The Draft Network: Offensive Tackle class shaping up to be great

[YoloinOhio]

[https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/31/offensive-tackle-class-shaping-up-to-be-great/

Quote

Up to this point, the strength of the class has been very clear and well-reported: iDL and EDGE are the winners. As it stands now, I have three interior defensive linemen in my Top-5 — I’m really high on Mississippi State DT Jeffery Simmons — and five EDGEs in my Top-15. There will be movin’ and shakin’ once athletic scores come in, and I’m likely to get more film work done on a few names as well if their scores surprise me. But it’s enough to say: the classes are strong.

 

But now I’m starting to realize: the next strongest class — and even potentially a stronger class — is that of the offensive tackles.

Now, if you follow the Draft closely, that should really stand out to you. Offensive tackle classes are generally a weaker class, especially at the top.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to roster two starting-caliber offensive tackles, because of the amount of work college prospects need. NFL teams are beginning to default to the same processes that colleges do: they gamble on the high-upside SPARQ warriors early, and try to coach them up into something passable. We’ve seen an explosion in small-school OTs accordingly: naturally-gifted dudes who need a ton of work, just like the Power-5 OTs do.

This paradigm makes this year’s OT class all the more shocking. I just wrapped up work on Florida OT Jawaan Taylor, who has exploded onto the scene in recent weeks as more analysts got into his film. Wow. A Top-20 player for me, without hesitation. As it stands, I’ll likely have four Top-20 tackles this season, which is more OTs than I had in the Top-50 of the past two seasons. Alabama’s Jonah Williams (8 OVR) and Oklahoma’s Cody Ford (10 OVR) are vying for the top spot, Taylor and Wisconsin’s David Edwardswill be comfortable Round 1 grades for me with great athletic profiles, and West Virginia’s Yodny Cajuste peers in from an Early Round 2 evaluation. Given how valuable the position is on the field, drafting Cajuste in Round 1 doesn’t hassle me at all.

Five. That’s five tackles I would love to take in Round 1.

Edited February 1, 2019 by YoloinOhio

[Cripple Creek]

Well, if we believe him then we can likely get a top player if we stay at 10 or drop down a bit and still get a solid tackle. 

[dollars 2 donuts]

Once again I am torn.

 

FA, or the possible lack there of with respect to OL, is going to be very telling on this draft.

 

If we get one or two OL in FA do we put off another OT in the draft because it is deep and actually draft a iDT or Edge pick at Number 1?

Edited February 1, 2019 by dollars 2 donuts

[thebandit27]

IDL and EDGE are easily the best positions, but yes, I agree that the OT class isn't far behind.

 

Which is great news for the Bills.  They can stay at 9, grab an elite prospect at IDL or EDGE, let the rest of the first round fill in with IDL, EDGE, and skill-position players, and still feel really good about getting a potential starting-quality OT in round 2 if they want.

 

Of course, knowing Beane, he'd probably use some of his 10 picks to move back into the end of round 1 to get an OT he really liked instead of waiting around.

[YoloinOhio]

5 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

Once again I am torn.

 

FA, or the possible lack there of with respect to OL, is going to be very telling on this draft.

 

If we get one or two OL in FA do we put off another OT in the draft because it is deep and actually draft a iDT or Edge pick at Number 1?

I would like to pick up one in FA but I think it’s hard to find really good ones there. It’s getting to the point where really good OL are so valuable they don’t make it to FA. I think you need to build your line through the draft if you want it to be elite.

[Bray Wyatt]

I think we are in a good spot draft wise tbh, if none of the DL guys we like slip, we can grab our top OT, if we have a couple still around, we can potentially trade back and get another pick or two and grab a guy we still want at a better value

[JoshAllenHasBigHands]

Just now, YoloinOhio said:

I would like to pick up one in FA but I think it’s hard to find really good ones there. It’s getting to the point where really good OL are so valuable they don’t make it to FA. I think you need to build your line through the draft if you want it to be elite.

 

I am all in on this approach.  Especially when you consider that OL operates as a unit.  It is not a plug and play thing.  Guys need to learn to play together.  Drafting and developing allows guys to grow as individual players and as a unit.  

 

The OL will not be "fixed" next year.  It might be better, but it will take time.  Lets do this right.  

[dollars 2 donuts]

2 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

IDL and EDGE are easily the best positions, but yes, I agree that the OT class isn't far behind.

 

Which is great news for the Bills.  They can stay at 9, grab an elite prospect at IDL or EDGE, let the rest of the first round fill in with IDL, EDGE, and skill-position players, and still feel really good about getting a potential starting-quality OT in round 2 if they want.

 

Of course, knowing Beane, he'd probably use some of his 10 picks to move back into the end of round 1 to get an OT he really liked instead of waiting around.

 

Bandit, hate to ask the redundant question, but given the depth at both and our need for both, would you consider trading down to pick up something extra in the second or third?

 

Just now, YoloinOhio said:

I would like to pick up one in FA but I think it’s hard to find really good ones there. It’s getting to the point where really good OL are so valuable they don’t make it to FA. I think you need to build your line through the draft if you want it to be elite.

 

Yolo, my friend, you and I eat at the same restaurant on this subject.

 

Cheers!

[NoHuddleKelly12]

9 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

Once again I am torn.

 

FA, or the possible lack there of with respect to OL, is going to be very telling on this draft.

 

If we get one or two OL in FA do we put off another OT in the draft because it is deep and actually draft a iDT or Edge pick at Number 1?

Adding to that quandary is Beane's statement that they won't look to draft just for need over BPA, which would on the surface at least, indicate that the brain trust could go exactly as you describe in your question--just me personally, I feel like you can never have enough good prospects for depth on the line--we saw just how quickly unexpected injuries/retirements at that most vital of position groups can devastate that side of the ball. If OT is really rising and would not be a reach that early in the draft, then I'd probably be just fine with them taking one high. But this bears close watching as we get through FA. Don't really know if there's a right or wrong answer on this yet, Donuts.  

[oldmanfan]

I'd focus on C in free agency, then draft another T and G.

[CaptnCoke11]

24 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said:

Well, if we believe him then we can likely get a top player if we stay at 10 or drop down a bit and still get a solid tackle. 

When did we trade down to 10?

[thebandit27]

20 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

 

Bandit, hate to ask the redundant question, but given the depth at both and our need for both, would you consider trading down to pick up something extra in the second or third?

 

 

I'm not a big trade-down guy, especially when you're in the top 10 in a draft that is loaded with top-5 type talent at a position as critical as pass rusher (be it interior or EDGE).

 

I'm of the opinion that the team has enough picks, and that what they really need is to stock the roster elite prospects whenever possible.

[dollars 2 donuts]

Just now, thebandit27 said:

 

I'm not a big trade-down guy, especially when you're in the top 10 in a draft that is loaded with top-5 type talent at a position as critical as pass rusher (be it interior or EDGE).

 

I'm of the opinion that the team has enough picks, and that what they really need is to stock the roster elite prospects whenever possible.

 

 

Bandit...that is a straight forward and concise solid answer.

 

Thank you, Sir.

[Doc]

27 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

IDL and EDGE are easily the best positions, but yes, I agree that the OT class isn't far behind.

 

Which is great news for the Bills.  They can stay at 9, grab an elite prospect at IDL or EDGE, let the rest of the first round fill in with IDL, EDGE, and skill-position players, and still feel really good about getting a potential starting-quality OT in round 2 if they want.

 

Of course, knowing Beane, he'd probably use some of his 10 picks to move back into the end of round 1 to get an OT he really liked instead of waiting around.

 

If trading a day 3 pick meant getting a better prospect at the end of round 1 than would be available in the 2nd, I'd have no problem with it.

[dollars 2 donuts]

23 minutes ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Adding to that quandary is Beane's statement that they won't look to draft just for need over BPA, which would on the surface at least, indicate that the brain trust could go exactly as you describe in your question--just me personally, I feel like you can never have enough good prospects for depth on the line--we saw just how quickly unexpected injuries/retirements at that most vital of position groups can devastate that side of the ball. If OT is really rising and would not be a reach that early in the draft, then I'd probably be just fine with them taking one high. But this bears close watching as we get through FA. Don't really know if there's a right or wrong answer on this yet, Donuts.  

 

 

Outstanding, Huds.

 

Honestly, brother, how long has it been since we've had not only loved our line, but loved the depth at it?  

 

Knowing that if someone goes down we don't have to worry goes the next Bill up can go a game or 2?

 

Man, I mean we've been pining so long for just five good ones the last memory I have of having more than 5 goes back to the sup bowl days.

 

I wish Marv would have added OL to his, you never can have enough quality DBs statement.

[Chuck Wagon]

4 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

 

I'm not a big trade-down guy, especially when you're in the top 10 in a draft that is loaded with top-5 type talent at a position as critical as pass rusher (be it interior or EDGE).

 

I'm of the opinion that the team has enough picks, and that what they really need is to stock the roster elite prospects whenever possible.

 

 

Could not agree more.

 

It's one thing to drop from 9 to 15 where we very likely are still getting a "blue", especially if several QBs go early.  But it's going to take A LOT in my mind to go from 9 to ~25.

[CookieG]

18 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

I would like to pick up one in FA but I think it’s hard to find really good ones there. It’s getting to the point where really good OL are so valuable they don’t make it to FA. I think you need to build your line through the draft if you want it to be elite.

 

I'm going to go off the board and say...draft 2 in the first two rounds. Preferably with a trade down for an extra pick or two.

 

The tight FA market is one factor. Another...the bigger factor is that we're not in a situation where we need to plug a single hole, we need to plug 3-4. Add in that quality OL are becoming more scarce in the draft. 

 

2 quality tackles...one of whom can play the interior...or move Dawkins to G.

 

Or. 1 tackle and a C like Bradbury if he's still there. I might be the only one, but I'd be thrilled with a Risner/Bradbury 1-2, or a few other combinations.

 

Possibilities open up. You can make a really positive step towards building a quality unit, rather than taking a patchwork or piecemeal approach...but only if the commitment is there. This is THE year to make that commitment.

 

An edge rusher does nothing to improve a 30th ranked offense. 

 

Work the problem.

 

 

 

 

[YoloinOhio]

15 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

 

I'm not a big trade-down guy, especially when you're in the top 10 in a draft that is loaded with top-5 type talent at a position as critical as pass rusher (be it interior or EDGE).

 

I'm of the opinion that the team has enough picks, and that what they really need is to stock the roster elite prospects whenever possible.

I think Beane could trade down depending on the haul but won’t go much further than top 15. If he did not trade down from 9 and picked BPA i would not be disappointed because they have needs everywhere. Imo he will try to package some of the later picks and move up in some of the mid rounds, or trade for a player from a team who will be changing their scheme . We don’t so much need to add 10 rookies  as we need a talent infusion.

Edited February 1, 2019 by YoloinOhio

[jwhit34]

The best or at least 2nd best line in team history was The Electric Co., Donnie Green was a 5th rounder in '71, Reggie McKenzie was the 1st pick in the 2nd round in '72 and then Paul Seymour (a TE but essentially the 6th OL man) was 7th overall and Joe DeLamielleure 26th pick in first round in '73. Bruce Jarvis, who was the C until Mike Montler came aboard, was a 3rd round pick in '71. 

 

The Super Bowl lines had high picks too (Wolford, Ritcher, Parker, Fina) and a picked up Hull from USFL (even better pickup than getting Montler). 

 

If the position is that loaded, I would like to see a move down and pick up and extra 2nd or 3rd, get 2 for OL in first 3 rounds. Pick up 1 or 2 in free agency then you have those 4, Dawkins and Teller for 5 spots, Bodine as a depth guy. There's 7 of the 8 or 9 you keep. Pick up another that's a project with one of those extra late round picks, I wouldn't mind seeing 3 OL men drafted with the 10 (or 11 if a trade down) picks. 

 

3 OL

2 WR

1 TE

Remaining picks best player available

[GunnerBill]

The OT class doesn't have elite type prospects but there is a lot of depth. There might be 7 or 8 guys who could start and perform well as rookies. Although at least three of those (Williams, Ford, Risner) are guys who I wonder whether ultimately might be better inside. Then a couple of others - Taylor and Edwards are guys who I have primarily pegged as RTs which from a positional sense limits their value a touch.

 

I actually really like Edwards. Monster run blocker. I think he would come in and maul NFL DLinemen right off the bat he has that kind of power and movement ability.

[thenorthremembers]

I am not as sold on the tackle class as the writer here.  When I watch Jonah Williams I see a guy who really should be playing inside.  He doesnt have great feet, and tends to lunge at defenders rather than using his balance to create leverage.  Saw multiple instances where he whiffed on blocks trying to throw his weight into guys.  However, he does a great job pulling and blocking in the run game.  I think he is a better prospect at guard.

 

I havent watched much of Greg Little or Dalton Risner yet, but Ford and Edwards were predominantly right tackles, I still have a few games to watch, but neither jump out as elite left tackle prospects which is what you need to get if you're drafting top ten. 

[RyanC883]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

I would like to pick up one in FA but I think it’s hard to find really good ones there. It’s getting to the point where really good OL are so valuable they don’t make it to FA. I think you need to build your line through the draft if you want it to be elite.

 

I think we target a Vet Center in FA, and still draft tackles.  The Center is the "QB" of the OL, and can also help Allen and the rookie OT's.  

 

I'd go BPA at 9, then trade back into the 1st for an OT.   

[TheBeaneBandit]

If we can somehow steal Trenton Brown in free agency I feel really good about landing a solid RT with our 2nd pick.....

[formerlyofCtown]

1 hour ago, Cripple Creek said:

Well, if we believe him then we can likely get a top player if we stay at 10 or drop down a bit and still get a solid tackle. 

Or grab one at a spot we trade down to and grab another by trading back into the first or top of the second.

[Dkollidas]

I think a few of these guys end up inside. 

 

Try to get the offensive line covered in free agency. That would be one starting tackle, one starting guard, once starting center. They won’t all be Paradis & Daryl Williams, but competent level players. And then with one of the top 2 picks draft a guy who’s position flexible, like Deiter, Risner Jonah Williams, etc. 

[thebandit27]

9 minutes ago, Dkollidas said:

I think a few of these guys end up inside. 

 

Try to get the offensive line covered in free agency. That would be one starting tackle, one starting guard, once starting center. They won’t all be Paradis & Daryl Williams, but competent level players. And then with one of the top 2 picks draft a guy who’s position flexible, like Deiter, Risner Jonah Williams, etc. 

 

I'd watch for Ben Garland of Atlanta to be a player that the Bills may target.

 

He's going to be 31 at the start of the 2019 season, but he's got very little mileage on him due to a combination of military service, positional switches, and practice squad time. He's a process guy for sure. If Beane misses out on the top-tier guards like Saffold/Spain, Garland could certainly be an option.

[BillsFan1988]

1 hour ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

 

 

Outstanding, Huds.

 

Honestly, brother, how long has it been since we've had not only loved our line, but loved the depth at it?  

 

Knowing that if someone goes down we don't have to worry goes the next Bill up can go a game or 2?

 

Man, I mean we've been pining so long for just five good ones the last memory I have of having more than 5 goes back to the sup bowl days.

 

I wish Marv would have added OL to his, you never can have enough quality DBs statement.

Man at this pt i would take our 2015 line. Incog, Wood & Cordy all pro bowl caliber players. Plus we had some really good bkups at tackle gaurd and center. Kujo , Groy and Seantrel was great depth.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

2 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

Once again I am torn.

 

FA, or the possible lack there of with respect to OL, is going to be very telling on this draft.

 

If we get one or two OL in FA do we put off another OT in the draft because it is deep and actually draft a iDT or Edge pick at Number 1?

We do whatever it takes to not only fix the OL but make it one of the better ones in the league.  That's how you win in the NFL, especially with a young quarterback.

[Bill Murray]

OL this year.  Redo the skill positions (RB and WR next year).  Offense comes together for the next two years and voila, the 5th yr after drafting Allen have all parts of the offense in place for the next decade.   

 

Relative to offense, I believe scheme matters more than star power on defense (see the Pats**) and I believe McD will consistently field average at worst defenses over his tenure.  Trust the process.  

Edited February 1, 2019 by Bill Murray

[John from Riverside]

12 minutes ago, Bill Murray said:

OL this year.  Redo the skill positions (RB and WR next year).  Offense comes together for the next two years and voila, the 5th yr after drafting Allen have all parts of the offense in place for the next decade.   

 

Relative to offense, I believe scheme matters more than star power on defense (see the Pats**) and I believe McD will consistently field average at worst defenses over his tenure.  Trust the process.  

With 90 million in cap space and 10 draft picks (as of right now) I really think that both OL and WR/TE can both be addressed in one year.

 

It sure helped Tribuski a lot to tackle it that way

[Bill Murray]

1 minute ago, John from Riverside said:

With 90 million in cap space and 10 draft picks (as of right now) I really think that both OL and WR/TE can both be addressed in one year.

 

It sure helped Tribuski a lot to tackle it that way

 

Agree w you, but i think its not about the firepower, its about the availability.  I dont want to do another Charles Clay, Langston Walker, or Dockery FA contract throwing $ at our need without it being a good player.... 

 

If someone like Khalil Mack were out there again, with our firepower i would do that, but i dont think the pieces will all be there for the taking.  J Clowney is due to become a FA possibly (but prob wont), would you throw a ton of $ at him and then go OL & WR in the draft completing the strategy you are suggesting?   

[John from Riverside]

2 minutes ago, Bill Murray said:

 

Agree w you, but i think its not about the firepower, its about the availability.  I dont want to do another Charles Clay, Langston Walker, or Dockery FA contract throwing $ at our need without it being a good player.... 

 

If someone like Khalil Mack were out there again, with our firepower i would do that, but i dont think the pieces will all be there for the taking.  J Clowney is due to become a FA possibly (but prob wont), would you throw a ton of $ at him and then go OL & WR in the draft completing the strategy you are suggesting?   

Beane will be judicious

 

The key being we have the money and picks to strike for the right situation.

 

QB is in place

10 draft picks (as of right now)

Franchise QB in place (the whole QB room actually)

Defense top 10

Found some hidden gems out of this last year

 

We are poised for a big offseason

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Great! Get 2 of them

[WideNine]

5 hours ago, oldmanfan said:

I'd focus on C in free agency, then draft another T and G.

 

This...get a vet to anchor your line, then fill the Tackle and Guard spots.

 

Besides the best center available was Wisconsin's Biadasz IMO and he did not declare.  Otherwise he would have been my #1 draft o-line target.

[Peace Frog]

I say it's payback time.  We should poach, in free agency, Trent Brown and Trey Flowers from the Paytoilets.  This fixes two of our needs and hurts them.

[3rdand12]

11 hours ago, thebandit27 said:

 

I'm not a big trade-down guy, especially when you're in the top 10 in a draft that is loaded with top-5 type talent at a position as critical as pass rusher (be it interior or EDGE).

 

I'm of the opinion that the team has enough picks, and that what they really need is to stock the roster elite prospects whenever possible.

depends on the offer. if someone need to leap two or three for a FIT guy, or QB. you have to look at it . Bills have enough gaps to fill.
be open minded 27 

 hope they do not get hung up on something. and instead ,  let it come to them

 : )

[Ayjent]

10 hours ago, thenorthremembers said:

I am not as sold on the tackle class as the writer here.  When I watch Jonah Williams I see a guy who really should be playing inside.  He doesnt have great feet, and tends to lunge at defenders rather than using his balance to create leverage.  Saw multiple instances where he whiffed on blocks trying to throw his weight into guys.  However, he does a great job pulling and blocking in the run game.  I think he is a better prospect at guard.

 

I havent watched much of Greg Little or Dalton Risner yet, but Ford and Edwards were predominantly right tackles, I still have a few games to watch, but neither jump out as elite left tackle prospects which is what you need to get if you're drafting top ten. 

Agreed. To me I think both Jonah Williams and Taylor would be average tackles and better inside. 

[JD Hill]

3 hours ago, Peace Frog said:

I say it's payback time.  We should poach, in free agency, Trent Brown and Trey Flowers from the Paytoilets.  This fixes two of our needs and hurts them.

Agree ?

[Seoulofstone]

12 hours ago, CookieG said:

 

I'm going to go off the board and say...draft 2 in the first two rounds. Preferably with a trade down for an extra pick or two.

 

The tight FA market is one factor. Another...the bigger factor is that we're not in a situation where we need to plug a single hole, we need to plug 3-4. Add in that quality OL are becoming more scarce in the draft. 

 

2 quality tackles...one of whom can play the interior...or move Dawkins to G.

 

Or. 1 tackle and a C like Bradbury if he's still there. I might be the only one, but I'd be thrilled with a Risner/Bradbury 1-2, or a few other combinations.

 

Possibilities open up. You can make a really positive step towards building a quality unit, rather than taking a patchwork or piecemeal approach...but only if the commitment is there. This is THE year to make that commitment.

 

An edge rusher does nothing to improve a 30th ranked offense. 

 

Work the problem.

 

 

 

 

 

I agree with you. But if Beane truly believes in BPA as he says he does, can he resist taking a D player? 

 

 I just don’t think OL can be BPA at 9- I’m not a Jonah Williams fan. You could argue that WR isn’t BPA either.

[machine gun kelly]

I’ve said it before, but since the topic keeps coming up, I definitely want a tackle in the first round, or even the other poster suggesting we trade with the Redskins.  We would still be able to get a solid tackle.

 

id rather get an excellent Guard and Center in free agency.