Here is a breakdown of Eddie Brown’s top 10 offensive tackles:
1. Tristan Wirfs (Jr., Iowa, 6-foot-5, 320 pounds)
Wirfs is a do-everything athlete (baseball, football, track and wrestling in high school). This coupled with his freakish strength makes him a potential star at every offensive line position besides center. Projected: Top 15
2. Andrew Thomas (Jr., Georgia, 6-5, 315)
The powerful, athletic left tackle is equally dominant in the run game and pass protection. He was a three-year starter for one of the nation’s best offensive lines. A refined technique at the next level could mean many All-Pro selections. Projected: Top 15
3. Mekhi Becton (Jr., Louisville, 6-7, 364)
Imagine if your refrigerator came to life and could beat you in a foot race while also protecting your blindside. The weight concerns (he’s approaching 370 pounds) were alleviated for most when his body fat was measured at a mere 17% in Indy. Projected: 1st round
4. Jedrick Wills Jr. (Jr., Alabama, 6-4, 312)
Wills has All-Pro potential at right tackle and guard. He allowed only one sack in 39 games protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside. He has never played a single snap at left tackle in high school or college. Projected: Top 15
5. Josh Jones (Sr., Houston, 6-5, 319)
Four-year starter (45 starts at left tackle) and team captain. He’s currently a better pass protector than run blocker, but he’s athletic enough to improve in the NFL. Projected: 1st and 2nd round
6. Austin Jackson (Jr., USC, 6-5, 322)
Jackson is a raw talent with elite athletic ability. He also has seven blocked kicks on special teams dating back to his sophomore year of high school in Phoenix. Projected: 1st or 2nd round
7. Isaiah Wilson (So., Georgia, 6-6, 350)
Former five-star recruit with elite size, strength and natural skill. His fundamentals are still a work-in-progress. Projected: 2nd or 3rd round
8. Ezra Cleveland (Jr., Boise St., 6-6, 311)
Three-year starter at left tackle who is athletic enough to thrive in pass protection, but needs to add some strength to be an asset in the run game. Projected: 2nd round
9. Prince Tega Wanogho (Sr., Auburn, 6-5, 308)
His journey from Nigeria is Google-worthy. Wanogho was originally recruited as a defensive end (four stars), but he’s adjusted to left tackle nicely and held his own in the talent-rich SEC. Projected: 2nd or 3rd round
10. Ben Bartch (Sr., Saint John’s (Minn.), 6-6, 309)
A no-star tight end recruit out of high school, Bartch is very raw, but clearly talented. He should be the first Saint John’s player drafted since 1974 and the highest drafted prospect in school history. Projected: 3rd to 5th round
Bonus: Matt Peart (Sr., Connecticut, 6-6, 318)
Peart split the difference between left and right tackle for the Huskies (24 starts apiece). A fine-tuning of his mechanics will serve this team captain well in the NFL. Projected: 2nd to 4th round
Bonus: Lucas Niang (Sr., TCU, 6-6, 315)
Niang didn’t allow a sack in his 27 starts for the Horned Frogs. He features the strength and athleticism to be an anchor on the offensive line when healthy (he suffered a labrum tear in his hip as a senior). Projected: 2nd to 5th round
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