NFL Draft positional rankings: offensive tackles edition

This is the next installment in my 2017 NFL Draft positional rankings, the offensive tackles. This year’s class is not one of the better ones in recent memory, espeically compared to last year. But that doesn’t mean that there isnt any talent present. Let’s get right into the rankings.

1) Garett Bolles, Utah

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Bolles possess the best athletic traits of any tackle in this year’s class. At the combine, Bolles was one of the standouts, posting a sub-five-second 40 yard dash. But what has really impressed me is Bolles’ footwork. In all combine drills, Bolles had arguably the best footwork of any offensive lineman there. He was espeically impressive in the mirror drill. This prompted me to go back to his tape, and watch for his footwork. The footwork that stood out at the combine was present in Bolles’ game film as well.

Not only is Bolles very atheltic, but he is stronger than his slightly small frame would indicate. I think Bolles could be successful in the NFL.

2) Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin

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Ramczyk is your typical Big Ten offensive lineman, big bodied and very strong. The Wisconsin product doesn’t have as much athleticsm as Bolles, but Ramczyk’s strong, imposing frame makes him very hard to get past. Ramczyk looks to be a better runblocker than he is a pass blocker. Finally, Ramczyk’s technique, just like all Big Ten lineman, is solid and sound.

3) Cam Robinson, Alabama

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Robinson came into the 2016 season as the top ranked offensive tackle in this year’s class, but has steadily seen a drop off since. The biggest reason for this has been concerns regarding his athleticsm, more specifically, his balance. On tape and at the combine, Robinson at times looked off kilter when moving.

However Robinson is massive, and he has excellent upper body strength. This has helped him excel as a blocker, and in turn was a big reason why he was selected to the SEC first team twice in his career. I have concerns about Robinson being able to handle qucik and agile NFL pass rushers.

4) Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

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I didn’t know much about Moton until the combine. At the combine, Moton burst onto the scene with a performance just as impressive as Bolles’. Moton combines Bolles’ athletic traits with Robinson’s size. Moton has long arms and huge hands. He can be really excellent blocker at the point of attack.

However, Moton’s tape lacks consistency. If he can capture the good moments and play in that fashion all the time, he may be ranked higher. NFL coaching will help him reach his potential.

5) Dion Dawkins, Temple

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This may be a little bit of a stretch, as Dawkins may be too small to play tackle in the NFL. However, Dawkins has three years of starting experience at left tackle in his Temple career. Dawkins has both good upper body strength as well as potential. Dawkins has excellent balance and good footwork. I worry he could get swallowed up at tackle in the NFL because of his size, but I’m willing to give him a chance due to the potential I see.

That’s my top five rankings of the offensive tackles. How would you rank them?

The next edition will be interior offensive lineman. Then I’ll switch over to the defensive side of the ball.