This is an extremely deep class of offensive tackles in 2020 that could set record numbers of players in the first two rounds. Charger fans are really hoping on bringing in someone as an upgrade on the left side and seem ready to move on from Trey Pipkins after only one year. With four tackles already on the roster, the Chargers may not see a tackle as a pressing need on the roster. If they do bring in a player early, it would mean that either Trent Scott or Sam Tevi would be be potential camp cuts. Given that both players are in a contract year, it would make sense for the Chargers to address this need next year and allow Scott and Pipkins to enter the year in an important camp battle for a starting position. If they chose to draft a player, it’ll likely be with the second pick and one of the players below.
Josh Jones Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Great size at 6’5, 320 pounds. Footwork in pass protection needs work. Hands are strong, and his punch could go through a brick wall, but placement needs work. Some think he could add to his frame, but he already isn’t the quickest player out of his stance. If he could slim down without losing weight, he would benefit with agility. Does a nice job of moving from double team up to the next level. When he gets hands on, defender rarely gets around. Knows how to use opponents leverage against him. Some cite lack of competition against Houston, but he held his own against Oklahoma. Could be a day 1 starter and a surprise first round pick.
Lucas Niang Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Built oddly for a left tackle but he has the height, weight and extremely long arms. Recent hip surgery should mean that he will drop down draft boards. Praised for high football IQ on the line. Does great job picking up blitz and is always looking for work if left alone in pass pro. Has some negative weight that he could lose. Can hold his own against power and speed rushers. Lower body not quite as thick and strong, but still has some power. Technique might be ahead of other players in the draft. Likely to be the tackle to fall in this class, but has as much skill as any other tackle of this class.
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Austin Jackson Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A little over-hyped for his measurables than his actual play. Hand placement is hit or miss. Fairly athletic and able to recover if he makes a mistake. Has technique issues that will need to be addressed early by coaches. Will over extend and better defenders will make him pay for it. Looks slow off the snap and footwork is a mess. He is more of a mauler in the run game than a pass protector. Solid anchor against power rushers. Has more issues with speed rushers. Did not have a good game against Utah and was beat a lot! Could have been flagged for holding a ton also. Better game against Iowa and specifically AJ Espinosa, but still had issues. More of a development prospect than a day one starter and needs a lot of growth, but has the size, strength and aggression you want out of a tackle.
Ezra Cleveland (Credit: Broncosports.com webpage)
Strong and athletic big man who raised his stock at the NFL combine for testing well. Put up 30 reps on bench press and a 4.93 forty yard dash at 6’6, 310 pounds. Literally chased down a linebacker from behind in the Florida state game who got his hands on a fumble. This guy is really, really good and should be talked about more. Is able to drive back bigger defenders from one side of the line to the other. Solid anchor and able to carry speed rushes to the edge. Could work on his slide as those edge rushers are coming, but its not a huge issue. Will leave his feet too often and sometimes he looks like he takes plays off. I think he will be a surprise first rounder.
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Isaiah Wilson Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s not often that there are two offensive tackles from the same program that could potentially be first round picks, but that is a real possibility at Georgia which is known for churning out offensive line talent. Isaiah Wilson played right tackle and could move to the left side if asked. He is one of the biggest tackles in this class at 6’5, 350 pounds. He is a powerful mauler who is going to win regardless of who is on the other side. Pass protection isn’t technically sound, but it’s still really effective. He is the strongest run blocker on this list. Day 1 starter with All-Pro ability. I have Wilson ranked with the top tackles in the first round. If he is available, he would be a big, mean powder blue machine.
Prince Tega Wanogho (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Tall tackle who stands 6’5, 300 pounds and is very nimble at that weight. Could gain weight to help his anchor become stronger at the point of attack. Doesn’t have the strength to drive lineman, but he pivots well to get in the way. Short arms might push teams to transition Prince into a guard, but he is best with lateral agility for tackle play. Has the agility and lateral quickness to carry any speed rusher. More of a pass blocker then a run blocker. Played top-tier talent week in and week out at Auburn. He is a project, but a terrific athlete at his size
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