OT Top Ten and First Look:
1. Connor Willams, Texas
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
2. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame
3. Jamarco Jones, Ohio State
4. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State (shown right)
5. Mitch Hyatt, Clemson
6. Ike Boettger, Iowa
7. Trey Adams, Washington
8. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma
9. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon
10. Cole Madison, Washington State
The 2018 draft is full of offensive line talent, especially at the tackle position. The group's most elite prospect is Connor Williams of Texas. Williams is a two year starter who has surrendered one career sack on a quarterback scramble. At 6'5'' and a little over 290 pounds, Williams has the athleticism to handle NFL defensive ends and has the strength to make big holes in the run game. He is one of the better tackle prospects of the last ten years. Behind Connor Williams is Mike McGlinchey. McGlinchey is a rock at 6'7'' and 315 pounds. He has a refined technique and experience playing both left and right tackle (38 games played). Being pro-ready will not be an issue for McGlinchey. Jamarco Jones is a name that is starting to get some buzz in the scouting community. At 6'5'' and 310 pounds, Jones is as strong as an ox in the running game. Jones also excelled in pass protection towards the end of he season against elite defenses such as Michigan and Wisconsin. Add in that he plays in a pro-style offense, and Jones could hear his name called on day one. Martinas Rankin is one of my personal favorites to watch at tackle. The JUCO transfer plays with a mean streak, and he launches his hands right into defenders to take them out of plays. He needs to improve against speed rushers and maintain his blocks better, but overall, Rankin has enormous potential worth using a high pick on. Mitch Hyatt is a experienced tackle with great athleticism. He excels in the run game and can hold his own in pass protection, however, he needs to add strength and maintain his blocks better in order to be considered a truly elite prospect. Fortunately, Hyatt is still young and can be molded into a special player.
Ike Boettger is the stereotypical Big Ten tackle: big, strong, mean, refined, and yet undervalued in the draft. Boettger is far from flashy, but he has an athleticism and strength combination that allows him to dominate against opposing pass rushers and run defenders. Trey Adams was the unheralded stud of the Washington Huskies in 2016. The 6'7'', 309 pound mammoth protected Jake Browning's blindside and ripped open holes to run through with his long arms and strong hands. His foot quickness must improve, but Adams' has the physical tools and tape to warrant a high pick. Orlando Brown is far and away the biggest player on this list at 6'8'' and 345 pounds. Obviously, Brown is incredibly strong and long. Brown is a brick wall that most opponents cannot seem to get around. Unfortunately, Brown's size is also his biggest weakness, as his ability to move laterally is very poor. Still, he has a home in the NFL, it just might be at right tackle. Tyrell Crosby has the size at 6'5'' and 310 pounds and good right tackle tape, the problem is he can't stay healthy. He is penciled in as the Duck's starting left tackle, so we will have to see if he shows the same athleticism that made him such a hyped prospect in the first place. Cole Madison was Washington State's rock at right tackle last season. He is athletic enough to get to the second level of the defense and he has the strength to take on any defender one on one. He is only a right tackle, but he will still be a valuable asset in the pros.
Match-ups to Watch:
Ohio State vs Oklahoma, September 9th
This is the first step for both Jamarco Jones and Orlando Brown to prove they are elite prospects. Jones will likely go against Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who had nine sack last season, while Brown will be matched up against Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard.
This is the first step for both Jamarco Jones and Orlando Brown to prove they are elite prospects. Jones will likely go against Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who had nine sack last season, while Brown will be matched up against Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard.
Mississippi State vs LSU, September 16th
Martinas Rankin will go against one of the most feared defenders in the nation in Arden Key. If he shuts Key down, it will cause his stock to skyrocket. This is also a chance to see Tiger tackle Toby Weathersby shine against the bulldog defense.
Martinas Rankin will go against one of the most feared defenders in the nation in Arden Key. If he shuts Key down, it will cause his stock to skyrocket. This is also a chance to see Tiger tackle Toby Weathersby shine against the bulldog defense.
Oregon vs Arizona State, September 23rd
Assuming Tyrell Crosby is healthy, this will be one of his tougher challenges of the year. He will have to shut down Arizona State's Koron Crump, and if he can, scouts will start putting more faith into Crosby.
Assuming Tyrell Crosby is healthy, this will be one of his tougher challenges of the year. He will have to shut down Arizona State's Koron Crump, and if he can, scouts will start putting more faith into Crosby.
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All stats come from www.sports-refrence.com unless otherwise noted
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