NFL Draft: Breaking Down the Top Offensive Line Prospects

Baylor Bears guard Cyril Richardson (68). Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

TIER FOUR

22. Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor: 6-5, 329

Richardson looked like a dominant interior lineman in his time at Baylor, but disappointing performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine have many questioning how well his talents translate to the NFL.

Richardson lacks athleticism and punch off the line and really struggles in pass protection, which isn’t a desirable trait at the next level.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Wyoming Cowboys quarterback Brett Smith (16) tries to get past Utah State Aggies center Tyler Larsen (58). Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

23. Tyler Larsen, C, Utah State: 6-4, 313

Larsen is an underrated offensive lineman who could be a pleasant surprise for a team looking for a player to develop as a starting center.

Larsen seems well suited for a zone-blocking scheme, like Green Bay’s, but some question his versatility and see him limited to the center position in the NFL, which hurts his draft stock.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

24. James Hurst, OT, North Carolina: 6-5, 296

Hurst looked like one of the better tackle prospects in college football last season and seemed pegged for an early-round selection in the draft. However, he suffered a broken fibula against Cincinnati in the Belk Bowl and this has dropped him down to a day three pick.

Hurst has a long recovery ahead of him, not to mention the injury has prevented him from working out for teams and scouts; however, Hurst is still a tough, competitive player who possesses all of the intangibles to be a good tackle in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Groy (79). Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

25. Ryan Groy, OG, Wisconsin: 6-5, 316

Groy is a high-effort interior lineman who knows how to finish plays. He’s a bit limited as an athlete and doesn’t always play with the best technique, but his intelligence and grit allow him to be effective on the field.

Groy shouldn’t have a problem finding a role on a team in the NFL.

(Draft Projection: Round 5)

Late-Round Options:

Dakota Dozier, OG, Furman: 6-4, 313

(Draft Projection: Round 5)

Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami: 6-7, 331

(Draft Projection: Round 5)

Justin Britt, OT, Missouri: 6-6, 325

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

Russell Bodine, G/C, North Carolina: 6-3, 310

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

Gabe Ikard, C, Oklahoma: 6-4, 304

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)

Bryan Stork, C, Florida State: 6-4, 315

(Draft Projection: Rounds 5-6)