1. Jawaan Taylor (Florida)– This is the next franchise offensive lineman for any NFL team for the next ten years. He put together an excellent season for Dan Mullen and the Gators in 2018. When you’re able to play well in both pass protection and run blocking, you’ll get the praise you deserve. He’s 6’5, 340 pounds with a combination of size, movement skills and strength. Scouts have said he has an excellent skillset with the upside to be a tackle in the NFL. He’s a bully that controls the line of scrimmage. He plays with scrappy hands, he squares up with balance and technique, he’s durable (started every game) and as a football player, he’s a bully. He can play both tackle positions on the offensive line.
2. Greg Little (Ole Miss)– He was the anchor of that line for the Rebels. He’s very punch ready with his hands. He shows a rapid right-left-right combination to dissuade hand fighters, shows a wide base along with basketball feet to sustain his mirror and has above average agility for recovery blocks in the pocket. He can capture all blitzes and schemes coming and remains low and square on each play. His athleticism prevents scheme limitations. He also shows an initial quickness and burst to get cut-off blocks if asked. Little is a natural bender with good feet and pepper in his punch as blind-side protector, but his average anchor and inconsistent body control create some concern. He will be an early starter at left tackle but needs to improve his strength and eliminate his tendency to lean in order to reach the potential his potential.
3. Andre Dillard (Washington State)– He’s a skilled four-year starter with a complete skillset to offer many teams who have been struggling to protect their quarterback’s blindside. He plays with quick feet with an easy change of direction, his skip pull-step is extremely smooth, runs his feet as a base blocker and drives from his in steps. To be successful as an offensive lineman, you need to have consistent core power. He does along with having good arm length to toy, push and bully his blockers. He has balance to adjust to second-level targets and strikes with force. He’s another guy that could come in and really improve an offensive line overall.
4. Cody Ford (Oklahoma)– He had quite the career in Norman, Oklahoma being able to block and protect for two consecutive Heisman winners. He lost 15 pounds to become more mobile in the new position, which paid off handsomely in 14 starts, a first-team All-Big 12 nod, and a third-team Associated Press All-American honor. He has a very rare combination of mass size and athleticism. Versatility is always key in any football player, especially on the offensive line because you must play all over and fill in when necessary. He’s able to play tackle or guard. He plays with a nasty mentality meaning he’s looking to do the dirty work to make plays and he doesn’t mind getting his jersey dirty. He has the potential to stay mirrored to top athletes with more experience. He plays with power to bulldoze down blocks and open the gap.
5. Dalton Risner (Kansas State)– He possesses average length and athletic ability, but with enough tape consumption, it becomes clear he has the necessary tools to get guys blocked on the NFL level. He always keeps himself centered which allows him to play wide. He always plays with the proper mechanics. He has strong hands that can snatch and secure blockers, has an anchor that allows him to remain strong against power surges (heavy blitzing), he’s efficient on bump and climb combos up to the linebacker and he’s patient on second level with ability to gather and adjust to moving targets.
