2019 NFL Draft: The offensive line prospects that compare to Trent Williams, Jason Kelce, Kelechi Osemele and more

[Cole World]

It's a CBS article so take it for what it's worth.

Quote

2019 NFL Draft: The offensive line prospects that compare to Trent Williams, Jason Kelce, Kelechi Osemele and more

Plus the former Kansas State star with similarities to Bryan Bulaga and more on 2019's top O-linemen

by Chris Trapasso                         

 Apr 11, 2019 at 8:30 am ET

  

If you're an NFL team looking for a quality tackle or interior offensive line prospect, the 2019 NFL Draft is a good one. Many of the top options both inside and outside have favorable NFL comparisons.

It's important to remember NFL comparisons for draftees don't intend to guarantee a prospect will have the exact same career as his professional counterpart. In this series, I'll go through the top prospects at every position and give NFL comparisons -- some current players, some former. These comparisons are not based on size. They're almost solely stylistic. 

Offensive Tackle

Jonah Williams, Alabama

NFL comparison: David Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari has become the NFL's best pass-blocking left tackle, and he's reliable in the run game despite not having desired measurables or athleticism. Williams is the same type of unique prospect. Smaller and not supremely athletic relative to others at the position, he's exquisite with technique and boasts highlight-reel nastiness in the run game. In all, Williams taps into every bit of his talent with ultra-efficient movements both with his footwork and hands. I do remember Bakhtiari repeatedly stymieing inside moves, and that's the one area that -- on rare occasions -- gave Williams problems in 2018. 

Dalton Risner, Kansas State

NFL comparison: Bryan Bulaga

Risner provides more positional versatility than Bulaga and is a little more twitched up as an athlete. Both were dominant pass and run blockers in college who occasionally had problems anchoring against speed-to-power rushers. Then again, Risner didn't really have problems dealing with Montez Sweat early in the season, and we now know how ridiculous of a specimen he is. With a few more pounds and some time in an NFL strength and conditioning program, Risner can be a complete right tackle. At this point, like Bulaga, he's quick enough in his kick slide to deal with speed, fires his hands at the correct time, can recover, and is a bully in the run game. 

Jawaan Taylor, Florida

NFL comparison: Trent Williams

Williams was picked in the first round of the 2010 draft after a dazzling career at Oklahoma in which he showcased franchise tackle power in the run game and ideal fundamentals with his hands and feet to be an above-average pass protector. Since then, he's become one of the most well-rounded tackles in football. Taylor is a wide, heavy-handed blocker who will drive opponents into the ground in the run game and uses his smooth athleticism to deal with speed rushers. Power rushers don't give him issues. Like Williams was, Taylor can be tested by quick, low-to-the-ground defenders because he's not an elite athlete, but don't mistake Taylor for a plodding tackle prospect. 

 

Andre Dillard, Washington State

NFL comparison: Terron Armstead

Armstead is more explosive of an athlete than Dillard, which gives context for how gifted the Saints left tackle is, because Dillard was the clearly the most athletic tackle at the combine. However, their styles are very comparable. Armstead wins with sheer quickness to the pass-rushing apex -- where edge rushers either turn the corner or are pushed off it. He's also fantastic with his punch timing and accuracy as a pass blocker. So is Dillard. He fires back into his kick slide and is tremendous with his hands. Because Dillard and Armstead are so fast, they rarely look uncomfortable as pass blockers and get the extra split second needed to sink their hips and anchor if they see a bull rush coming. When Armstead entered the league out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff, he was behind as a run blocker. The same goes for Dillard, who simply didn't get the normal amount of run-game reps in Washington State's Air Raid system.  

Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia

NFL comparison: Taylor Lewan

Cajuste is a long, powerful left tackle prospect who wins with good enough functional athleticism but mostly the ability to dominate with strength at the point of attack. He shows refinement with a nice repertoire of his own counter moves. Cajuste looks to knock down opponents' hands as they get into his chest. Much of the same was said about Lewan as he entered the NFL out of Michigan. But also like Lewan, the speed in Cajuste's kick slide can be pushed to the limit by fast edge rushers. 

Kaleb McGary, Washington

NFL comparison: Cam Robinson

Robinson was one of the most roller coaster evaluations I've ever done for an offensive tackle. On one series, he'd look like the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The next possession he'd look like an undrafted free agent with a severe lack of balance in pass protection or accuracy at the second level. That essentially describes McGary, a large, long, highly athletic tackle with a major boom or bust game. 

Chuma Edoga, USC

NFL comparison: Laremy Tunsil

Tunsil was more of a finished product in 2016 than Edoga is now as a draft prospect. They're similar players though. Bessed with "gliding" movements on the field, Edoga held down the right side of USC's line awesomely despite being under 6-foot-4. He has long arms and uses his physical superiority to his advantage in space in the run game and can handle any type of rusher on the outside in pass protection. Tunsil's bounced around on the Dolphins' line, and there's a thought Edoga could add 10-15 pounds and flourish as an athletic guard. 

 

Derwin Gray, Maryland

NFL comparison: Donovan Smith

Somewhat sluggish in his movements but just athletic enough to get the job done as a pass protector. That describes Smith and Gray. Like Smith, Gray's girth and length really help to mask athletic deficiencies. Better on pass plays than paving lanes for the run, Gray has a chance to land in the middle of the draft and start at left tackle early in his career.

Interior Offensive Line

Terronne Prescod, OG, NC State

NFL comparison: Brandon Brooks

Probably my biggest #DraftCrush that goes against the consensus -- Prescod wasn't invited to the combine -- the NC State star is a massive human at around 6-5 and 330-ish pounds. Despite those measurements, Prescod was asked to get lateral in the Wolfpack's zone-blocking scheme, and in doing so he was a pleasant surprise. In pass protection, Prescod can be beaten by super-quick penetrators. The same was true for Brooks when he came into the league. However, like Brooks, Prescod is a wall in pass protection, even if it doesn't always look textbook. Bull rushes don't faze him, and while he may be a tick slow reacting to twists, he's aware of them, and if he gets his hands on those twisting defensive linemen, it's over. In a power scheme, or even if loses some weight, Prescod can be an awesome value selection in the draft. 

Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma

NFL comparison: Kelechi Osemele

During his pre-draft process, some saw Osemele as a tackle. Some saw him as a guard. He played on the edge at Iowa State and began his career with the Ravens at that position. An injury during the playoffs precipitated a move to guard, and the rest is history. Osemele's explosiveness and mean streak combination allowed him to become the best young guard in football. Ford is a similar tweener, with feet capable enough for him to stay on the outside if need be. I think his best position is guard because of his athleticism and strength blend.    

Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College

NFL comparison: Joel Bitonio

Lindstrom is a guard with tackle feet. I've written that often about the Boston College star because that's the first thing I think about when evaluating him. The move to guard in his senior season worked wonders for his draft stock, and he crushed the combine workouts. Like Bitonio -- who played tackle at Nevada -- Lindstrom is equally as impactful in the pass game as he is road-grading for the run. 

 

Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State

NFL comparison: Travis Frederick

Today, we think of Frederick as probably the most nimble yet powerful center in football. His combine workout didn't indicate he'd flourish thanks to athletic traits, but he was also a people mover at Wisconsin and routinely halted bull rushes with strong legs and an awesome back bend. Jenkins tested better than Frederick yet doesn't look as mobile on the field. Weird how that works sometimes. However, like Frederick, Jenkins is a monster in the run game and yawns at bull rush attempts. He has a massive 83-inch wingspan too. Jenkins is comparable to Frederick because he's as NFL-ready as they come at the center position. 

Garrett Bradbury, C, NC State

NFL comparison: Jason Kelce

Get Bradbury in an NFL strength and conditioning program for a year or two and a zone-blocking scheme ... and watch him flourish. He has the loosest hips and quickest feet I've ever scouted at the center spot. He's just a little top heavy right now and doesn't have the strength or weight to anchor. Like Kelce, Bradbury is ultra-aware of stunts and has the elite lateral mobility to pick up multiple assignments on a given play. He's tremendous in space on sweeps and screens too. 

Lamont Gaillard, C, Georgia

NFL comparison: Rodney Hudson

Hudson was an ox in the run game at Florida State and that strength and good athleticism allowed him to punish defensive tackles while staying in front them in pass protection. That's exactly what you'll get with Gaillard. Hudson was knocked for his lack of size, and that was probably the main reason he fell to the second round of the 2011 draft. Gaillard has excellent film -- especially in the run game -- and surprised many by measuring in with 33 1/2-inch arms at the combine. He also was just under 6-3. 

Beau Benzschawel, OG, Wisconsin

NFL comparison: Rob Havenstein

Havenstein is a tackle and Benzschawel is a guard, but they're similarly sized and nearly identical games. Benzschawel creates impressive push in the run game and flashes a quality anchor. He gets into trouble when needing to shift laterally. That's the one area that hurt Havenstein while at Wisconsin too. 

 

Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M

NFL comparison: Mike Pouncey

McCoy is a plus-athlete for the center position and never stops battling. He's a low center of gravity type yet can be hurt by powerful bull rushers, which is something that gave Pouncey problems at Florida. McCoy is pretty consistent with his balance but will get caught bending at the waist on occasion.

                                  

 

[LTMcAuliffe]

If any of these comparisons were truly accurate, there would be 16 offensive lineman taken in the first round lol. 

[Cole World]

The Falcons probably was testing Lindstrom at RT during his hour plus workout.

 

[vel]

1 minute ago, Cole World said:

The Falcons probably was testing Lindstrom at RT during his hour plus workout.

 

He'd be a really good swing OL. I think he can play some center too. Flexibility at all the line spots with all of the risks they're taking would be smart. 

[Hashbrown3]

Nice find op.

[Draftnut57]

Love this player,, I had him in my only mock I made a month ago.. Sad thing is that he has risen more than any player in the draft, He risen up two rounds.. It's be nice if he lasted to our second pick,, Now that may be the place we should trade up, IN the second rd to get this player. I'm hoping we take Wilkins DT with our first pick. Then take another OT with our 3rd pick, that would give us one of the best DTs in the first round and two players to upgrade our OL,, then we could peg a couple of DBs .

[Ergo Proxy]

I definitely see OL in play rounds 2-4; preferably after DL in terms of priority but not necessarily in terms of order if the draft falls weird.

We could go Mack replacement/groom or OG/3rd OT development pick.

I like McCoy a lot. Galliard as a mid-rounder if we wait on going interior, I think an early OL pick has to be a potential OT depth piece at least. The dedicated interior OG/C types won't be as high on our priority list.

Good post for that 2nd cup of coffee.

[Summerhill]

I realize everyone only compares prospects to pro players that are actually good, but some of these are still too optimistic. For example I do not think Jawaan Taylor has the potential to be as good as Trent Williams. Williams is a generational freak and while Taylor looks like a good prospect, there's nothing that says he's potentially a generational freak. 

[kiwifalcon]

One of those mentioned Cs will definitely be a Falcon.

Give Gaillard or McCoy.

I’m beginning to firm on the latter I think him and Jenkins are the most physical.

[g-dawg]

28 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said:

One of those mentioned Cs will definitely be a Falcon.

Give Gaillard or McCoy.

I’m beginning to firm on the latter I think him and Jenkins are the most physical.

while it's only sports media speculation (grain of salt), I have seen McCoy as high as the 1st round.   Last year in the 20's you saw the Detroit Lions take Frank Ragnow and Patriots take Isaiah Wynn.

Don't be surprised if McCoy goes very early.    I am all over Lamont Gaillard if we could grab him with that #117 pick in the 4th round - although good chance he is gone by then.

[kiwifalcon]

Just now, g-dawg said:

while it's only sports media speculation (grain of salt), I have seen McCoy as high as the 1st round.   Last year in the 20's you saw the Detroit Lions take Frank Ragnow and Patriots take Isaiah Wynn.

Don't be surprised if McCoy goes very early.    I am all over Lamont Gaillard if we could grab him with that #117 pick in the 4th round - although good chance he is gone by then.

Getting the warm and fuzzies Dawg this is your time of the year where all your thoughts and predictions come to a head.

Im taking next Friday off work to watch the draft lol I love this time of year.

[g-dawg]

5 minutes ago, kiwifalcon said:

Getting the warm and fuzzies Dawg this is your time of the year where all your thoughts and predictions come to a head.

Im taking next Friday off work to watch the draft lol I love this time of year.

yeah should be an exciting year - I am contemplating going this year as Nashville only a 5 hour drive from the ATL - but I probably won't.  Hotels are $$$$$ during the draft up there.

[CTann]

I just wanted to comment on one thing. Kaleb McGary would be a horrible OT in the NFL. Turn on the tape against Ohio State.
Maybe okay at guard, but at OT? Lol. Reminds me a lot of Andrus Peat. 

[atlbaby]

I’ve been comparing Ford to Osemele.

[Lethal]

On 4/15/2019 at 7:09 AM, LTMcAuliffe said:

If any of these comparisons were truly accurate, there would be 16 offensive lineman taken in the first round lol. 

Right?  I mean I get the reasons why people do them, but comparing a kid who has never taken an NFL snap to (in most cases) upper echelon proven NFL talent will never not seem odd to me.

[VTCrunkler]

We should be considering any and all linemen from NCSU.  

[gazoo]

A lot of these guys are 1st and 2nd round picks.

this is why I believe we might go defense pick #1, then trade some of our later picks the trade up into the 2nd round, end up with 2 or even 3 2nd round picks and use two of them on a couple of these promising OL.

[ATLSlobberKnockers]

On 4/15/2019 at 4:15 PM, g-dawg said:

while it's only sports media speculation (grain of salt), I have seen McCoy as high as the 1st round.   Last year in the 20's you saw the Detroit Lions take Frank Ragnow and Patriots take Isaiah Wynn.

Don't be surprised if McCoy goes very early.    I am all over Lamont Gaillard if we could grab him with that #117 pick in the 4th round - although good chance he is gone by then.

 Billy Price to Bengals, and James Daniels @39. Thats 4 OC taken before 40. I think Gaillerd is a 3rd.rnd pick.

[ATLSlobberKnockers]

1 hour ago, gazoo said:

A lot of these guys are 1st and 2nd round picks.

this is why I believe we might go defense pick #1, then trade some of our later picks the trade up into the 2nd round, end up with 2 or even 3 2nd round picks and use two of them on a couple of these promising OL.

Agree. As I.see.it we need 4 or 5 top 100 picks in order to target "our guys". The best value seems to be in.2nd and.3rd rounds.

hopefully we.can trade back in the first and pick up a third. Maybe trade back in 2nd again and pick up a.4th. Package 2 4ths to move in to the third. 

3 thirds coukd net us Bunting, Saunders, and Gaillerd. That wouod allow us to go BPA in first 2 rounds. **** we could take Ridley all over again if we wanted. Riley would be a great replacement for Sanu. In the second rnd i mean

Edited April 17, 2019 by ATLSlobberKnockers

[ATLSlobberKnockers]

6 hours ago, VTCrunkler said:

We should be considering any and all linemen from NCSU.  

And Wisonsin

[FalconsIn2012]

8 hours ago, VTCrunkler said:

We should be considering any and all linemen from NCSU.  

Nice to see Prescod love.  Still want him in 6th

[Vandy]

5 hours ago, ATLSlobberKnockers said:

And Wisonsin

Say waaat?

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d828afdc5/Falcons-pick-Peter-Konz-No-55

[ATLSlobberKnockers]

23 minutes ago, Vandy said:

Say waaat?

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d828afdc5/Falcons-pick-Peter-Konz-No-55

Lol. They have a couple of OG that I like. 

I never liked the Konz pick. I have a buddy tbat has that same blood disorder and the coumadin has wrecked him.

Edited April 17, 2019 by ATLSlobberKnockers

[etherdome]

On ‎4‎/‎15‎/‎2019 at 4:15 PM, g-dawg said:

while it's only sports media speculation (grain of salt), I have seen McCoy as high as the 1st round.   Last year in the 20's you saw the Detroit Lions take Frank Ragnow and Patriots take Isaiah Wynn.

Don't be surprised if McCoy goes very early.    I am all over Lamont Gaillard if we could grab him with that #117 pick in the 4th round - although good chance he is gone by then.

Agree with you assessment of Gaillard.  If he is taken before we get the chance, we should look at a developmental OC like Allegretti.

[gazoo]

Over the last decade, seems many of these OL shoot up draft boards as the draft approaches. We typically will see a run on OTs if there are a 3 or 4 really good prospects, once one goes they all move up.

Some recent examples of interior OL going late in the first round and higher than expected have been Laken Tomlinson, Joshua Garnett, Travis Frederick, Kevin Zeitler and Danny Watkins. 

I think Lindstrom fits exactly the type of lineman we are targeting. He’s tough as nails, gritty, plays to the whistle, and battles with his opponents all game long. He’s well coached and pretty much ready for action.

I think if we are targeting Lindstrom we would have to make a play late in round 1, or top of round 2 at the latest.