2019 Draft Prospects To Keep An Eye On

[like54ninjas]

Maybe this is the right place to post Dane Brugler's rankings

Feel free to post

[Xenos]

Here are Brugler's Pre-Combine rankings for OT:
https://theathletic.com/807691/2019/...ger-positions/

Pre-Combine NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive tackle quietly one of the draft's stronger positions

All 32 NFL teams are searching for more offensive line depth, specifically at offensive tackle.

And with as many as five potential first-rounders, the 2019 crop of offensive tackles is quietly one of the stronger positions in this year's NFL Draft. The intrigue of the group might be: who will be the first tackle drafted in April?

I polled 12 people (six NFL scouts, three agents and three media members who I consider plugged in) and asked that very question.

Oklahoma's Cody Ford led the way with five votes, followed by Alabama's Jonah Williams with three votes and Florida's Jawaan Taylor and Washington State's Andre Dillard tied with two votes each.

These rankings are based on tape study and all-star games and will be updated and expanded after the scouting combine (along with testing numbers and round projection). The number in parentheses after each prospect's date of birth is his age (to the nearest hundredth) on draft day.

1. Jonah Williams, Alabama (6-5, 303, 5.18)

Folsom, Calif. (Folsom), Junior, 11/17/1997 (age 21.45)

Strengths: Plays low and controlled ... agile feet and natural knee bend in his kick slide, gaining proper depth ... technically sound hands and body posture ... drops his lower body to anchor vs. power ... generates torque from his hips and runs his feet to move bodies in the run game ... controls and forklifts defenders at the second level ... very alert player to quickly react and reset ... his coaches call him "The Intellectual" because of his detailed preparation and intelligence ... eager blocker through the whistle, always looking for the kill shot ... natural born competitor with a goal-oriented mindset ... graduated with his marketing degree (December 2018) in less than three years ... started every game the past three seasons (44 straight starts), spending time at both left and right tackle.

Weaknesses: Not physically imposing ... shorter-than-ideal arm length and extension ... bull rushers will get him when he allows his base to narrow ... caught leaning into blocks and ends up on the ground ... doesn't have starting experience inside at guard or center ... outplayed by Clemson edge rusher Clelin Ferrell in his final collegiate game.

Summary: A three-year starter at Alabama, Williams was a model of consistency over his tenure with the Tide, playing right tackle as a true freshman before moving to left tackle the past two seasons once Cam Robinson left for the NFL. While not on the same level as future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, he overcomes his lack of ideal length in similar ways, including his ability to make split-second reads, quickly find his landmarks and stay square to rushers. Aside from his on-field ability, Williams will win over an NFL coaching staff because he is a tactician with intense work habits and competitive desire. While his college film says he can play left tackle at the next level, his lack of length will push him to guard or center on some NFL draft boards. Overall, Williams is a detail-focused blocker with the foot quickness, technical savvy and attitude to be an above-average run blocker and pass protector in the NFL.


2. Cody Ford, Oklahoma (6-4, 335, 5.36)

Pineville, La. (Pineville), RS Junior, 12/28/1996 (age 22.34)

Strengths: Broad-shouldered, big-boned frame with proportionate thickness ... wide base and large wingspan ... moves well for his size and didn't lose the corner on tape ... balanced in his pass sets with the lateral quickness to lock down inside/outside speed ... quick eyes and reaction skills ... doesn't give ground when he stays square ... heavy-handed to punch and steer ... strong grip to physically move defenders from lanes ... looks natural when pulling ... mobility to work up a level on combos, using his length to reach linebackers and divert their course ... instigator with a nasty streak, blocking through the echo of the whistle ... graduated with a degree in criminology (December 2018) ... offers starting experience at tackle and guard.

Weaknesses: Plays upright in his stance with little knee bend ... hands stay low and stuck in his holster too long, allowing defenders to strike first ... inconsistent punch timing mid-kick slide ... forgets his feet at times, relying on his reach ... inconsistent body angles and can be caught leaning ... athleticism to easily detach in space, but needs to do a better job keying second-level defenders and handling moving objects ... missed almost all of 2016 and a few games in 2017 after breaking the fibula in his left leg (September 2016), requiring surgery.

Summary: A three-year starter at Oklahoma, Ford spent two seasons in the left guard rotation before flourishing at right tackle as a junior, lining up primarily in a two-point stance. He was arguably the best player on college football's best offensive line in 2018, helping the Sooners rank No. 1 in the FBS in total offense (570.3 yards per game) and scoring offense (48.4 points per game). Ford is tall in his pass sets and often loses the leverage battle, but he has the wide girth and lateral quickness to handle edge speed. He got away with some lazy habits in the Big 12 and needs to improve his technique for the next level, specifically his hand timing in pass protection and body angles as a run blocker. Overall, Ford looks like a grizzly bear with shoulder pads, displaying above-average feet for his size and the energy and awareness to start at either tackle spot in the NFL.


3. Jawaan Taylor, Florida (6-5, 335, 5.38)

Cocoa, Fla. (Cocoa), Junior, 11/25/1997 (age 21.43)

Strengths: Wide-framed and his 335 pounds is well-distributed ... agile lower body and handles space well ... flashes the reaction quickness to adjust on the fly ... aggressive extension and heavy handed to drive rushers wide of the pocket ... shows the movement skills to execute combinations, climb and cut off pursuing linebackers ... play strength to dominate in a phone booth ... rolls his hips into contact with the upper body power to stun his target ... blocks with a mean streak to overwhelm defenders ... works hard to stay conditioned and keep his weight under control ... starting experience at both tackle spots.

Weaknesses: Late hands and wild placement ... abandons his knee bend early in the block, putting his body posture in an upright alignment ... straight legged in pass protection ... oversets outside and leaves his inside shoulder susceptible ... choppy steps as a drive blocker and not a road grader in the run game ... didn't start the 2018 season opener due to failure to "live up to the Gator standard."

Summary: A three-year starter at Florida, Taylor won the starting right tackle job as a true freshman and was a staple there for the Gators' offense, occasionally seeing snaps at left tackle. While he can be occasionally stressed by outside speed, he is controlled in his pass sets with enough foot quickness to be a human shield. Taylor tends to allow rushers into his frame due to undeveloped hand use, but he has the stout frame to survive as a body-to-body blocker. He generates power from his core in the run game and has a high ceiling as a point-of-attack bully. Overall, Taylor is not a technically sound blocker right now, but he shows promise in pass protection and his contact balance and competitive finish are why he is one of the best run blockers in this class, projecting as an NFL starter at tackle or guard.


4. Greg Little, Ole Miss (6-6, 328, 5.12)

Allen, Texas (Allen), Junior, 11/4/1997 (age 21.48)

Strengths: Wide, athletic base ... balanced knee bender and naturally carries his 325-plus pounds ... lateral movement skills to cut off speed ... maintains low pad level to anchor and stymie rushers ... outstanding body control from head to toe, allowing him to recover after a false step ... relaxed but eager to punch and get his long arms into the frame of rushers ... nice job on combinations, working in unison and passing off defenders ... gets the job done on down blocks, creating movement with his upper body when he unloads his power ... durable and finished his college career with 29 straight starts at left tackle.

Weaknesses: Finesse blocker and needs to add more glass to his diet ... wild hand placement and timing mid-kick slide ... undeveloped counter measures and late to react to pass rush moves ... aggressively overextends himself and loses balance ... slow to work around road blocks as a puller ... tends to overrun second level blocks and needs to better break down in space.

Summary: A three-year starter at Ole Miss, Little started every game for the Rebels since becoming the starting left tackle midway through his freshman season. He checks several boxes for the next level with his ready-made frame, athletic feet and natural bend to redirect through his hips. While he plays controlled in his movements, Little needs time to improve his hand timing and develop more of a killer instinct, playing unsure of himself at times. An athletic big man with a relaxed punch and passive tendencies, his film notes read similar to the scouting report of Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley when he was a prospect at Notre Dame. Overall, Little isn't a seasoned blocker right now, but he is battle-tested from the SEC and displays the length, awareness and balanced movements to develop into an NFL starter.


5. Andre Dillard, Washington State (6-5, 310, 5.23)

Woodinville, Wash. (Woodinville), RS Senior, N/A

Strengths: Compact build with an adequate frame for the position ... balanced feet with lower body flexibility ... hands and feet stay in sync in his pass sets ... moves well as a puller ... aggressive with his reach to initiate contact, using a violent swipe to knock down hands ... plays with the core strength to control the edge ... processes everything very well and doesn't panic ... graduated with a degree in social science ... added 60-plus pounds since enrolling as a skinny 240-pounder ... durable and started all 39 games at left tackle the past three seasons.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent punch timing, and long-levered rushers can reach his chest ... trouble with length also shows in the run game, causing him to overextend ... needs to better use his hips and leverage as a run blocker ... needs to show better finish and sustain skills ... looks clean pulling but doesn't always hit his target.

Summary: A three-year starter at Washington State, Dillard played in a two-point stance at left tackle in Mike Leach's air-raid offense, taking over from another three-year starter (Joe Dahl). With wide splits and a quick-strike passing attack, it can be tough to evaluate offensive linemen in WSU's offense, but Dillard was dominant over his career (allowed only one sack in 2018) and is the highest-graded senior offensive lineman in this class. There are times when he looks defenseless vs. long-armed linemen, but he plays smooth, intellectually sound and will be even better once he improves his hand placement and reach timing. Overall, Dillard is a better pass protector than run blocker right now, but he is a quick-minded player with the light feet and core power to play multiple positions in the NFL, including left tackle.


6. Tytus Howard, Alabama State (6-5, 322, 5.08)

Monroeville, Ala. (Monroe County), RS Senior, 5/23/1996 (age 22.94)

Strengths: Athletic frame with long arms ... quick footed in his initial setup to beat rushers to the spot ... drops his hips and stays balanced in pass protection ... lasts on an island ... strong hands (doesn't wear gloves) and uses his length to engulf rushers ... core strength to halt bull rushers, repositioning his hands to steer objects from the pocket ... blocks with the "want to" required for the position ... flashes violence early ... keeps his feet moving once engaged to generate movement in the run game ... graduated with his bachelor's degree (December 2018) ... worked hard to add nearly 100 pounds, pushing himself in the weight room (couldn't bench 225 pounds when he arrived) ... has experience at both left and right tackle.

Weaknesses: Flat steps in his kick slide ... windup motion before his punch, causing him to be late with his hands ... inconsistent hand placement and caught hugging with his long arms ... bad habit of grabbing when panicked ... tends to power down once engaged ... still developing his instincts in the trenches and can be late to locate twists and loops ... most of his competition came vs. lower level of competition.

Summary: A four-year starter at Alabama State, Howard took an unlikely journey the past five seasons, transitioning from high school quarterback to skinny tight end to offensive tackle with a pro future. Lining up primarily in a two-point stance, he was on the NFL radar last summer, but his performance in 2018 (one sack allowed) put him in the conversation to be one of the first non-FBS players drafted, especially after his positive tape vs. Auburn (his favorite team growing up). Howard frustrates defenders with his ability to mirror and uncoil his length to disrupt pass-rush plans. While not shy using his hands, he appears clumsy at times because his timing and placement are undeveloped. Overall, Howard is a talented lump of clay with sloppy tendencies, but all the raw tools are there for him to develop into an NFL starter.


7. Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia (6-5, 319, 5.20)

Miami, Fla. (Miramar), RS Senior, 2/21/1996 (age 23.19)

Strengths: Wide-based frame with long levers ... quick feet and lateral quickness to protect the edge ... coordinated body control to play inside-out ... aggressive reach and long-arm to slow the momentum of rushers ... unleashes a nasty punch when looking to finish ... shows the mobility to block at the numbers or climb and put linebackers on skates ... intense, physical mentality appears to come natural ... graduated with his degree in multidisciplinary studies (December 2017) ... worked hard to go from 215 pounds as a junior in high school to his current weight.

Weaknesses: Light footed but lower body is more rigid than fluid ... NFL power will rock him unless he develops better knee bend and leverage ... bad habit of lunging and losing his balance ... wide, erratic hands and wears a large "welcome" sign on his chest ... needs to cut down on the holding penalties ... inconsistent awareness and needs to improve his body angles ... competes with an edge but needs to keep his emotions in check ... medicals will be paramount with his history of knee injuries; suffered a torn ACL (September 2016) and required season-ending surgery; missed six games as a redshirt freshman due to a knee sprain (October 2015).

Summary: A three-year starter at West Virginia, Cajuste earned the starting left tackle job as a redshirt freshman and started 30 games there the past four seasons, capping his career as the Big 12's Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2018 (shared the award with Kansas State's Dalton Risner and Oklahoma's Dru Samia). With his basketball background, he plays with long arms, coordinated feet and body movements. Cajuste hasn't been playing the position most of his life, which shows with his waist-bending pass sets and inconsistent hand play. Overall, there are examples on tape of him rolling his hips, using his punch and mirroring rushers in space but he doesn't do it on a consistent snap-by-snap basis. Cajuste has NFL starting potential if he stays healthy and eliminates the undisciplined parts of his game - but that is a big if.


8. Chuma Edoga, USC (6-4, 303, 5.01)

Atlanta, Ga. (McEachern), Senior, 5/25/1997 (age 21.93)

Strengths: Agile feet and easy lateral quickness ... maintains a wide base with controlled steps in pass protection ... anticipates rush moves to mirror and reach cross-face blocks ... smoothly redirects to achieve landmarks ... quick, timely jabs to slow down rushers with his hands ... long arms and flexible coil ... generates movement on down blocks ... able to steer and clear running room once locked on, especially at the second level ... looks comfortable in space.

Weaknesses: Narrow-limbed and lacks ideal height/build for the position ... below-average anchor strength and can be bullied ... needs to eliminate wasted motion in his punch and hand placement needs improvement ... too quick out of his stance at times, oversetting and opening lanes for rushers ... caught leaning and needs to stay patient ... focus comes and goes, appearing uninterested at times ... ejected from a game as a sophomore (September 2016) for pushing an official; suspended one game (October 2016) for a team rules violation ... competitive toughness and passion have been questioned by scouts...missed several games (and even more practices) due to injuries over his career, including a high left ankle sprain (September 2017), hip soreness (August 2018) and right knee sprain (October 2018).

Summary: A two-year starter at USC, Edoga was in and out of the starting lineup his first two seasons before settling in as the starting right tackle as a junior and senior, playing his best in 2018. He opened eyes during Senior Bowl week and earned practice player of the week honors, performing well from both the left and right sides. While his base requires strengthening, Edoga would make an excellent boxer with his slide and punch, using effortless movements and long levers to meet speed rushers. NFL scouts question his football character and he must prove during interviews that he has the willing, coachable attitude needed for the pro level. Overall, Edoga is a frustrating study because he clearly has the athleticism and length to start in the NFL, but his inconsistent focus and questionable reliability make him a high-risk, high-reward prospect.


9. Max Scharping, Northern Illinois (6-6, 320, 5.22)

Green Bay, Wisc. (Southwest), RS Senior, 8/10/1996 (age 22.72)

Strengths: Coordinated shuffle in his pass sets ... sinks his hips and sits in his stance to handle bull rushers ... resets well to stay square to rushers ... walks the fine line of being patient while also being aggressive with his punch ... grip strength to lock down edge rushers (see Florida State tape vs. Brian Burns) ... rolls his hips and runs his feet to create movement in the run game ... comfortable pulling through gaps ... quick to set his hands, turn defenders and plant his flag, opening run lanes ... sees the field well and understands what the defense is doing ... graduated with his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and recently completed his Master's degree (December 2018) ... durable and started all 53 games the past four seasons, playing all 998 offensive snaps in 2018.

Weaknesses: Inconsistent pass pro depth ... only average foot quickness and arm length when protecting the corner ... bad habit of bending at the waist to cut off edge speed, falling off balance ... tends to be late with his hands, allowing rushers to reach his chest ... inefficient on combination blocks with inconsistent results picking up second-level defenders ... not a mauler in the run game and hands lack shock.

Summary: A four-year starter at Northern Illinois, Scharping spent his first two seasons at right tackle and right guard before shifting to left tackle as a junior and senior, lining up primarily in a three-point stance for the Huskies. He graduated with a 3.99 GPA (received one A- in an English class his freshman year) and his high IQ translates well to the football field, sensing pressures and breaking down defenses. Scharping isn't a top-tier athlete, but he is quick out of his stance and stays busy, allowing only one sack (Iowa's AJ Epenesa) the last three seasons. His margin for error will be much smaller in the NFL compared to the MAC and he must eliminate bad habits to lock up an NFL starting role. Overall, Scharping has his shortcomings but he does an excellent job working within the confines of his skill set, displaying a keen understanding of his strengths to mask his weaknesses.


10. Kaleb McGary, Washington (6-7, 321, 5.08)

Fife, Wash. (Fife), RS Senior, N/A

Strengths: NFL frame with adequate length ... quick out of his stance and comfortable on his feet ... flexible joints to stay balanced at contact ... aggressive handwork and competes with a nasty attitude ... efficient on combination blocks and works well in tandem ... uses his reach to latch and displace ... creates surge as a run blocker to drive defenders wide ... mentally and physically tough and accustomed to overcoming adversity ... graduated with a degree in communications (December 2018) ... durable and started 43 straight games at right tackle.

Weaknesses: Top heavy and allows his base to narrow at contact ... wandering punch, exposing his chest and giving up his body ... technique breaks down vs. speed, overextending at the waist ... marginal balance in a phone booth ... needs to better achieve angles in the run game ... diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) as a junior in high school, which required three surgeries (not a career-threatening condition but something that requires monitoring) ... played only right tackle in college.

Summary: A four-year starter at Washington, McGary worked his way into the starting rotation as a freshman and was a mainstay at right tackle for the Huskies, remaining on the right side when left tackle Trey Adams was injured. He was the 2018 Morris Trophy winner as the Pac-12's top offensive lineman (over Washington State's Andre Dillard), which is voted on by opposing players in the conference. McGary will occasionally labor with wide speed due to average length and feet, but he is a flexible mover and stays balanced in pass protection. Although his bad habits (specifically his tall posture and late hands) lead to mistakes, his tenacious play personality and intangibles help cover up some of his physical deficiencies. Overall, McGary's on-field reps aren't always pretty, but they are mostly effective, using his mobility and play strength to tie up edge defenders, projecting as an NFL right tackle ready to compete for immediate starting reps.

[wu-dai clan]

X man, I remember Brugler (one of my favorite pundits) saying he liked the midround depth at OG too. Feeney/Lamp need some competition.

[jamrock]

X man, I remember Brugler (one of my favorite pundits) saying he liked the midround depth at OG too. Feeney/Lamp need some competition.

Is "competition" a euphemism for talent or better coaching?

[wu-dai clan]

Is "competition" a euphemism for talent or better coaching?

Both. Since Lamp could be a bust...

[Boltjolt]

Both. Since Lamp could be a bust...

I have positive vibes for Lamp.

[wu-dai clan]

I have positive vibes for Lamp.

Me too. Very much so. As a matter of fact, I say he's gonna start. Even Qberry is ahead of Forrest now, however. Q got some meaningful snaps in '18.

[jamrock]

Me too. Very much so. As a matter of fact, I say he's gonna start. Even Qberry is ahead of Forrest now, however. Q got some meaningful snaps in '18.

I am on record saying Lamp would start in 2019. That record has unfortunately been destroyed for all time but take my word for it.

[Formula 21]

Thanks for the well thought out plan. I'd love Risner here.

[wu-dai clan]

I am on record saying Lamp would start in 2019. That record has unfortunately been destroyed for all time but take my word for it.

Re Lamp...I can vouch for this.

Sad that this football take disappeared.

[Xenos]

Feel free to post

It seems that both Brugler and SI both think Dalton Risner is better suited inside.

[wu-dai clan]

It seems that both Brugler and SI both think Dalton Risner is better suited inside.

In Brugler's case, he is hearing it from about half the scouts he gets feedback from.

It must be dependant on blocking scheme.

I am hearing from people I respect that Dillard, Cajuste and Tytus are great fits for Pat Meyer. It has to do with movement skills, especially out in space.

You know Duffman. I have consumed you guys at FF in the past. Great football info !

I am hung up on DT/LB, but we have got to throw in an ORT in there somewhere kinda high.