Draft Central: Position Rankings – Volume IV – Offensive Lineman

by Harris Oates

This week’s draft central rankings will be quick and to the point, (because who wants to read that much about offensive lineman?) I have broken down all the offensive lineman that could go in the first round.

1. Jonah Williams

Position: Tackle

School: Alabama

The Alabama prospect headlines this class and should be a first round lock. Williams has been one of the most consistent players on the nations top football team. Williams, at 6’5” 300+, he proposes great size for a tackle, but perhaps his best ability has been his pass protection. His size, production and tape should propel him into being the first lineman taken.

2. Yodny Cajuste

Position: Tackle

School: West Virginia

If Williams stock begins to fall, look for Cajuste to be the top picked offensive lineman. The Mountaineers lead blocker poses great pass and run blocking ability. He has played an integral role in keeping Grier clean in the pocket.

 Quick feet and a strong frame make Cajuste an NFL draft favorite. Image from West Virginia Athletics.

3. Greg Little 

Position: Tackle

School: Ole Miss

Little is another SEC product boasting great size and quick feet. He has been quite productive at Ole Miss, but extremely inconsistent at times. I can see Little either soaring in the draft process or falling to the bottom of the pack and only time will tell.

Little needs to find more consistency. Image from 247Sports.

4. David Edwards

Position: Tackle

School: Wisconsin

David Edwards intrigues me. He was initially recruited as a tight end out of high school, but quickly found that the offensive line would be his only real shot at playing time. Edwards put on the freshman 90, gaining enough weight to be a legit NFL lineman as he now well above 300 pounds. Edwards is huge, but still has feet like a tight end. I could see his draft stock soaring as soon as he gets to the combine.

5. Dalton Risner

Position: Tackle

School: Kansas State

Risner has had a great career for Kansas State, however has had several meltdowns against tough opponents. Risner has struggled against NFL worthy lineman, giving up meaningful sacks. Look for Risner to get picked up and moved around the line, as he is extremely versatile and could fit well in the tackle and guard position.

Risner will be more of a utility player. Image from Kansas State Athletics.

6. Zack Bailey 

Position: Tackle/Guard/Center

School: South Carolina

A legit run blocker who will need to step up his pass protection. Bailey started his college career as a center, but then moved to guard to fit team needs. He then moved again, this time from guard to tackle. Every time Bailey moved he adjusted well for South Carolina. Don’t be surprised if Bailey is picked early and switched back somewhere inside the line.

Zack Bailey has shown he can pick up any position on the line. Image from USA Today.

Harris is a recent graduate of Birmingham-Southern College. He now works in Birmingham as well as coaches lacrosse for Mountain Brook High School. He loves following SEC football, covering fantasy football, the NFL Draft, and is also a lifelong Carolina Panthers fan.