GUARDS/CENTERS
1 Quenton Nelson Notre Dame 65/325
Grade: 85
Strong Points:
-Overwhelming size, power, and force immediately upon contact
-Relishes the role of an enforcer/bully on the field
-Very high IQ player, reacts to blitzes and stunts with ease
Weak Points
-Gets top heavy, making himself susceptible to the double moves
-Too reliant on upper body drive
-Feet get stuck in pass protection, doesnt keep them active after engagement
Summary:
Fourth year junior. Widely proclaimed as the best OL in this class and I do agree, but not by the margin some say he is. Nelson is a dominant force that can win any 1 on 1 matchup power-wise in the NFL right now. But I am not sold on him as a pass blocker just yet, as there are tendencies with his footwork and leverage that concern me. If he cleans those areas up, and he certainly has the ability to do so, he will be a top tier OG right away. But if he doesnt, guys like these can be maddening to watch.
2 Braden Smith Auburn 66/315
Grade: 85
Strong Points:
-Sustains his block through the whistle, almost always
-Plays low, strong, and quick, excellent knee bend and ability to adjust
-Easy puller that is as comfortable in space as he is in traffic
Weak Points:
-Needs to develop more lower body power, the bull rush has given him issues
-Initial punch doesnt deliver a jolt to defenders
-Will need time to adjust to a much more complex scheme than his college days
Summary:
Three year starter. 2 Time All SEC 2nd Team and 1st Team in 2017. With the versatility Auburn requires of its OL, Smith has seen time at both guard spots in addition to RT. No matter where he is, he plays with consistent technique from head to toe and a relentless style that is found going through the whistle. Smith is a superb athlete, among the best in the class along the OL, and constantly plays wit his feet moving and knees bent. Rarely would you ever see him not win the leverage battle. Smith could use more lower body strength and drive but he will be an immediate upgrade for almost every year at OG and maybe even OT.
NFL Comparison: Kevin Zeitler / CLE
3 Martinas Rankin Mississippi State 64/308
Grade: 82
Strong Points:
-A boulder against the bull rush, gives up nothing
-Accelerates after contact, gets in and stays in control
-Very smart, capable of making line calls
Weak Points:
-Tight ankles, struggles to pivot and re-direct
-Doesnt recover well in space
-Can lumber out of his stance, needs more explosion and quick reacting
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Spent two years in junior college before redshirting at Mississippi State in 2015. Played left tackle for two years but almost made a full tie move to OC in spring 2017. Rankin likely projects inside at the next level, where I can see him being a week 1 starter. The power presence is elite, his work in tight areas is very good, and his intelligence is some of the best in the class. Im not sure he is the best athlete to pull out of his stance and lead block, but that can be hidden in some schemes. He is a week 1 starter and a solid emergency LT in case of injuries.
NFL Comparison: Cody Whitehair / CHI
4 Isaiah Wynn Georgia 62/313
Grade: 81
Strong Points:
-Some of the best and most consistent techniques of all the OL in this class
-Foot speed is a plus, always under him providing balance and easy agility
-Hands are accurate and heavy
Weak Points:
-Less than ideal frame, short arms and small hands
-Recovering from shoulder surgery
-Struggles to fluidly move laterally as a pulling blocker
Summary:
Fourth year senior that has seen a balanced amount of time at guard and tackle. 2nd Team All American tackle in 2017. Played most of his senior year with a shoulder labrum tear and had surgery in January. Many think he will be a full-go by training camp. Wynn doesnt exactly look the part, but back in October I said this guy was going to be a first round caliber guard and I am sticking to it. His best performances came against his best competition, something I love to see. He just wins and wins and wins. There is a chance you see him slide because of his less than ideal measurements, but this guy will be at least a very solid pro, I am confident in that.
NFL Comparison: Shaq Mason / NE
5 Billy Price Ohio State 64/305
Grade: 80
Strong Points:
-Dependable snap to snap, week to week, month to month
-Smart and savvy, like an extra coach on the field
-Good initial punch and can usually keep his hands locked inside
Weak Points
-Struggles when initially beat, lacks the catch up quickness
-Doesnt get enough separation with his upper body
-Lateral movement will be a struggle against speed
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Went on to start every game of his career (50+) at both guard and center. Probably can play either in the NFL but I think his best spot is OC. After all those consecutive starts, Price went and tore his pec during the Bench Press at the combine. Not a very quick injury to come back from but he should be ready sometime in August. It can hamper his rookie year, as he may need time to build himself back up. Price is a little short on athletic talent, but he is so savvy and understanding of where he needs to be. There are holes that can be exposed, but you know he can at least anchor against any bull rush and you know he will be an extra coach on the field. I dont see a star, but I see a guy that will bring the same, solid level of play week in, week out.
NFL Comparison: Ryan Jensen / TB
6 James Daniels Iowa 63/306
Grade: 79
Strong Points
-Top tier athlete post-snap, can reach defenders that most simply cannot
-Easy and natural mover at the second level
-Does everything right, from technique to line calls
Weak Points:
-Struggles against the power bull rush from big tackles
-Attaches himself to defenders, but wont get a lot of movement
-Doesnt react to different twists and stunts fast enough
Summary:
Junior entry. Most of his experience as been at center, but he has seen some time at OG. Daniels is a superior athlete compared to the other centers in this class. He can reach defenders off the snap that most cannot, his initial burst is rare. He is only 20 years old and one has to assume he is going to gain the power presence he needs in the coming years. In some schemes, he is a week 1 starter. In others, he may need a year.
NFL Comparison: Jason Kelce / PHI
7 Frank Ragnow Arkansas 65/312
Grade: 78
Strong Points:
-Man among boys for long stretches, and that is in the SEC
-Keeps his hands inside with his feet chopping, technique on point
-Very good straight line, planned movement athlete
Weak Points:
-Doesnt always react to late quickness and speed fast enough
-Pad level gets a little high
-Balance gets shaky when he is in space
Summary:
Three year starter that has played OC and OG. Some teams are looking at him strictly as an OG. I like his mental and physical presence at center. He is an extra coach on the field and brings the professional and reliable approach weekly. Ragnow has been dominating the SEC for three years. While I do see some weaknesses in his game when it comes to foot speed and leverage, I think he is the kind of guy that adjusts well and is able to always figure it out. Starter early in his career with a limited upside.
NFL Comparison: Travis Frederick / DAL
8 Skyler Phillips Idaho State 63/324
Grade: 77
Strong Points:
-Strong initial punch, stands the defender up and gains control
-Gets movement on contact and will work hard to get more
-Shows good lateral movement to mirror pass rushers
Weak Points:
-Adjustments when it comes to footwork are lacking
-Over commits on his initial punch and will get caught leaning
-Hand placement gets inaccurate in pass protection
Summary:
Four year starter with experience at tackle and guard. I didnt get to see much of Phillips until after the season and I had a few moments where I thought he was going to end up with a 1st round grade on my sheet. He is a dominant level run blocker in traffic and in space, and the experience he has at tackle does carry over in to a high ceiling as a pass blocker. He may struggle with how quickly he needs to adjust in the NFL but if that is a smooth transition, he is a top caliber guard. He could be a nice value-get in round 3 if NYG doesnt go OL in round 2.
NFL Comparison: Larry Warford / NO
9 Cole Madison Washington State 65/313
Grade: 76
Strong Points:
-Mobile and athletic footwork, can stick with speed and quickness
-Excellent mirror in pass protection, stays under control and balanced
-Accurate hands with a heavy punch
Weak Points:
-Has a steep learning curve ahead of him coming from the WSU scheme
-Doesnt use enough leg drive as a run blocker
-Uncomfortable blocker in space
Summary:
Four year starter, mostly at RT. Will likely shift inside because of size limitations but I think that is where his upside is found anyway. Madison didnt get a lot of attention but he was an extremely productive blocker. While the scheme helped a bit, his performances were pretty much the same week in, week out, no matter the situation. At the very least he will be a solid 6th lineman that will start games in the NFL.
NFL Comparison Jack Mewhort - IND
10 Will Hernandez UTEP 62/327
Grade: 75
Strong Points:
-A bull when he is moving downhill off the snap
-Excellent leverage and initial punch, almost always wins the contact battle
-Quick feet as a side shuffle pass blocker
Weak Points:
-Slow out of his stance as a lateral mover
-Struggles to maintain separation from defenders
-Gets top heavy, shows his numbers to the dirt, doesnt keep his head up
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Hernandez will be ready for NFL right away when it comes to the power game. He wont be pushed back by anyone and he will excel as a straight ahead run blocker. I get nervous with him elsewhere, however. If he is up against speed and quickness inside on passing downs, a growing trend, I can see him having a hard time. He doesnt lock guys up and there are some adjustment issues. He can be a stud in the right scheme, but a major liability in the wrong scheme. He is not a one size fits all lineman.
NFL Comparison: Gabe Jackson / OAK
11 Austin Corbett Nevada 64/306
Grade: 75
Strong Points:
-Fluid and easy footwork that just seem to come natural to him
-Excellent initial hand punch with it comes to pop and placement
-Versatility is a major plus, has the brains to play anywhere
Weak Points:
-Too easily altered by a quality pass rush
-Struggles to recover if initially beat, doesnt trust his lower half enough
-Doesnt keep his legs driving after contact
Summary:
Fifth year senior, four year starter. Overcame knee injuries from high school and has started every game since week 2 of 2014. Thee time team captain. Corbett is a top tier athlete among this group that simply lacks a power game. He is smart and aware enough to somewhat make up for it, but he is likely a 1-2 year project before being able to be relied on as a starter. I see a 6th lineman or solid interior starter at that point.
NFL Comparison: Clint Boling / CIN
12 Dejon Allen Hawaii 62/295
Grade: 73
Strong Points:
-Excellent athlete with short area quickness and burst in space
-Works hard to keep his hands inside, can lock guys up
-Fast to locate his man in space and will quickly pounce
Weak Points:
-Doesnt keep his lower half moving in pass protection, too top heavy
-Inconsistent technique and concentration
-Wont get movement off the ball against bigger, more powerful DTs
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Four year starter with experience at both guard spots and left tackle. Allowed just 1 sack in 2 years at guard. Saw similar success at tackle, but when it comes to his skill set and size, he is going to play inside at the next level. Allen is a 2 year project with the upside of all but maybe 2 or 3 guys in this OG/OC class. His foot speed and work with his hands are top notch, rare for a college guard. If he can learn to use his legs more productively while adding weight, he can be a well balanced player in this league.
NFL Comparison: Connor McGovern / DEN
13 Bradley Bozeman Alabama 65/296
Grade: 72
Strong Points:
-Hands and feet are very in sync with each other
-Has a level of natural strength to him, easy country power
-Gets his hips in the hole and will anchor against size and strength
Weak Points:
-Slow in space, struggles to reach linebackers laterally
-Doesnt get enough push as a run blocker
-Looks unathletic when he is trying to recovery, gets sloppy
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Took over for Ryan Kelly as a fu time starter in 2016. He isnt the same caliber prospect but coaches say he had a similar level impact. He plays the game like a pro, mentally and physically. Learning curve wont be very high for him. He is a limited ceiling athlete but that isnt too important for an OC. He is always at the right place, right time. There is a lot of fight to him. Day 3 pick that could start on some teams right now.
NFL Comparison: Brandon Linder / JAC
14 Mason Cole Michigan 64/305
Grade: 71
Strong Points:
-Very smart and alert, can make guys around him better
-Versatile tool set, has a lot of experience inside and out
-Easy bender, can lower his pad level and really dig in
Weak Points:
-Too easily altered by power and strength
-Ducks his head on contact, leaving him very susceptible
-Lacks stability and presence in the power game
Summary:
Has started every game of his career. Has played tackle and center. I was expecting to see big things out of him as a LT in 2017 because of his prior tape and athleticism. He could have come out last year and been a day 2 pick, but 2017 took a turn for the worst. He just lacked strength and presence every time I saw him, and that was against college kids. You can blame it on being out of position, as I think he is an OC-only, but the tape doesnt lie. He is made for a zone blocking scheme where he isnt matched up one on one with a Damon Harrison ever, but its not a fit for a lot of teams. I wouldnt be surprised to see him succeed, but he isnt worth a pick until round 5.
NFL Comparison: Travis Swanson / NYJ
15 Wyatt Teller Virginia Tech 64/301
Grade: 71
Strong Points:
-Powerful tackle mover, can really pop a guy when he lines it up
-Keeps defenders away from his body
-Anchors against the bull rush well
Weak Points:
-Tight hips and ankles, doesnt react well when he has to open up
-Slow mover when he pulls out and moves laterally
-Effort switch is off and on too often
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Came to Virginia Tech as a defensive lineman and it took him a year and a half to really get the hang of OL. Settled in to left guard and ended his career 1st Team All ACC in 2017. Another high upside player that is found down here. Just a very inconsistent player week to week. Flashes dominance at times but also some head scratchers. Have heard some negatives about his attitude too. He can handle NFL power today, but not the speed and quickness just yet.
NFL Comparison: TJ Lang DET
16 - Kyle Bosch West Virginia 65/298 GRADE: 71
17 - Brian Allen Michigan State 61/300 GRADE: 71
18 - Rod Taylor Ole Miss 63/321 GRADE: 71
19 - Will Clapp LSU 64/314 GRADE: 71
20 - Colby Gossett Appalachian State 65/315 GRADE: 71
21 - KJ Malone LSU 64/321 GRADE: 70
22 - Sam Jones Arizona State 65/290 GRADE: 69
23 - Scott Quessenberry UCLA - 64/315 GRADE: 68
24 - Toby Weathersby LSU 64/313 GRADE: 68
25 - Taylor Hearn Clemson 64/330 GRADE: 68
NYG APPROACH
With the signing of Nate Solder and the departure of Justin Pugh, the NYG approach to the offensive line can rightfully be pointed towards the interior. The current situation there can rightfully be considered a liability at this point, perhaps even worse than it was last year. If you want to settle on Brett Jones at OC, fine. But that means the OGs next to him need to be above average and I wouldnt consider any option they currently have to be at that level. Round 2 is going to be a spot where one of the top 4-5 guys are available I think, and it is almost a must. I wouldnt call it shopping hungry, as think the value will match up. If by some chance another prospect with a much higher grade is there, round 3 could still be an option to find a starting caliber OG/OC, but the odds significantly decrease. In terms of tackles, adding another body to the young group of question marks can be an option late because you can never have enough competition there, but the value needs to jump out considering the other holes this roster has.
A 3-13 team can't afford to have their top draft picks watching from the sideline.
You have Nelson and Smith at the same points grade value
I am surprised by your grade on Nelson as I have been thinking he may be the best guard coming out since John Hannah or Joe DeLamielleure... do you have an NFL comparison on him? I was skeptical of selecting a guard with the second overall pick - this analysis suggests that it probably makes no sense to select a guard anywhere in the first round as comparable talent can be found later...
I am surprised by your grade on Nelson as I have been thinking he may be the best guard coming out since John Hannah or Joe DeLamielleure... do you have an NFL comparison on him? I was skeptical of selecting a guard with the second overall pick - this analysis suggests that it probably makes no sense to select a guard anywhere in the first round as comparable talent can be found later...
Sorry...
NFL Comparison on Nelson is Kelechi Osemele / OAK
I think the talk of him being "best ever" OG prospect has too much to do with his ability to dominate power/size wise. He can really overwhelm guys. But there are some holes when it comes to footwork that he will have to improve. He has a ways to go to be considered on the Zack Martin level
Quote:
Thanks Sy - great stuff on a Monday morning as usual and why it is so useful to have some critical thinking to help guide us during these next several weeks...
I am surprised by your grade on Nelson as I have been thinking he may be the best guard coming out since John Hannah or Joe DeLamielleure... do you have an NFL comparison on him? I was skeptical of selecting a guard with the second overall pick - this analysis suggests that it probably makes no sense to select a guard anywhere in the first round as comparable talent can be found later...
Sorry...
NFL Comparison on Nelson is Kelechi Osemele / OAK
I think the talk of him being "best ever" OG prospect has too much to do with his ability to dominate power/size wise. He can really overwhelm guys. But there are some holes when it comes to footwork that he will have to improve. He has a ways to go to be considered on the Zack Martin level
Better grade than Hutchinson coming out?
Quote:
Thanks Sy - great stuff on a Monday morning as usual and why it is so useful to have some critical thinking to help guide us during these next several weeks...
I am surprised by your grade on Nelson as I have been thinking he may be the best guard coming out since John Hannah or Joe DeLamielleure... do you have an NFL comparison on him? I was skeptical of selecting a guard with the second overall pick - this analysis suggests that it probably makes no sense to select a guard anywhere in the first round as comparable talent can be found later...
Sorry...
NFL Comparison on Nelson is Kelechi Osemele / OAK
I think the talk of him being "best ever" OG prospect has too much to do with his ability to dominate power/size wise. He can really overwhelm guys. But there are some holes when it comes to footwork that he will have to improve. He has a ways to go to be considered on the Zack Martin level
Great, thanks. Not yet comparable to Zack Martin - wow! Very surprising...
Coleman Shelton/Washington
Thoughts?
His weaknesses are most easily correctable and he has no physical limitations. Played in a big time program.
Diver_Down : 7:50 am : link : reply
Have you heard any details on Price's injury? I know it was his pectoral, but there seems to be no public update on the extent and rehab timeline.
It was a partial tear and he's already had surgery on it. See the linked article below:
Price is expected to be sidelined four months but should be ready for the start of training camp. Surgery is not expected to alter his draft stock, a source said. A second medical opinion recommended the surgery.
Price Expected back by Camp - ( New Window )
Is that primarily a result of weaknesses that have come out of more film watching or the relative gain by the other OLs?
So one would look for those few guards who can do both well? Or a guard and a center?
One would imagine that current prospect O tackles will also be considered at guard -in this regard - if they have the required skills - and without limits pick cost wise.
In other words, if Nelson is even in the conversation at 2 than any other worthy guard is worth a high ish pick as well.
I guess: u look for quick get up, great, great balance, decent feet, smarts, good movement skills in addition to power, low center of gravity ability if not build.
Which seems like a rare combo, and so a priority.
From what I have read about him, it is something that he has been vocal about, in regards to how he has struggled to stay aggressive while playing on his medication. He didn't take them on gamedays his junior year, but was a little bit more wild leading to some penalities.
Last season he halfed his dosage on Gamedays, and played ok, but seemed to lack the aggression from the year before.
If it gets you to that full menu of line play methods.
Translation expect guards or OL players, maybe two, from any rounds?
I'm one of them with a man-crush on Will. While he can be heavy-footed, when he latches onto a defender, it is over. He is a mountain of a man and it shows with his run blocking. But he is also The Southern Border Wall in that when he anchors and latches on to a defender, no one is getting around him or pushing him back. I was watching his play in Mobile and I thought I saw the old-school horse-collar. As I looked closer, it was his traps that were protruding from under his shoulder pads.
Quote:
Sy -
Diver_Down : 7:50 am : link : reply
Have you heard any details on Price's injury? I know it was his pectoral, but there seems to be no public update on the extent and rehab timeline.
It was a partial tear and he's already had surgery on it. See the linked article below:
Quote:
Ohio State center and potential first-round NFL draft pick Billy Price underwent successful surgery on his "incomplete pec tear" Tuesday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Price is expected to be sidelined four months but should be ready for the start of training camp. Surgery is not expected to alter his draft stock, a source said. A second medical opinion recommended the surgery.
Price Expected back by Camp - ( New Window )
Thanks, FMiC. If he checks out and is still there at #34, then he should merit consideration. While Sy has Ragnow highly rated, he is projected to be available at the top of the 3rd. Either of those two should be able to push Jones for the starting gig.
or
Will Richardson
(third or fourth rounds?) As current tackle prospects who might project as guards that could function in both Power (pulling?) And Zone (slide vs next defender over?) systems without giving up anything in power ? (lower case here; Individual measure of strength)
Not sure what you mean but that #10 is not a projection of where he's should go in the draft.
Coleman Shelton/Washington
Thoughts?
Both are under the desired size measurements and neither play the game that fast or quick/twitched. You are looking at 7th round or UDFA with both.
Welsh has had some issues off the field...not trouble...just some mental health stuff.
A 3-13 team can't afford to have their top draft picks watching from the sideline.
Price had a partial tear that did require surgery. I am actually quite familiar with the injury, especially with what caused it.
He will be a full go by training camp and until then, not much matters. He can still go to meetings, learn the schemes and what not. I don't think it will impact where he gets drafted
Same level as Jerry. You can get away with him in there if he is surrounded by plus talent
Is that primarily a result of weaknesses that have come out of more film watching or the relative gain by the other OLs?
I thought he had a shot at being a top 20 guy...but he will likely be more like top 30-35. Not a major downgrade. He is limited athletically, especially as a run blocker on the move. I like him...he will never be a star but he will be reliable
From what I have read about him, it is something that he has been vocal about, in regards to how he has struggled to stay aggressive while playing on his medication. He didn't take them on gamedays his junior year, but was a little bit more wild leading to some penalities.
Last season he halfed his dosage on Gamedays, and played ok, but seemed to lack the aggression from the year before.
I think his progress with ADHD will be solved via nutrition. Pro teams are much more controlling and helpful with the players diets than in college. I don't think it will impact his grade much around the league. Some say there are maturity issues with him that cannot be solely blamed on the disorder.
There was a delay in the impact of the weight-training changes of Coach Andersen as well as some injuries, so the current crop at UW is 'relatively' young. I suspect if Dieter (especially) or Edwards had come out early, they would be on the list.
So the short answer -- no Badgers on the list cause non are declared for the draft :)
I had Ramczyck up there last year.
They have 2 guys I will like a lot going in to the 2018 season.
OT Michael Deiter
OG Beau Benzschawel
Both would have had a shot at being the top at their position in this class
Quote:
You don't think much of Omameh?
Same level as Jerry. You can get away with him in there if he is surrounded by plus talent
Then in this case they need to go after two offensive linemen with 2nd rd and 3rd rd picks with the 3rd pick a g/c or g/t?
You have Nelson and Smith at the same points grade value
+1. I thought the gap would be at least 6-7 points from top score for the next best.And QN would be higher.
Barkley's 94 , then vs #2 is all the more impressive.
2nd/3rd rd should be interesting in the OL drafting.
What do you make of Mike Mayock saying that Nelson is the best interior lineman to come out in two decades and is arguably the best overall player in this draft?
Adding someone as versatile as that would be a huge get for this line.
What do you make of Mike Mayock saying that Nelson is the best interior lineman to come out in two decades and is arguably the best overall player in this draft?
I can see why they say things like that.
A.Physically dominant when he gets his hands on
B. Clicks and attention, trying to affirm how much they like him
Looking forward to seeing Eli actually staying upright on a few plays this year.
is this a superior deep draft?
and with that....
does it make sense for the Giants to trade down?....if their QB is not there....and offer is substantial