Ranking the 2022 NFL Draft's top 30 offensive tackles
Eight tackle prospects earn first, second, or third-round grades
There’s a dramatic drop after the top three offensive tackles in the 2022 NFL Draft, and there are only six or seven tackles in this class good enough to hold their ground as rookies. However, several scheme-specific prospects and players with developmental traits could sneak into the draft and become starters several years down the line. This article breaks the 30 best tackles from the 2022 class into seven tiers and briefly covers their prospect profiles.
I apologize for not including more in-depth analysis of each tackle prospect, but we’re approaching the draft. I need to cut some corners to cover all of the content for this draft cycle.
For this exercise, I’m classifying Logan Bruss, Ja'Tyre Carter, Luke Goedeke, Kenyon Green, Derek Kerstetter, Darian Kinnard, Cade Mays, Thayer Munford, Chris Paul, Sean Rhyan, Jamaree Salyer, Andrew Stueber, Zachary Thomas, and Cordell Volson as guards. Although I could see multiple of those players getting chances to play tackle in the NFL.
Feel free to tell me in the comments or on Twitter @Sam_Teets33 if you believe a certain prospect should rank higher. Let me know if I missed anyone.
Tier 1- Locked-In First-Round Selections
1. Evan Neal, OT Alabama
Size: 6'7 1/2", 337 lbs. with 34" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Neal is the ultimate blend of athleticism, pass blocking, and run blocking. The junior started at a different position each year in college, finishing 2021 at left tackle while producing his best year in pass protection.
Pros: Allowed 36 pressures and five sacks as a three-year starter, one year starting at right tackle, left guard, and left tackle, only one penalty in 2021, unique build that’s both powerful and lean for a tackle, already reshaping his body for the pro game, smooth athlete, twitchy upper body looking to punish defenders, ideal arm length and wingspan, rare mobility at his size, powerful hands
Cons: Upper body gets over his feet, not as dominant a mover in the run game as his size suggests, speed rushers can gain his outside shoulder, tendency to lean instead of bend, leaves his hands out wide and vulnerable, doesn’t consistently finish blocks, loses the leverage battle because of his size
2. Ikem Ekwonu, OT N.C. St.
Size: 6'4", 310 lbs. with 34" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Ekwonu is an elite run blocker who many analysts viewed as a guard until he showed significant improvement in pass protection this past season. The team that drafts Ekwonu is at least getting a stellar guard, but he’s shown the tools to stick at tackle.
Pros: Starting snaps at left tackle and left guard, tailor made for zone schemes, pass pro took a massive leap forward in 2021 by cutting his pressures and sacks allowed in half, explosive out of his stance, frames his man well, lethal when carrying any momentum, defenders struggle to escape his grip, finished blocks with a vengeance, finds and blows up targets in space, powerful hand, drives defenders off the line of scrimmage
Cons: Four penalties in 2020 and 2021, needs to play with more control after the whistle, hands are a work in progress, oversets in pass pro, feet sometimes stop moving and he lunges forward to initiate contact in pass pro, might end up as a guard
3. Charles Cross, OT Mississippi St.
Size: 6'5", 307 lbs. with 34 1/2" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Cross is coming from an unconventional college offense under Mike Leach, but he was perhaps the best pass blocker among the entire 2022 draft class this past year. Cross only has one season of elite play under his belt.
Pros: Only 19 pressures and two sacks on nearly 720 pass blocking snaps, excellent testing numbers at the Combine, athleticism to mirror pass rushers, hands are well honed, able to redirect power rushers around the quarterback, body control needed for a primary pass protector, enough athleticism to recover when initially beaten
Cons: Mississippi State offense had a high percentage of non-traditional pass sets, nine penalties in 2021, only played left tackle in college, not a consistent mover in the running game, should look at add another ten to 20 pounds, wasn’t exposed to a variety of run concepts in college, resorts to holding when beaten off the snap
Tier 2- Late First/Early Second
4. Trevor Penning, OT Northern Iowa
Size: 6'7", 325 lbs. with 34 1/4" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Penning is a freaky athlete with first-round speed and agility to complement his exceptional size, but he’s technically flawed and had as many penalties as his quarterback had passing touchdowns (16) in 2021.
Pros: Some experience playing right guard, 21 pressures and two sacks allowed over the past two years, explosive and speed testing were elite, creates plenty of movement in the running game, movement skills to play in multiple systems, lands the first punch, looks to latch and toss defenders, has that dog mentality that offensive line coaches love
Cons: Turns 23 in May, committed 16 penalties in 2021, his “mean streak” is borderline reckless, bend is a big problem, surrenders leverage with his height and bend, didn’t play many NFL-caliber rushers, surrenders his inside shoulder too often, hands usage needs complete reworking, speed rushers take his lunch, experienced bull rushers will take him down a notch
5. Bernhard Raimann, OT Central Michigan
Size: 6'6", 303 lbs. with 32 7/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Raimann is a 24-year-old tight end turned tackle with just two years of experience at the position under his belt. He’s still learning the position but possesses the athletic traits to keep pace with NFL-caliber defenders. His arm length is the only physical limiting factor.
Pros: Converted tight end, only 15 pressures allowed as a tackle in 2020 and 2021, still learning the position so we can project growth, yet another great mover with plenty of athleticism, recovery athleticism, absorbs bull rush and deadens the defender, active feed to mirror pass rushers, surprising anchor for his weight
Cons: Turns 25 in September, arm length is 23rd percentile, only two years of experience on the offensive line, four penalties in 2021, didn’t face many NFL-caliber edge rushers, no experience at guard, did not impress at the Senior Bowl, softens rushers rather than punishing them, must add mass to his lower body, doesn’t consistently create movement in the running game
6. Tyler Smith, OT Tulsa
Size: 6'5", 324 lbs. with 34" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: I view Smith as a potential first-round prospect at guard, but his combination of arm power, leg drive, and grip strength could thrive at tackle in a run-heavy offense. He’s technically flawed right now, which explains his 16 penalties in 2021.
Pros: Just 18 pressures and two sacks allowed in college, play strength is elite, agility testing came back well for a player with his skill set, stout anchor, powerful hands and torque, looks to maul defenders as a run blocker, finishes blocks, he and Ekwonu create movement at will in the running game, strength throughout his frame, big hands with paralyzing grip
Cons: Only played left tackle in college, committed 16 penalties in 2021, two penalties against Houston and Cincinnati (2021), plays too upright, hands get wide and become holding calls, carries hands low, lunges to try for big hits, oversetting too frequently, projects best as a guard for at least his rookie season
Tier 3- Third Round Selections
7. Abraham Lucas, OT Washington St.
Size: 6'6", 315 lbs. with 33 7/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Lucas is a freakishly agile tackle from an unconventional college offense where the running game was under-emphasized early in his career. While Lucas possesses exceptional movement skills and smooth pass protection reps, he only offers below-average power at the point of attack on straight ahead run plays.
8. Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT Ohio St.
Size: 6'5", 316 lbs. with 33 5/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Petit-Frere was talented enough to supplant Thayer Munford at left tackle in 2021 thanks to his fluidity and rapid development. He was exposed in pass protection by defensive fronts possessing NFL prospects, like Michigan, Minnesota, and Penn State.
Tier 4- Late Third/Fourth Round
9. Kellen Diesch, OT Arizona St.
Size: 6'7", 301 lbs. with 32 1/4" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: While he lacks ideal arm length, Diesch has a high floor as an outside zone tackle because of his exceptional movement skills and ability to track defenders. He’ll be a scheme-specific fit at the next level.
10. Rasheed Walker, OT Penn St.
Size: 6'6", 313 lbs. with 33 5/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Walker was a three-year starter at left tackle and a smooth operator in pass protection because of nimble footwork. He possesses all of the traits needed to start in the NFL but underwhelmed in his final collegiate season.
11. Daniel Faalele, OT Minnesota
Size: 6'8", 384 lbs. with 35 1/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Faalele is a massive human, but he has the athleticism of a guard and a frame that can’t possibly kick inside. Faalele has the size and strength to engulf rushers, but he showed at the Senior Bowl that he’s far from ready to start in the NFL.
12. Braxton Jones, OT Southern Utah
Size: 6'5", 310 lbs. with 35 3/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Jones has the physical tools required to meet NFL standards and above-average mobility, but his anchor and footwork remain works in progress. He struggled against Arizona State, the best team he faced throughout college. Jones is a backup who could develop into a starter by the end of his rookie deal.
13. Spencer Burford, OT UTSA
Size: 6'4", 304 lbs. with 34 3/4" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Burford started two years at left guard and two years at left tackle for UTSA. He’s an extremely smart player consistently working to bolster his technique, but he currently lacks NFL play strength. Burford needs to cut down on penalties and become more disciplined in the run game.
Tier 5- Fifth/Sixth Round Selections
14. Max Mitchell, OT Louisiana
Size: 6'6", 307 lbs. with 33 1/2" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Mitchell played over 2,700 offensive snaps at Louisiana, making him one of this draft’s most experienced players. He has starting experience at both tackle spots and projects as a swing tackle early in his career while he tries to fix his below-average play strength.
15. Vederian Lowe, OT Illinois
Size: 6'5", 314 lbs. with 35 3/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Lowe had five years with significant playing time at Illinois, amounting to over 3,370 offensive snaps played. He’s an average athlete who doesn’t stand out in any area but has intriguing arm length and a positive character. Similar to Obinna Eze, Lowe needs to improve his pad level.
16. Matt Waletzko, OT North Dakota
Size: 6'8", 312 lbs. with 36 1/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Waletzko has Daniel Faalele’s height with longer arms and more traditional weight distribution. Ideally, Waletzko adds muscle and plays at closer to 330 lbs. He’ll need to improve his pad level and become more accustomed to keeping his upper body and feet aligned, avoiding overextending and getting off balance.
17. Obinna Eze, OT TCU
Size: 6'6 1/2", 321 lbs. with 36 1/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Eze possesses an exception build for the tackle position and carries three years of starting experience from Memphis and TCU. However, he loses the leverage battle because of a high stance, needs to add more upper body strength, and lacks twitch throughout his frame.
18. Dare Rosenthal, OT Kentucky
Size: 6'7", 290 lbs. with 33 1/2" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Rosenthal is an elite athlete. He ran the fastest 40-time among all offensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, he has a below-average wingspan and lacks any polish at the position. It’s unlikely he’ll see playing time at his current weight, especially if it’s spread across a 6'7" frame.
19. Ryan Van Demark, OT UConn
Size: 6'6 1/2", 302 lbs. with 35 1/2" arms (Shrine Bowl)
Prospect Pitch: Van Demark is one of the few UConn prospects that jumps out on tape. He has elite arm length but lacks the lower body and core strength to play against NFL competition. His worst game in 2021 came against Clemson. Van Demark played over 3,150 offensive snaps in college.
Tier 6- Seventh Round Selections
20. Luke Tenuta, OT Virginia Tech
Size: 6'8", 319 lbs. with 32 7/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Tenuta possesses below-average athleticism and a sawed-off frame with under 33" arms. He’s primarily effective when he gets downhill as a run blocker. Tenuta’s height creates natural issues with leverage, and he lacks the length or athleticism to compensate.
21. Austin Deculus, OT LSU
Size: 6'5", 321 lbs. with 34 3/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: While with the Tigers, Deculus started at right tackle for four seasons, amassing roughly 3,380 offensive snaps. This past season was by far his best in pass protection. He suffers from stiff hips and too much bending at the waist. Deculus struggled in the running game primarily because of stiffness and a need to continue improving his play strength.
22. Nick Zakelj, OT Fordham
Size: 6'6", 316 lbs. with 32 1/2" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Zakelj lacks prototypical arm length for an offensive tackle and might be forced inside to guard. He’s technically flawed, often getting too high in his stance or relying on bending at the waist, creating an awkward and unbalanced rep.
Tier 7- Priority UDFAs
23. Devin Cochran, OT Georgia Tech
Size: 6'6 7/8", 308 lbs. with 35 1/2" arms (Shrine Bowl)
Prospect Pitch: Cochran started at Vanderbilt for three seasons before transferring to Georgia Tech. He has two years of experience at right and left tackle. Cochran held his own against Clemson in 2021, only allowing one pressure. He specializes in pass pro but needs to add driving power to his lower half.
24. Tyler Vrabel, OT Boston College
Size: 6'5 6/8", 315 lbs. with 32 3/8" arms (Boston College pro day)
Prospect Pitch: Vrabel was a three-year starter at Boston College, spending two seasons at left tackle and one at right tackle. He needs to bend at his knees more to avoid getting out leveraged by defenders. Vrabel displayed problems anchoring and holding up against elite defensive lines (Clemson and Florida State in 2021).
25. Myron Cunningham, OT Arkansas
Size: 6'5", 320 lbs. with 34 1/2" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Cunningham has the build of an NFL offensive tackle, but he lacks the agility to start at the next level. He’s not athletic compared to prospects that project as early contributors, and this concern shows up in his stance and playstyle.
26. Bamidele Olaseni, OT Utah
Size: 6'7", 348 lbs. with 36 1/2" arms (Shrine Bowl)
Prospect Pitch: This past season was Olaseni’s first time appearing in more than 20 offensive snaps. He played roughly 850 snaps, displaying immense physical talent and power in the running game. However, his technique in pass protection needs to be reworked completely. Olaseni is a pure traits-based prospect. He’s already 26 years old.
27. Andrew Rupcich, OT Culver-Stockton
Size: 6'6", 318 lbs. with 32 7/8" arms (NFL.com)
Prospect Pitch: Rupcich earned an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine after participating in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He has subpar arm length and an uninspiring wingspan that might force him to play guard at the next level.
28. Jordan Tucker, OT North Carolina
Size: 6'6 2/8", 344 lbs. with 35" arms (The College Gridiron Showcase)
Prospect Pitch: Tucker offers an ideal blend of size and arm length, but he’s not an elite athlete compared to many tackles in this class. A three-year starter at right tackle, Tucker put up some bad tape in 2020 and committed six penalties this season, likely keeping him out of the seventh round.
29. Jalen McKenzie, OT USC
Size: 6'4 6/8", 307 lbs. with 34 2/8" arms (Shrine Bowl)
Prospect Pitch: McKenzie played over 2,000 offensive snaps for the Trojans, splitting time between right tackle and right guard. He’s coming off his best season in pass protection, allowing nine pressures and no sacks. McKenzie offers good lower body agility but lacks the play strength and resume to earn a draft pick.
30. Alec Anderson, OT UCLA
Size: 6'5", 305 lbs. with 33 2/8" arms (NFL Draft Buzz)
Prospect Pitch: Anderson played significant snaps for UCLA in each of the past three seasons, spending time primarily at right tackle. He committed five penalties in each of the past two years. Anderson might have a better chance of sticking around in the NFL if he plays guard.
Honorable Mentions
Jean Delance, OT Florida
Jahmir Johnson, OT Texas A&M
Caleb Jones, OT Indiana
Patrick Paul, OT Houston