NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Offensive Line Prospects

Virginia Cavaliers offensive tackle Morgan Moses (78) blocks Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman David Durham (37). Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

TIER TWO

6. Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia: 6-6, 314

Moses is a raw tackle prospect with a ton of upside. He possesses great length and power, and he can dominate at the line of scrimmage once he gets his hands on a defender.

Moses still needs to play with better technique and show more consistency on the field.  Athletic speed rushers could give Moses some problems at the next level.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2)

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Cyrus Kouandjio (71). Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

7. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama: 6-7, 322

Once considered a first round prospect, Kouandjio’s draft stock took a significant hit with a poor performance at the NFL Combine and an unspectacular pro day.

Kouandjio’s game is still raw at this point and he’ll need time to develop to be effective at the next level. Despite this, Kouandjio is still a powerful tackle prospect with great size and length that can manhandle pass rushers once he gets ahold of them.

Kouandjio needs to work on moving his feet and not getting beat by athetlic speed rushers off the edge.

(Draft Projection: Round 2)

8. Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State: 6-3, 298

Richburg is the top center in this year’s draft class and a player the Packers may target on draft day.

Richburg is an athletic interior lineman who can block well on the move and has the quickness to get to the second level and get his hands on linebackers.

The Colorado State product is an ideal fit at center for a zone-blocking team like the Packers. Richburg is also highly intelligent, which will help him read and dissect defensive schemes in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Round 2)

9. Joel Bitonio, OG, Nevada: 6-4, 302

Bitonio was an undersized college left tackle who will make the transition to guard in the NFL.

Bitonio is a tough, gritty offensive lineman who brings versatility to an offense. He can play either tackle or guard positions and is underrated as an athlete. He’s also considered a high-character guy with a strong work ethic.

Bitonio can do a lot on the field. He may even be able to make the switch to center in the NFL with some time at the position.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3)

Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive linesman Gabe Jackson (61). Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

10. Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State: 6-3, 336

Jackson has the stout wide body ideal for the guard position in the NFL. Jackson is more athletic than he appears, but not as much of a mauler in the run game as his size and strength would suggest.

Jackson’s strength seems to be in pass protection. He can plant and anchor and keep interior defensive linemen from collapsing the pocket. Jackson also has quick feet, which allows him to stay in front of his man.

Jackson just needs to play with a little more meanness when run blocking.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3)

11. Marcus Martin, C, USC: 6-3, 320

Martin isn’t too far behind Richburg for top center considerations. However, Martin is a very different style of player.

Whereas, Richburg is an athletic center who moves well on his feet, Martin is a stout powerful anchor on the interior offensive line. Martin is a mauler in the run game and has the strength to take the big nose tackles of the NFL head on.

Martin’s abilities would also transition well to right guard.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3)

12. Cameron Fleming, OT, Stanford: 6-5, 323

Fleming is a massive tackle prospect who’s affinity for run blocking should transition well to right tackle in the NFL.

Fleming isn’t the most athletic tackle is this draft, but he possesses a solid frame and enough upside at the position to make him an intriguing offensive line prospect on day two of the draft.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3)