Lineman Thread

[AlexGreen#20]

I've been meaning to get one of these started for a while now. I'm interested to hear what everybody has to say about some of these guys, and where I have them ranked.

Center

Barrett Jones (Alabama)

-Not sure what more you can ask for in a Center prospect, Andrew Luck of Centers.

Mario Benavides (Louisville)

-Like him a lot getting second level and helping out the Guards but not so much against the better rushing NTs.

Khaled Holmes (USC)

-Solid all the way across the board. Has a great anchor, but I question his movement skills a bit.

Graham Pocic (Illinois)

Freak Athlete with a ton of potential at this point. Like to see a bit more nasty and a bit better technique, but the chance to be a real star if he puts it together.

Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech)

Similar to Benavides but without the reps at Center. So much of the pivot spot is mental and we haven't seen that with Uzzi who's been at Guard. Also question the strength coming from that goofy offense the Yellow Jackets run.

Guard

Alex Hurst (RT-LSU)

I like Hurst but just don't think he has the feet to get it done outside. All the tools to be a stud inside, just need to see if he puts it together.

Travis Fredricks (Wisconsin)

Fredricks is more physically gifted than Zeitler but isn't close to Zeitler as a player right now. While Zeitler was a robot, Fredricks was prone to mental errors. When he was on last year, Fredricks looked like the most dominant player on the Wisconsin line, we just didn't see it consistently.

Chance Warmack (Alabama)

Pure workhorse right now. Gets it done with outstanding strength and feet, but needs to work on his hands against the quicker types before he can be ranked higher. He gets that right and you're looking at an all-pro.

Gabe Ikard (Oklahoma)

Ikard's best trait right now is his ability to play any of the interior spots. He played Center when Habern went down and looks to be a real solid player wherever Stoops ends up playing him.

Alvin Bailey (Arkansas)

Bailey really had a fine season at Arkansas. He was viewed by many as a roadgrader, but when injuries hit the run game and Tyler Wilson became the focal point, he proved himself viable in pass pro.

Larry Warford (Kentucky)

Big dude. with unreal strength. I'm not sure I trust his quickness in the pros, but in a man system Warford is going to make a Running Back very happy.

Cyril Richardson (Baylor)

I don't trust Richardson at Tackle due to Baylor's offense. He was pass blocking a lot, but it wasn't the sort you really want to see. He's got some lunge in his game which isn't going to cut it in the pros. At Guard he should have plenty of quickness but will need to develop a better anchor.

Jonathan Cooper (UNC)

Cooper may be the best in shorts player in this Guard class. Started as a Freshman, and may not come out this season. I'm not sure his game translates this season, but he could very well be the #1 guy in next years class. Has a lot of talent.

Mendoza Line
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Joel Foreman (MSU)

I swear, Foreman has been a Spartan since I was born. He's probably the most technically and mentally ready player in this class, but just doesn't have the athleticism to get it done at a high level in the pros. Should be a real good backup somewhere.

LaAdrian Waddle (Texas Tech)

I don't trust the anchor and am not sure he's got a spot in the pros, but his feet will get him drafted.

Chris Jacobson (Pittsburgh)

Can play every spot on the interior. Got some injury concerns though. Depth

James Williams (Florida)

Pretty much the same as Jacobson.

Blaze Foltz (TCU)

Good college player, but hasn't played any Center which hurts his stock. Doesn't project as a starter.

Gabe Jackson (Mississippi State)

Horrible as a pass blocker. His value is however good he gets in protection, because he's a pretty good run blocker. As of now he's a late round selection.

Braden Hansen (BYU)

Awesome college player, but lacks the strength to be good in the pros. Probably just a depth player.

Spencer Long (Nebraska)

Long's got another year of eligibility and supposedly has the brain to go along with the quickness to play Center. He's not an NFL guard right now, but could be in the future.

Left Tackle

Oday Aboushi (Virginia)

STUD. I think he's further along than Kalil was at this point.

Luke Joeckel (TAMU)

This kid's got game. Doesn't have one trait that blows you away but is consistent across the board.

Jake Matthews (TAMU)

Rare you get a guy who will move from RT to LT when they get to the pros but I think Jake's got a chance to do it. He's got outstanding feet and real solid strength.

Taylor Lewan (Michigan)

Lewan's a bit undeveloped right now, but he's got time to develop. Huge frame, good feet, and long arms go early in the draft.

Chris Faulk (LSU)

Does Faulk have the quickness, is the question that he needs to answer. If he shows he's a legit player and not just a lunger, he'll shoot up boards. I just don't trust him right now.

Tanner Hawkinson (Kansas)
Justin Pugh (Syracuse)

Both of these guys are the same. Good feet, but that's it. They'll get drafted on potential but won't stick around real long.

Right Tackle

Ricky Wagner (Wisconsin)

Wagner looks to finish his career at Wisconsin strong. He's probably not a Left Tackle in the pros, but a guy that can swing over in a pinch. Reminds me a lot of Bulaga for the Packers.

DJ Fluker (Alabama)

For my money he's overrated. I've heard people saying he's a Franchise Left Tackle and I just don't buy it. He has problems getting high, which is going to be a huge problem in the pros. He can only defend speed or power, not both at the same time, and that's not going to make it in the NFL.

Seantrel Henderson (Miami)

#1 recruit out of school but never lived up to it due to injuries. Not a dissimilar player to Brandon Washington who he's replacing. Not a huge fan.

Xavier Nixon (Florida)

I can't tell if Nixon is going to be a star or be a bust. Ultimately it's up to Nixon. No consistency to his game. Drives me nuts.

David Yankley (Stanford)

Stanford kid lacking in athleticism. Tough and smart enough to get the job done outside. RT only and probably only depth which really hurts his stock.

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What say you??

[TheVillain112]

[zacapr22]

I don't know why I feel so high on Alex Hurst...
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[gohogs14]

Where would you rank Travis Swanson?

[AlexGreen#20]

[Chiefer]

[Duffman57]