Tackle prospects elite, but OL group barely average

Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange

Although NFL teams — and their quarterbacks — believe the 2016 draft talent at offensive tackle is outstanding, the overall group of O-linemen appears only average — if that.

According to ratings by NFLDraftScout.com, after the NFL Draft starts on April 28 up to four offensive tackles — led by Mississipi’s Laremy Tunsil who some believe is the best athlete in the whole class — could be taken in the top 20, nine in the first round and 11 in the top 100.

In all, NFLDraftscout.com rates 26 offensive tackles in the top 350. In the last five drafts, an average of 20 tackles were selected, with a high of 27 in 2006. The average number of tackles taken in the top 100 over that same time is 11, the same as projected this year.

After watching both quarterbacks struggle against pressurized defenses in Super Bowl 50, it seems every NFL team is looking for more protection along the front line.

Among the offensive tackle prospects who may join Tunsil in the top 20 are Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley and Michigan State’s late-blooming Jack Conklin. Joining them in the first round should be Ohio State senior Taylor Decker, Indiana four-year starter Jason Spriggs and Texas A&M’s well-built Germain Ifedi, although he still needs to improve pass blocking consistency.

Even if the crop of tackles seems better than usual numerically, it there were surprises in the last few years at the top, where the talented college stars found the transition to the NFL to be a difficult test.

The pool of prospects at guard and center seems less promising, with only one guard — Kansas State’s Cody Whitehair –projected to be taken near the end of the first round at best and one possible first round center, although a good one, Alabama’s Ryan Kelly.

Here is a closer look at this year’s offensive line prospects as ranked by NFLDraftScout.com with capsules on those in the top 100 and a list of those in the top 350.

Offensive Tackles
Pos/Overall Rnk, Player, College, Hgt, Wgt, 40 Time, Proj. Rd.

1/1. *Laremy Tunsil, Mississippi, 6-5, 310, 5.23, 1

Best Available Athlete: Tunsil may be just that at the very top of the 2016 draft, boasting an easy combination of agility, balance and natural power that have scouts drooling. Tunsil comes with concerns, however, including how available he will be during the season. An extraordinarily gifted left tackle, Tunsil’s biggest challenge was staying healthy, and, oh yes, eligible. During three years of college he missed games with a variety of injuries, including a sprained knee, torn right biceps, fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle. Charges were dropped in a domestic dispute with his stepfather, but that led to an NCAA investigation and uncovered improper financial help, for which Tunsil was suspended seven games after being less than forthcoming. Tunsil didn’t run the 40-yard dash or do shuttle drills at either the Combine or his Pro Day — which miffed some scouts – but isn’t likely to actually impact his stock.

Frankly: Exactly what teams look for in the pass-happy NFL — a big, reliable blocker to protect the quarterback’s blind side, a need that was painfully obvious for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in Super Bowl 50. Agile and hostile, Tunsil allowed only two sacks in the 28 college games in which he did manage to play.

2/8. *Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, 6-6, 312, 5.20, 1

Timing is everything: Stanley might have been the top offensive lineman in the 2015 draft, but he returned to school to try for a National Championship. Some scouts believe weaknesses were revealed in 2015, but still rank him high in the draft. Stanley has experience at right tackle (13 starts in 2013) and left tackle (27 starts the past two seasons) and has the foot quickness and athleticism to suit any offensive scheme. His long arms, strong hands and lateral agility are a great foundation for being a NFL pass protector, but he needs to get tougher to handle powerful bull rushers.

Frankly: Here is a big man with great feet, long arms and strong hands to battle pass defenders. Take Stanley to be a quarterback protector, toughen him up in the weight room, teach him more technique and soon natural maturation will help him grow into the job.

3/19. *Jack Conklin, Michigan State, 6-6, 308, 5.00, 1

Earned his keep: Conklin was lightly recruited despite his considerable size and being the son of a former Michigan offensive lineman and current high school head coach. His only scholarship offer, in fact, came from Division II Wayne State. He planned to play the 2012 season at Fork Union Military School until MSU head coach Mark Dantonio took another look at Conklin’s tape and invited him to walk on with the promise that he could earn a scholarship. After redshirting in 2012, Conklin established himself as the starting left tackle. He started the next 40 games. Conklin missed two games in 2015, but did well enough in his 12 starts to earn First Team All-Big Ten and All-America honors.

Frankly: Although he lacks outstanding athleticism, Conklin is a determined, tough run-blocker who might make a smooth transition to the NFL at right tackle. His draft stock shot up with a good game against Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner, rated a top-10 pick in this draft

4/23. Taylor Decker, Ohio State, 6-7, 310, 5.23, 1

Senior Citizen: It was all downhill for Decker after a rough debut as a starter against Buffalo’s Khalil Mack (drafted No. 5 overall, Oakland, 19 sacks in two NFL seasons). Decker enters this draft as the top senior tackle, in large part because of his versatility and durability. Decker started 42 games for the Buckeyes, splitting time between left and right tackle, and was part of a senior class that won 50 games at Ohio State. He is an especially good run blocker for such a tall player and shows great vision, instincts when confronted with end/tackle games or blitzes.

Frankly: Tall and talented, Decker may not be an All-Pro, but he has the physical, mental and emotional makeup to start as a rookie.

5/34. Jason Spriggs, Indiana, 6-6, 301, 4.94, 1-2

Blocker needs ballast: Here is another pass blocker who succeeded in a spread offense in college, but even there seemed to need more strength to cope with tougher defenders. A former prep tight end, Spriggs was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Hoosiers. He held his own against the Big Ten’s top pass rushers, such as Joey Bosa and Shilique Calhoun and showed off terrific athleticism at the Combine. He’s lightning quick for a big man off the ball and is agile and alert blocking on the move, projecting best to a zone-blocking scheme. Spriggs was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2015 after allowing only two sacks in 431 called pass attempts.

Frankly: Spriggs has the length and athleticism to remain at left tackle, but needs more strength to step up successfully into the NFL. He demonstrated some improvement in that area during Senior Bowl practices.

6/42. *Germain Ifedi, Texas AM, 6-6, 324, 5.27, 2

Still premature: After almost declaring for the 2015 draft, Ifedi returned to college with the intention of improving his stock by playing left tackle after two seasons at right guard and right tackle. However, he was unable to take over that prized left tackle spot previously held by first-round draftees Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews and remained at right tackle where even in his third season as a starter, he still showed a frustrating lack of consistency in his technique. Regardless, most NFL teams project him as a guard who may be able to help at tackle in an emergency. The bloodlines are there for Ifedi. His older brother, Martin, is a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Frankly: Ifedi has a lot going for him, beginning with a huge, well-built body with broad shoulders, exceptionally long arms (36″) and quick feet. However, even after 37 games as a three-year starter, he still needs to improve reliability as a pass blocker on the outside.

7/51. Shon Coleman, Auburn, 6-5, 307, 5.18, 2

Real Survivor: With all the personal challenges he went through, football was the easy part. Coleman arrived at Auburn in 2010 as a top recruit with a chance to earn a starting job as a true freshman. But his life drastically changed that spring when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spent two seasons focused on beating the disease – requiring 30 months of chemo treatments. After he was declared cancer-free, Coleman redshirted in 2012 and worked to get back into football shape. He spent the 2013 season as the backup to future first-round pick Greg Robinson. With Robinson off to the NFL, Coleman took over the left tackle job in 2014 and started 25 games the past two seasons, steadily progressing into one of the SEC’s top blockers.

Frankly: This wide-hipped, broad-shouldered beast can nullify pass rushers with nimble feet, an agile body and long arms. Not the great pure athlete that Greg Robinson was, but pretty damned impressive.

8/61. Le’Raven Clark, Texas Tech, 6-5, 316, 5.16, 2

Check System Error: Clark is a massive athlete who was a four-year starter (the last three at left tackle) in a pass-happy college system. What more could an NFL team want? Well, it would be nice if those three years weren’t all in head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s version of the Air Raid offense introduced by former Tech head coach Mike Leach (now at Washington State). Clark was taught to retreat at the snap from a two-point stance. The first time he put his hand on the ground was at the Senior Bowl. NFL teams must project whether Clark can function in the more restricted confines of pro football line play.

Frankly: Scouts may desire a prospect already more schooled in the pro game, but Clark arrives with ample raw material. Along with that massive body, he has extremely long arms (36 1/4 inches), huge hands (10 7/8 inches) and quick feet. Never mind what Dr. Ruth said; sometimes bigger is better.

9/78. *Jerald Hawkins, LSU, 6-6, 305, 5.23, 2-3
Tiger with Tools: After what some called a disappointing junior season, Hawkins took some heat for electing to leave early for the NFL, especially after several other highly regarded underclassmen opted to return to the Tigers for a possible title run. With three starting seasons under his belt, including experience at both tackle positions, Hawkins is already a proven commodity and he boasts two traits the NFL is consistently willing to gamble on – long arms (34 1/4″) and light feet. He’s also a proven athlete, starring in four sports (football, baseball, basketball and track) all four years of high school.
Frankly: With a relatively narrow waist and hips, Hawkins looks more like a tight end than an offensive lineman but he certainly does not block like one, showing aggression, coordination and power. LSU’s run-based offense has left Hawkins a bit unpolished as a pass blocker but the talent is there to develop.

10/88. John Theus, Georgia, 6-6, 313, 5.22, 3
Battle-tested Bulldog: Talk about reliable, this tough guy played in all 54 games of his college career – including the Senior Bowl – drawing the start at either left or right tackle in 48 of them. He possesses the length (34 1/2″ arms) and ballast scouts look for on the perimeter and does not get enough credit for his functional athleticism, faring well against the top talent he faced in the SEC and during practice against Georgia’s accomplished edge rushers. He is not an elite athlete, however, and some scouts worry that Theus is essentially maxed out.
Frankly: Theus has the toughness and positional versatility to play at the next level but he lacks ideal athleticism for remaining at left tackle and may not possess the power preferred on the right side, projecting best as a “swing man” reserve.

11/99. Kyle Murphy, Stanford, 6-6, 305, 5.19, 3
Not Far From the Tree: Starring along the offensive at an institution known for academics is nothing new for the Murphys, with Kyle’s older brother, Kevin, “graduating” from Harvard and moving on to the Minnesota Vikings a few years ago. Kyle’s transition from the Pac-12 and the Senior Bowl should be smoother than his Ivy League brother’s adjustment. He earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors at left tackle as a senior in his first season at the position, though he struggled a bit with speed rushers once moved back to the other side in Mobile. Murphy lacks elite agility and length (33 1/2″ arms) and so a move inside to guard is also possible.
Frankly: Murphy sports many of the traits scouts are looking for, including the initial quickness and knee bend to make a successful switch inside, if necessary. It is worth noting the caliber of talent he was surrounded with at Stanford and that Murphy struggled a bit on his own at the Senior Bowl.

Other tackles ranked by NFLDraftScout.com in top 350
12/117. Joe Haeg, North Dakota State, 6-6, 304, 5.16, 3-4
13/125. Cole Toner, Harvard, 6-5, 306, 5.32, 4
14/149. Fahn Cooper, Mississippi, 6-4, 303, 5.17, 4-5
15/156. Willie Beavers, Western Michigan, 6-5, 321, 5.28, 5
16/186. Brandon Shell, South Carolina, 6-5, 324, 5.22, 5-6
17/200. Alex Lewis, Nebraska, 6-6, 312, 5.22, 6
18/214. *Avery Young, Auburn, 6-5, 328, 5.39, 6
19/228. Pearce Slater, San Diego State, 6-7, 329, 5.42, 6-7
20/249. Nick Richter, Richmond, 6-5, 304, 5.12, 7
21/259. *Caleb Benenoch, UCLA, 6-5, 311, 4.98, 7-FA
22/267. Clay DeBord, Eastern Washington, 6-6, 308, 5.27, 7-FA
23/286. Joe Gore, Clemson, 6-5, 300, 5.06, 7-FA
24/294. Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Texas Christian, 6-6, 320, 5.26, 7-FA
25/317. Taylor Fallin, Memphis, 6-6, 340, 5.39, 7-FA
26/342. Davante Harris, Appalachian State, 6-5, 306, 5.26, 7-FA

Guards
Pos/Overall Rnk, Player, College, Hgt, Wgt, 40 Time, Proj. Rd.

1/37. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State, 6-4, 301, 5.02, 1-2

Battle-tested: An impressive 50-game starter in college, Whitehair split time as a guard and a tackle. Although he has decent length, his arms are shorter (32 3/8″) than desirable for blocking on the edge as a tackle, so he is expected to play guard in the NFL. Whitehair told NFLDdraftScout.com that he preferred playing guard, but believes his ability to play tackle adds value. “Either way I am comfortable,” he said. Whitehair received All-Big 12 honors in each of his four seasons, including a selection to the first team last season. Concerns about Whitehair’s length and strength were validated during workouts, where he registered “just” 16 reps at the Combine and elected not to bench again at his March 8 Pro Day.

Frankly: Whitehair is not an elite athlete, but his high level of consistent efficiency is impressive. His tough-minded work ethic should help some team both on the line and in the locker room.

2/48. Vadal Alexander, LSU, 6-5, 326, 5.57, 2

In and out: A four-year starter, Alexander handled himself well at both tackle and guard. As a freshman, he started nine games at right tackle, then moved inside for two seasons. Alexander celebrated his return to tackle last season by earning first-team All-SEC honors, playing more than 700 snaps and collecting 100 pancake blocks. Most NFL teams are looking at this big hunk to play guard as a pro. It is noteworthy that he managed to shed 30 pounds since he showed up as a freshman. Alexander is a mauler in the running game, but his pass-blocking skills are not up to NFL standards, hence his projection inside.

Frankly: Even at his, ah, smaller size there is enough of Alexander to make a dent in NFL defenses. His lack of great athleticism shows up when working against counter moves and Alexander must work on that to earn the trust of his quarterback. A good first step in earning the trust of NFL personnel was that Alexander was just as “light” at his March 15 Pro Day as he was three weeks earlier at the Combine.

3/59. Joshua Garnett, Stanford, 6-4, 312, 5.32, 2
Dr. Road Grader: NFL teams looking for a human pile driver will want to pay close attention to Garnett, a nearly consensus All-American and the winner of the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. Though he is an assassin on the field – specializing in paving easy running lanes for Heisman finalist Christian McCaffrey over and through opponents- off the field, Garnett is much kinder to his fellow man, telling the media at the Combine that he hopes one day to be a trauma surgeon after his football career is over. Garnett’s admirable “second” profession may have to wait, as he’s looks certain to follow in the footsteps of his father, former nose tackle Scott Garnett, in the NFL.
Frankly: With his broad shoulders, thick lower body and nasty playing disposition, Garnett is an intimidating presence, especially in the running game. He is at his best in close quarters, though, lacking the elite quickness and agility for blocking at the second level.

4/72. Christian Westerman, Arizona State, 6-3, 298, 5.12, 2-3
Home body: Westerman initially signed with Auburn as one of the top OL recruits in the nation but after the Tigers changed coaching staffs, the Chandler, Ariz. native elected to move back home to the Sun Devils where his father, Chris, was a three-year starting guard, himself. After sitting out the mandatory year as part of his transfer, Westerman proved an immediate standout, earning honorable mention and second team All-Pac-12 honors the past two years, respectively. While lacking the bulk scouts would prefer, Westerman is quick, agile and very strong – as evidenced by his OL-best 34 repetitions of 225 pounds at the Combine.
Frankly: Westerman isn’t the mauler in the running game one might expect given his weight room prowess but zone blocking proponents could be intrigued by his athleticism. Westerman is hardly small at nearly 300 pounds but his future may still lie inside at center.

5/81. Landon Turner, North Carolina, 6-4, 330, 5.58, 2-3
Tough as Tar: They don’t come much bigger, tougher or nastier than Turner, who played in 50 games for the Tar Heels, starting 42 – all at right guard. Massive, powerful and playing with the same mindset which helped his uncle, Jim Braxton, stand out as a fullback in the 70s for the Buffalo Bills, Turner is a Webster’s dictionary definition of a right guard. He doesn’t possess ideal balance or length (32 7/8″ arms) to fit in every scheme when it comes to pass protection, but this Tar Heel could be nicknamed IHOP for the way he churns out pancakes in the running game.
Frankly: Those who miss the days of old school smash mouth football will like Turner, who routinely drives opponents off the ball as if they were wearing skates. Just don’t ask him to match up (without help, at least) with quick-twitch defensive tackles in the passing game, as Turner struggles to recover if beaten off the ball.

6/85. Sebastian Tretola, Arkansas, 6-4, 314, 5.45, 3
Hog Heaven: Perhaps no member of the Razorbacks benefitted more by Arkansas’ luring of head coach Bret Bielema away from Wisconsin. Tretola, a Nevada and Iowa Western Community College transfer emerged as an all-conference pick the past two seasons. The same run-heavy approach which helped Bielema succeed with the Badgers (and churn out several high-ranking offensive lineman) aided Tretola, a naturally powerful drive blocker with the bulk, strength and work ethic to succeed in a similar scheme in the NFL. Tretola is not a fit for every club. He lacks the quickness and arm length (31 1/2″) many teams require. But a drive-blocking, run-oriented offense could see Tretola as a terrific value (and potential future starter) likely to be available in the middle rounds.
Frankly: With his intimidating frame and power, Tretola certainly looks the part of an NFL right guard. Part of the issue, however, is that Tretola played left guard with the Razorbacks – a position most NFL clubs expect greater agility than he possesses.

Other guards ranked by NFLDraftScout.com in the top 350
7/107. Connor McGovern, Missouri, 6-4, 306, 5.11, 3-4
8/127. Spencer Drango, Baylor, 6-6, 315, 5.27, 4
9/151. Graham Glasgow, Michigan, 6-6, 307, 5.13, 4-5
10/167. *Isaac Seumalo, Oregon State, 6-4, 303, 5.19, 5
11/189. *Denver Kirkland, Arkansas, 6-4, 335, 5.55, 5-6
12/208. Joe Dahl, Washington State, 6-4, 304, 5.18, 6
13/211. Rees Odhiambo, Boise State, 6-4, 314, 5.17, 6
14/223. Joe Thuney, North Carolina State, 6-5, 304, 4.95, 6-7
15/226. Parker Ehinger, Cincinnati, 6-6, 310, 5.26, 6-7
16/245. Kyle Friend, Temple, 6-0, 295, 5.07, 7
17/252. Jordan Walsh, Iowa, 6-3, 290, 5.24, 7
18/263. Eric Mac Lain, Clemson, 6-4, 315, 5.09, 7-FA
19/276. Darrell Greene, San Diego State, 6-3, 321, 5.20, 7-FA
20/293. LaQuan McGowan, Baylor, 6-6, 410, 5.57, 7-FA
21/316. Ted Karras, Illinois, 6-4, 308, 5.31, 7-FA
22/337. Chase Farris, Ohio State, 6-4, 306, 5.04, 7-FA

Centers
Pos/Overall Rnk, Player, College, Hgt, Wgt, 40 Time, Proj. Rd.
1/33. Ryan Kelly, Alabama, 6-4, 311, 5.03, 1-2

Center of attention: In 2013, Kelly stepped into the significant shoes left by Barrett Jones, winner of the Rimington Award as college football’s best center. This year, Kelly enters the draft with a Rimington Trophy of his own and rated the top senior center prospect on the list. The three-year starter is aware enough to diagnose what is needed against changing defensive fronts, is quick and decisive with his key first step and uses his long arms and strong hands well to control defenders. He is viewed as a plug and play option by NFL scouts, which is why he could prove one of the rare centers to earn a first round selection.

Frankly: Big, powerful and athletic, Kelly is exactly what NFL teams want in the middle of their offensive line. Playing against the SEC and Alabama’s powerhouse defensive line every day in practice has left Kelly readier for the leap in competition than most.

2/63. Nick Martin, Notre Dame, 6-4, 299, 5.22, 2
Brotherly Love: NFL scouts hope that the younger Martin will prove every bit the hit at the professional level that his older brother, Zack – a two-time Pro Bowler – was since the Dallas Cowboys selected him 16th overall in 2014. Like his older brother (who played primarily at left tackle for Notre Dame before switching to left guard in Dallas), Martin offers versatility, seamlessly sliding back and forth between center and guard over the past three years for the Irish. He’s quick to the second level and shows balance and awareness in pass protection, projecting as a long-time starter at either position.
Frankly: Martin may have a hard time living up to the lofty standards his brother set but he should quickly prove a stabilizing force at whichever interior position his NFL clubs needs help most.

Other centers ranked by NFLDraftScout.com in top 350
3/108. Jack Allen, Michigan State, 6-1, 294, 5.29, 3-4
4/147. Max Tuerk, Southern California, 6-5, 298, 5.12, 4-5
5/158. Evan Boehm, Missouri, 6-2, 302, 5.33, 5
6/236. Austin Blythe, Iowa, 6-2, 298, 5.36, 6-7
7/264. Mike Matthews, Texas AM, 6-2, 294, 5.16, 7-FA
8/279. Matt Skura, Duke, 6-3, 305, 5.39, 7-FA
9/303. Jake Brendel, UCLA, 6-3, 303, 5.01, 7-FA
10/325. Marcus Henry, Boise State, 6-2, 300, 5.18, 7-FA
11/343. Joey Hunt, Texas Christian, 6-2, 295, 5.27, 7-FA

— Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 26th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.