INTERIOR OLINE
The number one prospect in the IOL group is a… tackle? That’s actually pretty common, in fact, three of these prospects are tackles who, in our mind, profile much better as guards or even centers in today’s NFL. Tackles with shorter arms (> 32”) and stouter, more solid anchors traditionally move inside to play guard (Brandon Scherff, Ezra Cleveland)
1. Troy Fautanu, University of Washington
Steph Chambers, Getty Images
+ Two year starter on a CFP team.
+ Compact frame, quick movement ability off the snap.
+ Can use his hip rotations to smoothly log off one block and onto another.
+ Has a nice mix of balance and power — especially in the legs — that will make him sturdy enough to hold up inside.
+ Good communicator, nasty demeanor.
+ Can and will magnetize onto blocks at the second level due to change of direction ability.
- Does not take up a ton of gap space, especially if he is profiling more as a guard.
- Drops his shoulders when going against quicker pass rushers as he tries to gain leverage by lunging.
2. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon University
Kevin Abele, Getty Images
+ Can play guard as well (played all three phases as a freshman at Oregon).
+ Has very long arms on tape and is able to stick to pass rushers with tacky hands.
+ Has punch in his initial blow, and displays patience against pretentious rushers.
+ Has a reliable, sturdy anchor inside.
- May possibly be carrying a bit too muh weight (320lbs), but frame is workable.
- Instincts and awareness need to be upgraded.
- Plays with his chest a bit too often.
3. Sedrick Van Pran, University of Georgia
Georgia Athletics
+ Nasty streak is always on display when run blocking. Elite leg drive.
+ Quick hands that he uses to his advantage against larger nose tackles.
+ Has good bend and strike, making him a devastating blocker if given time.
+ One of the quicker IOL in this class.
+ Tough, physical, quick blocker allows Van Pran to maul linebackers and bulldoze unsuspecting edge rushers.
- Short arms make taking on blocks a bit more challenging.
- Needs help with angles and discipline as a pass blocker.
4. Graham Barton, Duke University
goduke.com
+ Versatility to play all positions on OL.
+ Controlled player who never seems to get out of sorts in pass protection.
+ Latches onto targets with relative ease, elite grip strength.
+ Very balanced, rarely oversets.
- Not the strongest anchor, will lose battles against feverishly strong nose tackles.
- Profiles best as a zone scheme guard with pulling being a limited variant of his game.
- Looked better in 2022 than in 2023.
5. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State University
Scott Winters, Getty Images
+ Husky, old school styled offensive lineman with nasty streak and bulldozing ability.
+ Can throw bodies while run blocking.
+ One of the largest frames in this draft at 6-3, 331.
+ Wide base that makes him almost unmovable in pass protection when he settles his feet.
+ Bear claw hands.
- Not a traditional zone blocking guard, something that may cause him to struggle in a zone-centric NFL.
- Is not fast by any means and has trouble turning corners.
- Limited in space and allows defenders to slip away from him.
6. Christian Haynes, University of Connecticut
UConn Athletics
+ A two time All-American from a team not necessarily known for producing linemen.
+ Elite hand placement and punch as a run blocker.
+ Deep anchor that rarely gives up leverage.
+ Not quick, but has good initial burst off the snap.
+ High motor with good overall athletic skills.
- At 312lbs, Haynes may want to add some weight if he is going to line up against 350+ pounders.
- Not the best with angles or depth in pass protection, and can lose grip on defenders.
7. Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin University
+ Converted tight end as well as tackle provides versatility.
+ Very good in pass protection for a collegiate center.
+ Plays with good pad level.
+ Good with sensing pressure and blitzes.
- Struggles against power rushers, gives up ground with 31” arms.
- Lateral quickness does not compute with straight line speed.
- Allows defenders to slip away from him.
8. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M University
Matthew Visinsky, Getty Images
+ Three year starter on an SEC team, boasts plenty of experience from the guard spot.
+ Good hand placement and stick — is able to readjust if needed.
+ Holds the LOS relatively well, maintains leverage.
+ Solid frame at 6-3, 321.
- No indication of improved footwork that has been sloppy.
- Against the freak athletes, Robinson struggled.
- Is not a rangy offensive lineman and will struggle to make blocks in space.
9. Zach Frazier, West Virginia University
WVU Sports
+ Has good burst out of his stance.
+ Plays with hands and feet always, possessing good footwork and grip strength.
+ Good field awareness and recognition of pressure for a college center.
+ Big frame at 6-3,310.
- Not the best overall athlete, struggling with straight line speed and movement in space.
- Seems a little stiff in his lower body making him unable to turn corners quickly.
10. Christian Mahogany, Boston College
Fred Kfoury, Getty Images
+ Solid frame at 6-3, 322.
+ Effective puller and adept at understanding angles.
+ Plays with somewhat of a nasty streak at times.
+ Solid mover, however, nothing special.
- Possibly dealing with injuries as we speak, hobbled off the field seemingly every game last season.
- Hands are uncoordinated, not a good combo blocker.
- Commonly seen taking plays off.