The Lineman Lounge: Evo's Board - Offense

With the NFL Draft right around the corner, everyone is dropping "Big Boards" and their mock drafts. Most people are able to recognize many of the big names who are going in round 1, but what about if you haven't been paying much attention to this years class? What if you aren't a degenerate like myself, and you haven't delved into 400+ prospects, then when your team is on the clock in round 6, how will you know if you got a steal? Well, I am not going to be able to help you completely, but I am going to be able to offer up a bevy of names of players who I am a fan of, agnostic of what team takes them. There are fabulous resources on the internet that will have player by player analysis that will help you make an informed decision on your teams newest addition. I by no means am a professional: I am a self-proclaimed "Dummy Thicc Idiot". However, if you have watched myself and fellow DTI Sleeveless Mike on our Podcast The Lineman Lounge, and if you like where we are coming from with our prospect rankings over the past weeks, then you might get some use out of my "board" that you can find below.

This board is by no means a "Big Board". Rather, it is a listing of players who I am a fan of based on their current projected selection range. For instance, If "WR X" is typically viewed as a day 2 pick, and I like them there, then they will probably be on my list. However, if I'm not a fan, they'll most likely be absent. This is why you might not see some more well known names like WR Keon Coleman. He is typically seen as a 2nd round pick, but I have him as a 3rd rounder, and thus I don't like his value. These are all just my personal views, and I can guarantee that I'll have plenty of misses, but if you'd like a quick reference sheet as the draft is going along, this can be an easy source for you. The listed players will also be listed within their position group in the order that I view them as well, so in that regard, they are a general position ranking. In this segment, I will be focusing on offensive positions with the 66 players found below.

QUARTERBACK

Caleb Williams: Round 1

Williams is the consensus top QB. He has some question marks about ball security and off the field concerns, but the upside is hard to deny.

Jayden Daniels: Round 1

Daniels is an insane mix of talent as a passer and runner. His stats are insane. The concerns revolve around his slender frame and the hits he takes, along with a lack of zip on throws, but he is an impressive dual threat prospect.

J.J. McCarthy: Round 1

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence". JJ does not have the volume stats you want to see, but situationally his statistics are impressive. He is a proven winner who is young enough to still develop further. The question is, can he expand those limited stats and become a more fleshed out passer.

Drake Maye: Round 1

Maye has a great arm, good athleticism, and prototypical size. Playing in a bad offense with terrible surrounding talent hurt his stats this year, and he probably needs to sit the most of the top 4 QB's. His accuracy is typically spot on, but he has at least one notable mis-throw per quarter that is baffling. If he is developed correctly, he could become a top 5 QB in the NFL.

Michael Penix Jr: Round 1

If you watch the college football playoff semi-final against Texas, or look at his statistics throughout the year, you would think Penix is a top 5 pick. Then if you watch the championship, you could understand him falling out of the 1st. He has one of, if not the most, impressive arms in this draft, but his accuracy and decision making deteriorates the more you move him off his spot. Oh, also he is relatively old and has a super scary injury history.

*Notable missing: Bo Nix, Spencer Rattler

RUNNING BACK

Jonathan Brooks: Round 2-3

Brooks has everything you want from a 3 down RB and was hidden behind Bijan and Johnson at Texas. The question mark revolves around his torn ACL that ended his year, and how he is able to recover.

Trey Benson: Round 2-3

Benson has impressive athleticism for his size, but lacks patience and is a bit north/south. Has the potential to be a lead back in the NFL.

Tyrone Tracy: Round 3-5

Tracy is slept on in my opinion. After starting his career in Iowa as a wide receiver, he transferred to Purdue and became a RB. He didn't get to show off his receiving acumen, but you know it is there. He has WR speed, and was extremely successful with next to no talent around him, and will only get better with more coaching as a RB. He also is an outstanding returner which has added value with the new return rules. Think underdeveloped Jahmyr Gibbs.

Bucky Irving: Round 2-4

Bucky looks smaller than his actual measurables, and isn't going to be a 3 down guy who can be consistent between the tackles. Where he does succeed is outside of the tackles and in the pass game. Every agile, fast, and has great hands.

Jaylen Wright: Round 2-5

Wright makes me think of Alvin Kamara light. Maybe I'm just scouting the helmet. Has all the athleticism that you want from the pro level, but he is lacking experience and needs development. Also surprisingly is a great pass protector along with being a special receiver.

MarShawn Lloyd: Round 3-5

Lloyd lacks vision, but has good athleticism as a receiver, runner, and blocker. Could be better as a runner between the tackles, but tends to avoid running up the middle.

Isaiah Davis: Round 3-6

Davis does everything well. He runs, he catches, he blocks, and has prototypical 3 down back size and characteristics. Why isn't he rated higher? He played for low competition at South Dakota State, and he has a decent amount of mileage on the tires.

Kimani Vidal: Round 4-7

Vidal played for a smaller school at Troy, and is shorter than you'd like for his weight, but his performance on the field is tough to overlook. Decent developmental prospect.

Isaac Guerendo: Round 5-UDFA

Guerendo has never been a lead back, and that has to make you question what his coaches felt he was missing. Despite this, he has fantastic lead back size and extremely impressive measurables. Probably never a lead back, but someone who's traits and limited wear are very intriguing.

Dylan Laube: Round 5-UDFA

Laube is more of a fun player who maybe develops into a gadget that teams can deploy in certain scenarios. Played at New Hampshire and doesn't sport great measurables, so there will be questions about if he has NFL level capability, but he was used as much as a receiver as he was a runner, and found success doing both.

*Notable Missing: Blake Corum, Ray Davis, Braelon Allen

WIDE RECEIVER

Marvin Harrison Jr.: Round 1

Insane Prospect. No further notes.

Malik Nabers: Round 1

Insane Prospect. No further notes.

Rome Odunze: Round 1

Insane Prospect. No further notes.

Brian Thomas Jr.: Round 1

Speed and size overmatch. Can he develop into a well rounded receiver? This will determine his career and if he can be a true X or just a deep threat.

Adonai Mitchell: Round 1-2

AD has true number 1/X traits, but his issue revolves around consistency. He seems to disappear or losses his aggression in some games.

*The next 5 receivers are all equal in relative rating for me*

Xavier Legette: Round 1-2

Legette can be special, and his talents may grow when he isn't the only target on an offense like in college. Strong receiver with massive YAC potential, with athleticism that is special for his size.

Troy Franklin: Round 1-2

Lean, fast, and agile. Had a lot of schemed up yards which were made for YAC, succeeding from creating missed tackles over broken tackles.

Ladd McConkey: Round 1-2

Super successful receiver without measurables that jump off the screen. Great at separating and possession, and should become a reception magnet. Best out of the slot, but could work well outside too.

Ricky Pearsall: Round 2

Like McConkey, Pearsall's measurables don't jump off the screen, but he will be a great underneath receiver who is consistent, great at contested catches, and will churn out very productive stats.

Roman Wilson: Round 2

Much like his QB McCarthy, Roman was in a run first offense which may have hid his talents. Put into a more pass heavy offense, he could put up Amon-Ra St. Brown style numbers despite not having X size.

Malachi Corley: Round 2-4

Height seems to restrict him to the slot, but he plays bigger and stronger. Think of a running back movement and strength for passes over the middle and screen plays. Route running and footwork are raw, but is a fun and strong gadget/slot.

Ja'Lynn Polk: Round 2-4

Looks like a solid number 2 or slot receiver who isn't going to "flash" although his is very impressive as a jump ball/contested catch receiver. Still productive despite having multiple other great receivers around him.

Javon Baker: Round 2-5

Alabama transfer who popped at UCF because of his raw straight line speed. I believe he has the capability to become a well rounded receiver with coaching and opportunity, but if not, he could fall into the mold of former Dolphins/Steelers/Vikings WR Mike Wallace.

Jalen McMillan: Round 2-5

Got somewhat lost in Washington's offense, partially due to some injuries which kept him off the field at times, but was still an active member in an explosive pass offense. If he had the targets of Ja'Lynn Polk, he probably would be just as productive.

Jacob Cowing: Round 3-6

Small and probably seen as a slot, however no one was able to separate as well as him the past two years in college football. This made him receive a high volume of passes and was very productive. Roll in NFL may become more limited.

Malik Washington: Round 3-5

Will be held back or drafted later because of his height, but his acceleration and agility will create quick separation and give CB's fits in coverage. Doesn't have great size or strength, but can open windows and create explosive plays.

Bub Means: Round 6-UDFA

Solid size, frame, and wingspan, will solid hands, but doesn't help much in run game. Doesn't manipulate DB's well, and doesn't have suddenness.

Zakhari Franklin: Round 7-UDFA

Extremely productive at UTSA, and then was rarely used after transfer to Mississippi. Has good route running, hands, and a good catch radius, and has most success over the middle of the field. Concern comes from lack of use in one year at Mississippi.

*Notable Missing: Keon Coleman, Xavier Worthy, Jermaine Burton, Devontez Walker, Johnny Wilson, Brenden Rice

TIGHT END

Brock Bowers: Round 1

Impressive unicorn prospect.

Ben Sinnott: Round 2-5

Possibly my favorite TE prospect. Does everything well, yet nothing excellent. Feels like a discount version of George Kittle who will be able to shine more in the right situation in the NFL.

Ja'Tavion Sanders: Round 2-3

More of a receiver than a blocker, but has the impressive athleticism that makes you excited about his potential as a move tight end.

Cade Stover: Round 2-4

Good all around tight end with limited experience and technique. Felt less used than he could of been, and has great overall football acumen, which gives him high upside to develop into a starting TE.

Theo Johnson: Round 3-6

Fantastic size to athleticism combo, but was barely used in the passing game which means he is all potential based on that athleticism and traits. So-so as a blocker, but again, has the size and athleticism where he could develop.

Tip Reiman: Round 4-7

Reiman has prototypical old school blocking tight end size, but was not used as a receiving option along with being on a run first team. During draft process he showed pop as a receiver leading me to believe that he could be a diamond in the rough.

Jaheim Bell: Round 4-7

Doesn't have ideal size, and feels more like an H-Back or athletic fullback who should be moved in and out of the backfield as a blocker and receiver.

Dallin Holker: Round 4-6

Dude is old, experienced, and not super athletic. Looks to be a depth piece with some receiving upside (thanks catch at the combine), but is versatile which will earn him a roster spot.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Joe Alt: Round 1

Best tackle prospect hands down.

Taliese Fuaga: Round 1

My favorite RT prospect. Aggressive and strong, has flexibility to move in to guard if needed.

Troy Fautanu: Round 1

Was outstanding at Washington, with great movement skills and true positional flexibility. Probably best on the left side.

Tyler Guyton: Round 1-2

Impressive size and athleticism, but incredibly raw. Extremely driven and is a willing learning. Only has played RT, but I feel that he projects as a top end LT after 2ish years of coaching. Super high ceiling, low floor.

Olu Fashanu: Round 1

No doubt has the size and athleticism to be a great technique based pass blocker as a LT. Does not have the necessary strength currently, and isn't going to be great in the run game initially.

Kingsley Suamataia: Round 2

Much like Guyton, Kingsley is a developmental prospect with good size and great athleticism/strength. Technique needs to be refined, but has a quicker timeline than Guyton with a lower ceiling.

Blake Fisher: Round 2-4

Fisher was probably criminally overlooked with Alt playing opposite of him. Not overly quick or athletic, but strong and smart. Good for power schemes, but will need to develop technique against speed rushers.

Roger Rosengarten: Round 2-5

Like Fisher, Rosengarten was overlooked because of Fautanu. In truth, he was the blindside blocker for Penix, and was an average pass blocker but a really solid run blocker. He'll be more successful in the NFL as a RT to a right handed thrower and is a value where he is being drafted.

Patrick Paul: Round 3-5

Another ogre as far as size, but not athletic like some of the others. Plays high and without great speed, but wins because of his size and wingspan. Still has room to develop fundamentals.

Christian Jones: Round 3-5

Good anchor and great striker, but vulnerable to speed and change of direction from edge rushers. Not weak in run or pass protection, and is at least a high level backup/replacement player who could work into being a starter with some development.

Javon Foster: Round 4-6

Older prospect with great length and athleticism, but doesn't have great hand technique and can lunge out of position. High end swing tackle/backup who is a value in current draft slot projection.

OFFENSIVE GUARD

Christian Haynes: Round 2

Questions about level of competition will come up, but he shook those concerns at the senior bowl. An older prospect with 4 years of starting experience, but has all of the traits you want from a starting guard including size. Good, not great, at pulling, and absorbs defenders more than mauls them.

Cooper Beebe: Round 2-4

My favorite guard who feels like a value where he is being taken. 48 starts at multiple positions, though mostly at guard, give him versatility and experience. Not super athletic, but he is a guard, so it isn't much of a concern. Super smart, and should at worse be a long term above average guard with upside.

Christian Mahogany: Round 2-4

Mahogany not only has a fancy name, but he is a fancy old-school style guard. Not a high end pass protector, but a burly force in the run game.

Mason McCormick: Round 2-5

Small school product with a significant amount of starts. Very athletic and well sized, to the point that you wouldn't feel terrible about having him play some tackle. A little stiff in the pass game, but great as a run blocker and keen to sniff out stunts.

Dominic Puni: Round 3-5

Listed as a tackle but experienced as a guard which is probably more of a natural fit. Before transferring to Kansas, he had atrocious technique, but was successfully coached into better technique, and if his development curve continues, he should easily start at guard and has some swing tackle flexibility if needed.

Trevor Keegan: Round 3-5

Keegan was a solid guard on a prolific running team. Despite this, he wasn't much of a mauler and would lean forward more than you'd like rather than anchoring correctly. Experience is great, and is athletic, but not sure if he'll be able to maintain the necessary size/weight.

Zak Zinter: Round 4-6

Zinter is a fantastic all around guard in both the run and pass game, with strength that is perfect for a power run scheme. Has a strong anchor in the past game, but will be limited schematically in the NFL. Would be closer to a 3rd round grade if it wasn't for his catastrophic injury which left questions if he could play football again. Assuming he is healthy, he could develop into a starting level guard by 2025-26.

CENTER

Jackson Powers-Johnson: Round 1-2

Despite some concern about injury, JPJ is just about everything you want from an interior lineman. Rarely fails at his assignment, but if he does, he won't give up. That sort of tenacity will breed confidence in coaches and other lineman, and he will become a motivational leader in the offense.

Graham Barton: Round 1-2

Barton only played LT at Duke, and did very well, but his traits are best suited for interior offensive line, particularly Center. Tough, rugged, with good movement and pulling capability who is mean in the run game but brings the pass blocking presence and IQ necessary from previously playing tackle. Will most likely be taken in the 1st round because he offers so much positional flexibility.

Zach Frazier: Round 1-3

Frazier comes with a wrestling background which is typically a strong background trait for interior offensive lineman. He was able to parlay this into an exceptional college career at center, and should be a low-floor plug-and-play center immediately.

Sedrick Van Pran: Round 3-5

The knocks will focus on only having adequate strength and athleticism, but his football IQ is very high allowing him to overcome with technique.

Beaux Limmer: Round 3-5

Limmer didn't have the best senior bowl, but the tape in his career along with his unique size creates a very intriguing prospect who is closer to Graham Barton than he is another prospect. He is athletic and has the size to flex to tackle if needed, but fits best as a center or guard.

Drake Nugent: Round 4-7

Nugent is a mid to late round developmental guard who will be overlooked despite having great experience and IQ. You'd like to see better size, but don't be surprised when he is at least an average starter in 3 years.

Tanor Bortolini: Round 3-7

The most "developmental" prospect of the group, causing him to see a wide range of projected draft slots and outcomes. What can't be ignored is that he has a great lineman haircut and outstanding athleticism for an IOL. He played all over the interior of the line during his time at Wisconsin, which leans his floor to that of high level backup. Can be inconsistent, but could develop into a starter in 3 years with good coaching.