2021: Offensive Line

Penei Sewell-T-Oregon-6’5”-331-Top 10-99

Tremendous talent at the left tackle spot. Had a full sweep of the lineman awards in 2019 at only 19 years of age. Sewell has been compared to Anthony Muñoz which would make him well worth the number 1 overall pick. He looks grabby to me in the Tyron Smith ilk but he has tremendous feet and strength to back it up. With 33” arms he does not have ideal length and he will need to develop more depth in his kick step but he has the tools to make that progress. His balance is truly elite, this guy is always upright. Projecting him into his 20’s, he can be an all-pro at tackle. The Bengals would be foolish to pass him up at 5.

Teven Jenkins-T-Oklahoma State-6’6”-317-1st Round-94

His picture makes him look like a goober, but this kid is anything but. Jenkins plays the game like Jon Runyan, absolutely ruining people. If you prefer a more contemporary reference, try Taylor Lewan. Jenkins played mostly at right tackle for the Cowboys and I think that’s where he belongs at the next level given his average athleticism. I absolutely love the attitude he plays with. Tevan wants to win every block and often he has multiple victories on each play. This is exactly the type of player that brings an identity to an offense, and ordinarily I bump right tackles to day 2, but I think this man is a different breed.

Christian Darrishaw-T-Va. Tech-6’5”-322-1st Round-91

Strong positional blocker who can move his feet to get to his spot. I would like to see more lower body power and leverage. Also would like to see him finish plays better. However, Darrishaw does not get beat quickly in pass protection and he put on a clinic against Miami against a potential 1st round defensive end in Jaelan Philips. I like his 34” arms to match his frame. Only 9” hands are an anomaly and could be part of the late pressures he does allow. Reminds me a lot of D.J. Humphries with more consistent play but a bit less athleticism. Has the upside to be starting left tackle with slight limitations but if he can’t improve his effort, he might flush out.

Rashawn Slater-T-Northwestern-6’4”-304-Top 20-88

Not sure why he’s getting some buzz as the top tackle in this class, Slater is a competent player but I don’t see Pro Bowl potential. At his size with 33” arms, I view him as a guard or right tackle, where he spent two collegiate seasons. He has good feet but does not have supreme power. I really like his hand placement in pass protection and believe he can win mental battles with pass rushers. Playing well against Chase Young moved him up big time, but I wonder how hard Chase was playing when the Buckeyes were up by 28 in the first half.

Alijah Vera-Tucker-G-USC-6’4”-308-1st/2nd-88

Couple years at guard for Tucker before flexing to left tackle in 2020. With 32” arms, his best fit at the next level is at the guard position without a doubt. He’s a terrific athlete with a powerful lower body. Alijah does not get moved off his spot and that’s going to make him a stalwart pass protector. I’d like to see more drive on his run blocks, and for that reason he drops to the 2nd round for me.

Landon Dickerson-C-Alabama-6’6”-333-2nd Day-83

Guaranteed future coach or GM. Dickerson was the first freshman offensive lineman to start at Florida State in more than 3 decades. After injuries derailed his time in Tallahassee he moved to Alabama and immediately made an impact. Moving from tackle to guard and then eventually finding a home at center, Dickerson was named the top pivot in the nation. When Covid shut down workout facilities, Landon converted his covered car park to a gym and setup a rolling schedule and sanitizing station so all his teammates would have a place to work out. After suffering a season ending injury in 2020, Dickerson was the only team captain representing the Crimson Tide at the National Championship coin toss and eventually got a few snaps in the victory formation. His teammates LOVE him. Has team captain written all over him. HOWEVER. His injury history is long and very concerning. On the field, he’s got Mitch Morse upside, combined with David Andrews’ leadership. But the injuries push him to the late 2nd for me.

Alex Leatherwood-G-Alabama-6’5”-312-2nd Round-78

A highly touted recruit, Leatherwood absolutely looks the part. He has good size and athleticism, but he just cannot stick on blocks. I think he will always have that limitation and he may fit better on the inside, although he will have to improve his strength to succeed in there.