Looking at the OBJ trade, a Jabrill Peppers “In Memoriam” and more: While We’re Waiting
March 14, 2019Browns tied for fifth-best odds to win Super Bowl LIV in 2020
March 14, 2019The Cleveland Browns had a really promising 2018 NFL season. And it is now carrying over to the offseason with the incredible activity already done by Browns General Manager John Dorsey through free agency and trades. Even though the Browns do not have a first round pick anymore, the Browns will use the 2019 NFL Draft to continue the development of the team and hopefully catapult the franchise to even higher heights.
Here at WFNY, we are still going to get you ready for the upcoming draft. In particular, Joe Gilbert and John Colosimo have been examining each of the positions in the draft, giving their top five prospects in each position group, while also giving their thoughts on the overall class at each position.
The duo is back at it with their finishing touches on the offensive line, with the two examining the offensive tackle class. Joe and John give their opinions on the class of offensive tackles in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Gilbert and Colosimo’s 2019 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings Series: Safeties, Cornerbacks, Linebackers, Edge Rushers, Interior Defensive Linemen and Interior Offensive Linemen
Joe Gilbert’s Top 5 Offensive Tackles | John Colosimo’s Top 5 Offensive Tackles |
---|---|
1. Jonah Williams, Alabama | 1. Andre Dillard, Washington State |
2. Andre Dillard, Washington State | 2. Jawaan Taylor, Florida |
3. Jawaan Taylor, Florida | 3. Cody Ford, Oklahoma |
4. Greg Little, Ole Miss | 4. Jonah Williams, Alabama |
5. Dalton Risner, Kansas State | 5. Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia |
Best of the Rest: Tytus Howard (Alabama State) and David Edwards (Wisconsin)
Which offensive tackle do you feel stronger about than most people?
Joe: Many experts have Jonah Williams of Alabama as the top offensive tackle in the class, but I feel even stronger than that. I believe he is an elite talent and a top ten overall player in the class. I love Williams’ game. I think he is clearly the best offensive tackle and offensive lineman in the 2019 class.
John: Andre Dillard, Washington State. Dillard has risen slowly up the boards between the Senior Bowl and the combine, but for me he is the best tackle in this class, and has the talent to man the blindside for the long term.
Who is your No. 1 offensive tackle in the class and why do you believe he is the best offensive tackle?
Joe: As I said earlier, Jonah Williams of Alabama is my No. 1 offensive tackle. His technique is impeccable with the athleticism to go with it. He plays with excellent leverage and hand placement to withstand strong bull rushes, while showing quick and efficient feet to track speed rushers around the edge. He is a powerful run blocker, who has shown the ability to be a pull blocker in the run game.
John: Dillard for me is the most talented offensive tackle in this class. A fantastic athlete with excellent size and a mountain of experience, what he does best is what is most important in the NFL which is pass blocking. He still has a ways to go in the technical aspects of playing tackle, but I think he is an NFL starter at LT from day one.
What are your thoughts on the overall offensive tackle class? How would you rate the class?
Joe: This is an excellent offensive tackle class with an elite talent in Jonah Williams. There are probably four offensive tackles who I would be very comfortable in taking on Day 1. The depth is good too with a lot of potential littered throughout the class. This year’s class of offensive tackles blows last year’s class out of the water.
John: This is the best class of offensive tackles in years. As a position group, I only have defensive tackle ahead of them. This is a rare class and I hope the Browns walk away with at least one.
Who has the best single skill set and what is that skill set?
Joe: I believe Jonah Williams’ technique is the best skill set in the class. Williams is able to keep a great wide base with his arms inside his body to attack defenders chest. He uses his hands to handle the defender and show off his strength. His feet are efficient with no wasted movements. He has textbook technique.
John: Dillard’s athleticism is rare for an accomplished tackle of his size, and it matters more than most think. It’s going to be difficult for NFL Edge rushers to bend the edge against a tackle with Dillard’s athleticism and length.
Who is a sleeper offensive tackle who you are keeping an eye on?
Joe: Tytus Howard of Alabama State is a small school offensive tackle who deserves to be mentioned with the top offensive tackles in the class. He has excellent size, but even with his massive size, he shows good movement ability. Howard should be gone by the end of Day 2, in my opinion.
John: Max Scharping, Northern Illinois. He is a good-sized tackle who has experience playing both tackle positions. I see him as someone who fights against himself at times with poor technique, but with proper coaching and time to develop I think you could mold him into a steal from the mid rounds of this years draft.
What is the impact of this offensive tackle class to the Browns?
Joe: With the Browns activity already this offseason, the offensive tackle spot is one of a few spots that can use an upgrade. Cleveland re-signed Greg Robinson and return Chris Hubbard to man the two offensive tackle spots. But, both of those players are not considered the long term answer of yet. So, the Browns will definitely be looking hard at this class of offensive tackles and I believe they will nab at least one in the draft.
John: I agree with Joe, this is good timing for the Browns, who will eventually look to upgrade both tackle positions as they round out this team over the next couple of years, and the Browns would do well to nab one or two of them to develop.