NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Offensive Line Prospects

Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Jake Matthews (7). Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

TIER ONE

1. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M: 6-5, 308

Matthews is the top left tackle prospect in the draft and should go early in round one. Matthews is a fundamentally sound lineman who plays with great technique.

He should be an immediate contributor to whatever team drafts him, and has all of the physical tools to be a steady presence at left tackle in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Top 5)

Auburn Tigers tackle Greg Robinson (73). Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn: 6-5, 332

Robinson is a tough, gritty tackle who may be better suited at right tackle in the NFL, despite starting at left tackle for the past two years at Auburn.

Robinson isn’t quite the technician that Matthews is, but Robinson’s strength is his ability to excel as both a run and pass blocker. It’s this balance that leads some to prefer Robinson over Matthews in this draft.

(Draft Projection: Top 10)

3. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: 6-7, 309

Lewan has all of the physical tools to be a dominant tackle in the NFL, and this was showcased with his outstanding performance at the NFL Combine. His combination of size, strength, and quick burst will make him a tough match for any pass rusher coming off the edge.

However, off-the-field issues may lead to some teams shying away from Lewan in the first round. Lewan also needs to polish his game and play with better leverage, specifically in the run game.

(Draft Projection: First Round)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Zack Martin (70) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Shakir Soto (52). Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. Zach Martin, G/T, Notre Dame: 6-4, 308

Martin is a versatile offensive lineman that can play either tackle or guard.

The Notre Dame prospect is athletic and intelligent, and although he lacks the ideal height and length for tackle in the pros, his quick feet and ability to read defenses make him a reliable option at four spots on the line.

(Draft Projection: First Round)

5. Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA: 6-4, 307

Su’a-Filo is the top interior offensive lineman in the draft and should be a day-one starter in the NFL.

Su’a-Filo is one of the more athletic guards coming out of college, and although he plays with good technique, it’s his ability to quickly move his feet and get his hands on defenders that makes him dominant as an interior offensive lineman.

(Draft Projection: First Round)