NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Offensive Line Prospects

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (74). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

TIER THREE

13. Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State: 6-6, 309

Mewhort is a versatile lineman who has started at left tackle and both guard spots in college. Mewhort is flying under the radar a bit at the position, but could be a nice value pick in the third or fourth round.

(Draft Projection: Round 3)

Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman David Yankey goes through drills during the 2014 NFL Combine. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

14. David Yankey, OG, Stanford: 6-6, 315

Coming out of college many considered Yankey the top guard in this year’s draft. However, lackluster numbers at the NFL Combine and Stanford pro day have hurt Yankey’s draft stock.

Now, Yankey looks like a solid option late on the second day of the draft, and could contribute at guard or center in the NFL.

Despite posting great workout numbers, Yankey is still one of the better interior lineman in this draft, in my opinion.

(Draft Projection: Round 3)

15. JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee: 6-6, 311

Although James was a starting right tackle for the Volunteers, many believe his ability as a pass protector makes him a better fit on the left side in the NFL.

After the top left tackle talent is taken early in the draft, James could be a legitimate option for a team looking for a blindside protector and missed out on one in the first two rounds.

James certainly possesses a lot of upside.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

16. Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas: 6-5, 312

Swanson is a savvy, experienced center prospect who excels in dissecting defensive pressure.

Although Swanson isn’t an elite athlete at the position, he is a solid option early on day three of the draft for a team looking to draft a starting-caliber center.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

Tennessee Volunteers offensive linesman Antonio Richardson (74). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

17. Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee: 6-6, 336

Richardson is a big, powerful left tackle prospect whose injury history has pushed him down some draft boards. If Richardson can nullify some of the injury concerns then he could develop into a solid starting tackle in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4)

18. Chris Watt, OG, Notre Dame: 6-3, 310

Watt is a mauler in the run game that can hold his ground against bigger defensive linemen. Watt isn’t overly athletic, but he plays with sound technique, which helps him win his one-on-one matchups.

(Draft Projection: Round 4)

19. Billy Turner, G/T, North Dakota State: 6-5, 315

Turner is versatile enough to play either guard or tackle in the NFL. He certainly has the size and length for tackle at the next level, but Turner’s aggressive playing style may be better suited for guard in the long run.

Turner does need to improve his technique, but he plays to the whistle and gives maximum effort every time he steps on the field.

(Draft Projection: Round 4)

Clemson Tigers running back Zac Brooks (24) celebrates his second quarter touchdown with quarterback Tajh Boyd (10) and offensive tackle Brandon Thomas (63). Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

20. Brandon Thomas, G/T, Clemson: 6-3, 317

Thomas was considered an early-round prospect and one of the top guard prospects in this draft, but unfortunately, Thomas tore his ACL during a workout earlier this month, which has severely hurt his draft stock.

Thomas will probably land with a team who isn’t looking for an immediate contributor and can afford to wait for him to recover and develop his game in the NFL.

Completely healthy, Thomas is still one of the better all-around lineman in this draft.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

21. Anthony Steen, OG, Alabama: 6-3, 314

Like Thomas, an injury has significantly hurt Steen’s draft stock. Steen played the entire 2013 season with a shoulder injury after hurting it before the season lifting.

The fact that Steen didn’ miss a game is a testament to his toughness and durability, but the injury also meant offseason surgery and a long recovery for the Alabama prospect.

Steen may not be ready to contribute immediately his rookie year, but he is still a top talent as an interior offensive lineman and could start someday in the NFL at either guard or center.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)