sewell, Oregon

Get used to this one. You’ll see Sewell predicted here all the way to April 29 given the intel available. I was hearing from league sources in December that Sewell was already locked in as the Bengals’ target in Round 1

Makes me feel like

 

[Wraith]

See this is Ragnow all over again....if everyone knows what the Bengals are doing it is easy out maneuver them....

Get a professional front office for f*cks sake.

[TJJackson]

6 hours ago, Wraith said:

this is Ragnow all over again

sadly, yeah

...also...

COB: that was and still is EASILY one of my favorite moments as a Bengals fan ever.  HELL FUCKING YEAH

MEM: the C/G piece was a good read.  thank you.

[membengal]

On the other hand, if they want chase, then putting out there they want Sewell is shrewd.

[HoosierCat]

10 hours ago, Wraith said:

See this is Ragnow all over again....if everyone knows what the Bengals are doing it is easy out maneuver them....

Get a professional front office for f*cks sake.

Ehh, it’s kind of obvious. It’s hard to disguise a need so glaring as the Bengals’s oline.

[AMPHAR]

10 hours ago, Wraith said:

See this is Ragnow all over again....if everyone knows what the Bengals are doing it is easy out maneuver them....

Get a professional front office for f*cks sake.

 

Ragnow is a fart in the wind compared to how crappy that draft was.  

They traded back both Glenn and Price bust big.   They passed league MVP when all they had was Dalton and that league MVP landed in Baltimore and tortured them since.

That was all Marvin.

 

 

 

[Wraith]

3 minutes ago, AMPHAR said:

 

Ragnow is a fart in the wind compared to how crappy that draft was.  

They traded back both Glenn and Price bust big.   They passed league MVP when all they had was Dalton and that league MVP landed in Baltimore and tortured them since.

That was all Marvin.

 

 

 

Don't disagree but the fact remains that we make it easy for the other teams because we consistently telegraph our punches.

[AMPHAR]

10 minutes ago, Wraith said:

Don't disagree but the fact remains that we make it easy for the other teams because we consistently telegraph our punches.

I don't know.   Fans pick and choose points to base their world view on.   Steelers thought Bengals would take Bush and it turns out Jonah Williams was their No. 1 target.

No one talks about the draft in which all WRs are gone before William Jackson and the Bengals really wanted Thomas or Boyd and gambled they'd be there 2nd round.

No one gives two shits about Ragnow IF Price was a decent starter OR Lamar Jackson is in stripes.

 

[TJJackson]

Let's examine Amphars extraordinarly moronic comment about Ragnow

First, Ragnow is performing at a pro bowl level in Detroit.

He plays Guard

You know, the position that let through two rushers who ended up fucking up The Knee

If we have Ragnow, a pro bowl guard who also backs up center, maybe just maybe The Knee doesnt happen

If we have Ragnow, maybe just maybe we dont have to pony up 15M a year for Scherff or Thuney because we already have a pro bowler at OG

what a fucking douchbag idiot

[membengal]

 

[AMPHAR]

On 3/5/2021 at 12:31 PM, TJJackson said:

Let's examine Amphars extraordinarly moronic comment about Ragnow

First, Ragnow is performing at a pro bowl level in Detroit.

He plays Guard

You know, the position that let through two rushers who ended up fucking up The Knee

If we have Ragnow, a pro bowl guard who also backs up center, maybe just maybe The Knee doesnt happen

If we have Ragnow, maybe just maybe we dont have to pony up 15M a year for Scherff or Thuney because we already have a pro bowler at OG

what a fucking douchbag idiot

You Rag-now all the time

[ShulaSteakhouse]

 

[ShulaSteakhouse]

OT OT OT OT OT OT OT OG OG OG OG - rebuild the line you fools! Do not listen to Mike Brown and his shiny ticket-seller WR/RB fetish! You cannot throw to a guy if you do not have time to throw first! Set-up the o-line for the next 5 years.  Stop side-stepping it and filling needs with UFA's and garbage at OG and C too.

 

 

[HoosierCat]

 

[membengal]

This one is for you, COB. All my love.

Bruce Feldman's first mock at The Athletic - based on months of talk to teams, college coaches, etc.:

(his first four off the board were Lawrence/Wilson/Chase/Fields):

https://theathletic.com/2432260/2021/03/09/2021-nfl-mock-draft-bruce-feldman-coaching-insider-first-round-picks/

Quote

 

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

Burrow, Cincy’s No. 1 overall pick last year, desperately needs help up front. Sewell was the best offensive lineman in college football as a 19-year-old sophomore in 2019, helping the Ducks win the Rose Bowl. He opted out for 2020. Oregon coach Mario Cristobal, a former O-lineman himself, credited Sewell for changing his program.

“Sometimes guys are blessed with a skill set, and they kind of turn it on and off,” he told me. “This was a guy that, when the lights come on and it’s time to play ball and it’s time to work the physicality of football — the two-on-two, the five-on-four, the nine-on-nine blocking drills, the one-on-one pass pro drills — this guy is turned up and he is bringing it, and he is challenging his offensive linemen.

“He is challenging the guys he’s going against. It’s exactly how you would draw up your offensive left tackle, that’s how you would draw him up. He brought a competitive nature and a relentless attitude to it that is infectious and something that needs to be carried on.”

The Coaching Intel

“He’s massive and he moves well. It’s scary how well he can move at that size and how young he was. The stuff he is able to do in space is the stuff that makes you say wow. He’s excellent getting out and getting on smaller guys on screens. He’s a great finisher and has a lot of nastiness to him. I think he will be an elite NFL player for a long time.”

 

 

[membengal]

 

[TJJackson]

Agreed

One of the knocks I repeatedly read about Cosmi is that he lacks strength, but 36 reps says otherwise

Key measurements for an OL are arm length and wingspan.  I still cant find those for Cosmi. 

If someone has a link to Cosmis measurement,s let me know

I also couldnt find a nice summary article on the whole Texas Pro Day results.....though there were such details for other schools like Clemson