Going down to the trenches, a look in at the big boys! Not the flashiest bunch by any stretch, but absolutely essential to success in the league.
Maybe not the greatest group we've seen come up from the college ranks, but there's some really quality depth at the position. Many an offensive line to be upgraded this April! Here's a look at 12 of our favorites:
Tackles
Joe Alt (Notre Dame): At 6'8", Alt's a long and tall left tackle, but plays much lower. He's outstanding in pass protection, surrendering just one sack over the last two seasons, picking up blitzes and stunts expertly. Won't get moved in the run game once he digs into a block, sealing off huge running lanes for his backs. The 21-year old will play a little off balance at times, using his length more than his strength/footwork to secure blocks, but that's a thing you can coach up. Could easily become a franchise's cornerstone.
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| Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/ Getty Images |
Olumuyiwa Fashanu (Penn State): Tight footwork, good base, not a lot of wasted movement. Olu Fashanu looks the part of a starting left tackle. He's got a high motor, finishing his blocks whenever the opportunity presents itself. More of a sealer than a mover when run blocking. Former high school basketball star, elite athlete with rare attributes. Allows bull and speed rushes to get into his chest and stand him up too regularly, but has all the physical tools to improve in that area.
Troy Fautanu (Washington): Mean streak, first and foremost. If Troy Fautanu gets you on skates, your ass is going to the turf. The kid plays whistle to whistle, particularly excelling in pass protection. Not a bulldozer in the run game, but gets the job done more often than not. Athletic, hits his blocks in space for screen plays as well as on pulls. He's got choppy feet, which can be taken advantage of by skilled NFL pass rushers. For more pass happy offenses in the league, he could be the OT2 of this class.
JC Latham (Alabama): A pure right tackle, unlike the previous names on this list. Latham is a huge human being, at 6'6" 342-- a prototypical build for the right side. He moves efficiently when pass blocking, making up for a lack of foot speed. Great pop and control in his hands-- defenders don't get away once he's got his mitts on their chest. Relentless in the run game, but could work on driving through his blocks more consistently. Has also accumulated a nice collection of flags throughout his career.
Amarius Mims (Georgia): Another right tackle from the SEC, with more fluid footwork than Latham in pass protection. Struggles some against speedier rushers, but rarely gets beat to the inside. Really optimal size, seemingly with room to fill out yet. Strong against the run, burying defenders once he's got them off balance.
Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State): Wrapping up our tackles with a stout Beaver Taliese Fuaga. While not as physically massive as Mims or Latham, Fuaga may offer even more power. He's aggressive and athletic, overwhelming opponents once he squares them up. Fuaga won't stop after catching one body though, constantly keeping his head on a swivel for his next victim. A little stiff when in pass protection and gets off balance when setting up blocks in the open field due to his aggression, but a strong prospect.
Interior Lineman
Cooper Beebe (G- Kansas State): This draft's title of top guard goes to a guy who played his college ball in Manhattan, Cooper Beebe. The kid doesn't play like a Wildcat though, instead like an absolute dog. While not boasting the most fluid hips, it doesn't take long for Beebe to build up bulldozing force when pulling. If you come in off balance, you're eating grass. He's got versatility on the offensive line, which is always coveted. Skilled pass blocker who stays low and pops oncoming blitzers. Not a peak athlete, which could be a hurdle in transitioning to the pros.
Christian Haynes (G- Connecticut): As March Madness has shown us, UCONN isn't known as a football factory, but they've got a decent one in Christian Haynes. The right guard will let defenders get their hands into his chest, but rarely surrenders ground. Displays good footwork in pass protection, although he plays a little high at times. Seems to mirror his opponents more than assert his position, which could be taken advantage of by speed rushers. Similar observation in the run game, where he's more of a sealer than a people mover. Others are higher on Haynes than me.
Zak Zinter (G- Michigan): Builds up impressive momentum when blocking straight ahead, tenacious in the run game. Zinter will get off balance when pulling, which can negatively effect his ability to sustain blocks after engaging in motion. Sneaky athletic though. Solid blocker in the pass game, capable of clamping rushers once he gets his hands inside, but struggles to recover once beaten.
Jackson Powers-Johnson (C- Oregon): The highest rated interior lineman on many team's boards, Jackson Powers-Johnson was a star for Oregon. He's consistently on-base, with strong hands that leave their mark upon impact. JPJ seems to crave contact, going out of his way to help teammates with their assignments until his has been made clear. He'll play a little upright at times, and is prone to the occasional flag, but he's a top ranked prospect for a reason. Really complete player.
Zach Frazier (C- West Virginia): Consistently keeps body low when engaging with opposition, rarely surrendering leverage once he gets it-- evidence that he was a former wrestler. Can sometimes focus on finishing blocks rather than the big picture, which occasionally left holes in the line, but a mean streak you can appreciate. Will bend his waist a little too frequently, particularly when pulling, which can get him off balance. Isn't the largest physically, compounding some of his bad habits.
Sedrick Van Pran (C- Georgia): Moves well for his size, impressive ability to engage at the first level before climbing and successfully blocking assignments beyond. A team captain who displays leadership as well as football IQ. Noticeably stronger in the run game than the pass, with limited lateral quickness and inconsistent technique. However, many of Van Pran's flaws are coachable, leaving a nice starting point for a franchise looking for the cornerstone on it's offensive line.
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@Choppinglines
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