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This is next level analysis right here.

Some may poo-poo what he says, but I appreciate dumbing things down to my level.

I prefer to use toilet paper.

The thought of wiping with my left hand is giving me anxiety.

So then let me ask you, do you think all of the four you listed as the top 4 OT's are worthy of the #10 pick?

If so then it is actually a *insert name here* scenario as I have described.

If not I'd like to know which of those top 4 are worthy of the #10 pick in your opinion.

I don't think we are in a position as a team to abandon our big board to draft strictly on a need position at #10 and I certainly don't have all four of the OT's listed in my top 10 talents on the board.

And yes, if three other OT's are picked before #10, you get what's left over.

I certainly believe you will get a very good LT in Thomas. I wouldn't touch Becton with a ten foot poll at #10. The other two are a little tougher because you'll be asking them to wipe their butt with the other hand.

And, it's the truth. Broke my right hand when I was 21 or so. Cast up to my elbow. The struggle was real.

Seriously.. Wirfs just might have become my favorite OT for laying out there in this manner. lol!

j/c

I've noticed lately that in several mocks Andrew Thomas is slipping into the mid-teens. He may/may not be the best of the top 4, but he is sliding downward. Anybody got any ideas?

They're mockdrafts made by wannabe GMs. Not like they aren't smart people, but they aren't General Managers. And the GM's make the decisions that count. I doubt Andrew Berry is consulting with Todd McShay on who he should draft at 10.


We'll see where Andrew Thomas really is when he's drafted. We might get a better idea when rumblings and leaks start coming out near draft day, but i think at the ten spot, we can't even be sure.


I mean, no one had Baker Mayfield going number 1 (except DeviceDawg? lol), then draftday shows up and bam. That's our guy. Turns out that he was the Jets' guy. And it was the Patriots guy (who i believe had a trade secured with the Giants to move to two if he was available).

My terrific 10 OTs (overall rank):

1. Jedrick Wills (7)
2. Tristan Wirfs (8)
3. Andrew Thomas (9)
4. Mekhi Becton (10)
5. Austin Jackson (19)
6. Ezra Cleveland (23)
7. Josh Jones (27)
8. Isaiah Wilson (35)
9. Lucas Niang (73)
10. Matt Peart (74)

@Gil_Brandt

Scouting NFL draft's best tackles: Finding best fits for Giants, Jets

JORDAN RAANAN AND RICH CIMINI
7:22 AM ET14 Minute Read
First-round OL prospect displays his strength by pushing a truck
First-round OL prospect displays his strength by pushing a truckFormer Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton pushes a truck in preparation of the 2020 NFL draft.
If there ever were a good time to find the right fit at offensive tackle at the top of the NFL draft, this is the year.


Four highly rated tackles -- Louisville's Mekhi Becton, Georgia's Andrew Thomas, Alabama's Jedrick Wills Jr. and Iowa's Tristan Wirfs -- are expected to be selected within the first 15 picks on April 23. The surprising part is that the order in which they will be picked varies depending on the team and individual.

ESPN talked with 11 evaluators (scouts, executives, coaches and analysts) and tabulated their rankings for the top four, with each first-place vote worth four points, a second-place vote worth three points and so on.

As the chart shows, Becton was our top-ranked tackle, edging Wills for first in total points with 32 and in first-place votes (5-4). The voting highlights how widely opinions vary when assessing the tackles at the top of this draft class.

For the teams at the top of the draft, beginning with the New York Giants at No. 4, there are options.

"What do you need the most out of that pick if it's going to be a tackle?" SEC Network analyst and former Auburn offensive lineman Cole Cubelic explained. "You tell me that and then you can answer that question of [how do you rank the tackles]."

The Giants aren't the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 10 pick and need a left tackle ASAP. They aren't the Arizona Cardinals, who are at No. 8 and looking to fill a hole on the right side.

The Giants are in position to draft a tackle, start him on the right side or as a swing tackle, and then contemplate a move to the left side when Nate Solder (who turned 32 over the weekend) is gone. That leaves everybody on the table if the Giants don't trade down.

The New York Jets also have options. They are leaning toward offensive tackle with their first-round pick (No. 11 overall) even though they added four linemen in free agency.

It has been a long time since the Jets used a high pick on a lineman -- 2006, when they drafted D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold in the first round. Since 2007, they have made 21 picks in the top 50 overall, and not one was an offensive lineman. Every other team has taken at least two linemen in the top 50 over that span, according to Elias Sports Bureau research.

That could change with this year's options.

1. Mekhi Becton, Louisville

Mekhi Becton's 2020 NFL draft profile
Mekhi Becton's 2020 NFL draft profile
Check out highlights of former Louisville offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, who'll be someone to look out for in the upcoming draft.

What he would bring: Becton is a mountain of a man with capabilities above and beyond the other top tackles. The LeBron James of offensive tackles is how one evaluator described Becton physically. His ability to reach-block and drive defenders to the sideline is special. He can move, play with power and finish. He's the ultimate upside prospect after one standout season. After a mediocre 2018, Becton worked himself into shape and played like a top-10 pick under a new coach in 2019. If he keeps trending in this direction, someone might be getting a Hall of Fame-type player.

Giants fit: Becton could start at right tackle and eventually shift to become quarterback Daniel Jones' personal, long-term blindside protector. Becton played on both sides at Louisville. General manager Dave Gettleman has already said you could make the argument the No. 4 pick should have "gold jacket" potential. In that case, if the Giants don't trade back, Becton is the best option. He's the tackle who could produce greatness given his physical gifts. But Becton also comes with the most risk, which diminishes the chances he will be the Giants' pick.

Jets fit: The Jets would be nuts if they pass on Becton, who should be the No. 1 tackle on general manager Joe Douglas' draft board. What separates Becton from the rest is he can play left and right tackle, and his ceiling is higher than any of the other tackles in the draft. If they want to keep him at left tackle, where he played his final two seasons at Louisville, they could move recently signed George Fant to right tackle. Despite his size, Becton has the athletic ability to play in an outside zone scheme. He also can get to the perimeter on wide-receiver screens, a staple in coach Adam Gase's offense.

They said what?!

"Nobody can do what he does. They really can't. Where I had him a year [ago] was fourth or fifth round -- maybe take a chance on the guy. ... Now he does things on tape that nobody else can do. Physically they can't do." -- NFL scout

"He's an outlier because he brings that old-school size like Orlando Pace, Jonathan Ogden, Lincoln Kennedy with the new-school athletic skills of your 305 and 310 guy (his weight). And he's doing it at [6-foot-7], 360. We've never seen that before. There is nobody who really does that. Not even Trent Brown, who is almost 6-10, 400 pounds, moves like that." -- Duke Manyweather, Becton's trainer and an offensive line scouting and development consultant

"He's a human excavator. Has uncoachable traits, like his length, being 6-7, being 360 and being able to move the way he does. He has more flaws than Wirfs, Thomas or Wills, but he's raw." -- Cubelic

"It's ridiculous how good he can be. You don't have many people on this planet that are that big, that strong and that fast. ... We don't love his character. Just some lazy stuff, nothing major." -- NFL scout

"Trying to get around him is like orbiting the sun ... I believe he's going to get better. I don't believe he has reached his ceiling." -- Brian Baldinger, ex-NFL lineman and NFL Network analyst

2. Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama

Jedrick Wills Jr.'s NFL draft profile
Jedrick Wills Jr.'s NFL draft profile
Watch some of the highlights that solidified former Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. as a first-round prospect.

What he would bring: Wills is a powerful right tackle and a force in the run game. He can slide in immediately, starting Day 1 and playing at a high level. Alabama coach Nick Saban talks glowingly about Wills, saying he's easy to coach, dependable and would fit into any culture. Saban even thinks Wills could successfully make the transition to left tackle. He doesn't come with much risk.

Giants fit: This is where the Saban-Joe Judge connection comes into play. The Giants already have former Alabama running backs coach Burton Burns on staff. He has seen what Wills can do and would likely provide another stamp of approval. Wills would be an ideal fit in an offense expected to be more run-heavy than most. No wonder the buzz on Wills to the Giants has been building in league circles. He would start on the right side and, depending on how things shake out over the next few seasons, potentially move to the left. Wills seems to be the most likely match for the Giants -- low risk, dependable and powerful.

Jets fit: Wills would be excellent value with the No. 11 pick. Just plug him in at right tackle and the Jets won't have to worry about that position for a long time. While some believe he could make the transition to the left side, the Jets wouldn't have to force it because they have Fant on the left. Wills is a terrific run blocker, something the Jets need. When running outside the right tackle, the Jets gained 4.2 yards per carry (ranked No. 24), per ESPN Stats & Information research. You have to believe running back Le'Veon Bell, who averaged a miserable 3.2 yards on all runs, would be in favor of a run-blocking right tackle.

They said what?!

"He's got some nasty to him. I like that." -- NFL scout

"If you want the best player and are not specifically saying you need left right now, Wills is your best bet in this draft. He's the most physical, plays with the most nasty. I think he has the best lower-body flexibility, and I think he's the most ready, instantly, to come in and impact what you're doing." -- Cubelic

"He's the most pro-ready of the group. He'll be a solid starter for a long time. I don't see a great one, but he'll be dependable. He's the safest. Just plug and play." -- NFL scout

"When he locks on to you, he doesn't get off you. He's a good finisher ... I believe he could be a left tackle or could slide inside. Everybody that has watched him and evaluated him doesn't think going to the left side would be a problem." -- Baldinger

"Can he play left? Probably. But it would be a disservice to him." -- Manyweather

3. Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

Tristan Wirfs' NFL draft profile
Tristan Wirfs' NFL draft profile
Check out some highlights from former Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs as he dominates in the trenches for the Hawkeyes.

What he would bring: Wirfs, 21, is the most athletic of this group. He showed that at the scouting combine, and it should come in handy against the NFL's speedy top-end pass-rushers. His work ethic is also unquestioned. Wirfs was sneaking in workouts at the YMCA in Indianapolis in the days leading up to his eye-opening combine performance. He played in a zone scheme at Iowa, primarily at right tackle, but played left tackle in three games last season and the bowl game his freshman season.

Giants fit: Wirfs is a strong fit and the favorite to be selected by the Giants, who have expressed strong interest from the start. He is a strong run blocker (which should help a team heavily committed to the run) and scheme-versatile, an important factor because the Giants want a multifaceted offense under Judge and coordinator Jason Garrett. Some evaluators think he could develop into an All-Pro guard.

Jets fit: There's a lot to like about Wirfs, arguably the most athletic tackle in the draft, but he's far from a finished product in terms of technique. Some scouts believe it will take him longer to reach his potential than Becton and Wills. That said, he would immediately become the most talented tackle on the Jets' roster. (The same could be said of all four prospects.) Wirfs could replace Chuma Edoga at right tackle, then move to left in 2021, if he's up to it and the circumstances permit. Some believe Wirfs has the ability to slide inside to guard, but the Jets addressed their guard situation in free agency.

They said what?!:

"He's a better athlete than I thought. Love the way he comes off the ball. He's got quickness, he's tough, he does everything you want him to do. He can play in every scheme." -- NFL scout

"Don't think you can go wrong with Wirfs. Think he's a little stiff. Lacks a little lower-body flexibility compared to Wills." -- Cubelic

"He's a high-caliber athlete. He stays square and plays with tremendous power. A mauler in [the] run game." -- Offensive line coach

"He doesn't use his hands as well as all the other guys. Your hands can get you out of trouble. All that [superior] testing at the combine, it doesn't show up on tape. You worry about how strong he is. He doesn't play as strong as the other guys." -- NFL scout

4. Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Andrew Thomas' NFL draft profile
Andrew Thomas' NFL draft profile
Check out highlights from former Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas as he goes to work in the trenches.

What he would bring: Thomas is the most game-ready left tackle. He's ideal for a team that would want to throw him on the blind side on Day 1, even though he played his freshman season on the right side. Thomas is fundamentally sound, effective in the run game and as a pass-blocker. He's not known as the physical finisher, but he gets the job done.

Giants fit: He's another versatile tackle who can start on the right before eventually making his way to the other side of the line. Thomas makes sense in that he's a safe and dependable option. That fits the Giants, who can't afford another miss on their offensive line without putting Jones and their future at risk. There hasn't been much buzz connecting Thomas to the Giants, aside from some FaceTime sessions with the team.

Jets fit: Scouts are mixed on Thomas, whose pass-protection skills need to be refined. If Becton, Wills and Wirfs are off the board, and the decision comes down to Thomas versus the top wide receiver, the smart call would be the receiver. Thomas can play left and right tackle, and he'd bring some punch to the running game, but his footwork can get sloppy at times. He can't be ruled out because he has strong intangibles (Douglas is big on those) and big-time talent. The decision could come down to whether they believe he can be coached out of his technique issues.

They said what?!

"Yes, there are flaws. Sometimes he gets overextended. He doesn't have as much raw power as a Wirfs or a Wills. But I think he's the most game-ready, and he's the most battle-tested at left tackle. And he still gives you some athletic upside." -- Cubelic

"He's a safe bet. Very, very fundamentally sound. Run block, pass block -- he can do it all." -- NFL scout

"Not an ass kicker. You saw that with his strength in Indy." -- NFL coach

"He's got a lot of technique problems, but his size and movement are elite. I just feel like his technique is sloppy, but he's such a good athlete. His footwork is lazy at times. I'm not calling him lazy, but to be consistent at the NFL level, to be a Pro Bowl player -- because that's what you want [with a high pick] -- you want to draft a consistent, Pro Bowl-caliber player. He has that ability, but I believe he has to work a whole bunch on his technique." -- Baldinger

"I have no concerns. He's pretty special." -- NFL scout

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/2903...impression=true

I think Ezra Cleveland will be moving up the draft board. I could see us trading back to #16 with ATL (for a 2nd - #47 I believe) and drafting him at #16, if our highest rated player is not available at #10.

Ugh.

That option sucks. Ezra Cleveland at 16. I'd hope none of the other tackles were available at 10

j/c:

Anyone still arguing that there is no difference between a LT and a RT? LOL......just kidding. Kinda-sorta.

6'6" 311 lb Athletes are hard to find.

https://youtu.be/K_cC0cSEAwo

Ezra Cleveland

My top 2 guys are Andrew Thomas followed closely by Jedrick Wills and are the only 2 I would take at #10.

If we drop down to the Mid 1st I would target Josh Jones
Late 1st early 2nd Austin Jackson
late 2nd to mid 3rd - Pearth - the kid from UConn

I think Wirfs is a little overrated
I think Becton is way overrated
I think Cleveland would be an appropriate pick with our 2nd round pick but think he is rising and may go 1st round which is way to high. Plus if he is falling to our 2nd round pick teams are going to think that we are targeting him and if they want him trade up in front of us

But he's not "a football player."

Of course that means "those guys" will take him.

They may be hard to find, but 6'6", 311# athletes that are actually good, NFL caliber football players are harder to find.

I think there's a solid chance he's the Bruce Campbell of this draft class.

Based on what?

Some of us on this board really like Voch Lombardi and his takes on the draft. Many liked his breakdown on Caleb Brantley. Earlier today, Voch put up a list of his top 12 offensive linemen. It's almost 31 minutes long, but it's a pretty solid ranking in my book.

Watch for yourself if you are looking for further education.

Pdawg,
Thanks for posting that. Based on the article, here are my takeaways...

Becton - Based on what they wrote about him being lazy, attitude, and being considered a 4th-5th rounder until his "contract year", I give him a big NO THANK YOU. He sounds like a headache in the making. Hope someone falls in love with his physical gifts and spends one of the picks in front of us on him.

Wills - RT vs LT debate rages on with him. I like the line about him doing well right off the bat in a run-heavy offense. That's gonna be us.

Wirfs - Very athletic, which is what we'll need, but played RT instead of left. If you're going to ding Wills for this, why not Wirfs?

Thomas - A handful of the quotes were bagging on his technique. On here, people were saying he had the best technique of these top guys. Weird. It sounds to me like if we take anyone other than him at 10, we'll need to find someone (like a Peters) to man the LT position for a year or more.

Cleveland - Dig the name, but again, who's going to play LT this coming year?

Would you like some advice on this?

Okay........I would not put too much stock into any one report. Read them all. Watch all the tape breakdowns. Look for things that are consistently stated.

For example, if you read a dude "has good feet" on about half the reports and the other half says "struggles w/footwork." Disregard that.

On the other hand, if almost every report says a guy has something like "plays with good balance," then it is more worthy of your consideration.

You can also refer to the OL thread in the PFF about which attributes are more important than others. This will help you make an more educated and informed opinion.

Thanks for posting. I do like this guy's takes. I'll try and get a chance maybe tomorrow at lunchtime

It's long, bro. But, maybe you can skip around. I think you'll like the conclusion. LOL

Based on the hype mainly starting after the combine to go along with his underwhelming play on film. Rarely seems to get movement in the running game and frequently got walked back into his QB by guys that aren't that great.

Some of it could be due to the turf toe, but the 2019 tape isn't that good.

I'd have liked to see him dominate Mountain West competition if we're talking taking him in the first round at 16 or whatever after a trade down. He didn't really stand out in a good way.

I see him getting ragdolled by NFL power rushers if he's on the field at the beginning of his rookie season.

Ezra Cleveland played hurt most of last ...eek click here.

Go look at the 2018 game tape.

People like to jump to conclusions without the full story. Like some calling him soft.

Well soft doesn't play through injury imo...

Skipping a tackle in first round? Trading down? Cleveland Browns have me talking to myself
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/04...-to-myself.html

By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The draft is a week away. The rumors are flying. One of them has me talking to myself.

QUESTION: Do you think the Browns would really skip a tackle in the first round?

ANSWER: Assuming they stay at No. 10, but I’m hearing rumors about Cleveland.

Q: Cleveland?

A: Ezra Cleveland, a tackle from Boise State.

Q: They’re going to take a kid from Boise State at No. 10?

A: Here is what Peter King (Football Morning In America) wrote: “How does (Browns GM Andrew) Berry not take one of the four hot-prospect tackles right here (No. 10)? ...One Browns-watcher on another team said Saturday. ‘But they love that Boise tackle, and maybe they think they can get him in the second round.’ What an apt pick: With the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Browns select Ezra Cleveland, tackle, Boise State.”

Q: So what do they they do in the first round?

A: This is where it gets interesting. The only way I’d skip a tackle at No. 10 is if Clemson linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons drops down. My favorite tackles for the Browns are Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.

Q: Could they really get Simmons?

A: Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) is one of my favorite draft analysts. He has Simmons falling to the Browns in his latest mock draft.

Q: What about the Ezra Cleveland rumors?

A: Time for some research. Dane Brugler (The Athletic) has Cleveland rated as his No. 7 offensive tackle. Cleveland has played 40 games for Boise State, all at left tackle. He is 6-foot-6 and 311 pounds. He is smart “rarely fooled by blitzes or stunts." Brugler has him on the line between the first and second round.

Q: What would the Browns do at No. 10 if they want Cleveland?

A: That means they have decided against the four top tackles: Jedrick Wills Jr., Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas and Wirfs. Perhaps they are putting themselves in position to draft Simmons, if he falls. But that seems like a long shot.

Q: So what’s going on?

A: Here’s what Brugler told me: “The possibility of trading back and adding a day two (second or third round) pick or picks has to be appealing to a first-year front office as they build a team their way. But that’s especially true for an analytically-based team like the Browns.”

Q: Oh, boy...trading down. Can they afford to wait for Cleveland at No. 41 in the second round?

A: More Brugler: “The Browns have had their eye on Cleveland as a possible target in the (trade down) scenario. He tested extremely well, had great tape and has the football character you want in the locker room and community.”

Q: Tough, smart and accountable?

A: That’s the manta for Coach Kevin Stefanski and Berry. The knock against Cleveland is his lack of “core strength.” He doesn’t seem to be the elite physical specimen as the top tackles. “He’s more in the mold of Joe Thomas,” said Brugler. “Not the biggest. Not overpowering, but athletic and savvy."

Q: Did he just compare Cleveland to Thomas, who was the No. 3 pick in the 2007 draft, a future Hall of Famer?

A: No. He meant in terms of style as a comparison to someone such as the 6-foot-7 Becton from Louisville, who weighs 367 pounds. He’s not saying Cleveland is another Thomas.

Q: What does ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. say?

A: In a mock draft, Kiper has Cleveland going to Tennessee with the No. 29 pick. But in his latest, he has Cleveland dropping to No. 58 and going to Minnesota. So who knows?

Q: So he’d could be gone by the second round?

A: That is why Brugler believes the Browns will trade down in the first round, grab Cleveland, and then add other picks.

Q: The Browns love analytics, what does Profootballfocus.com say about Cleveland?

A: The analytics rates him as the No. 7 tackle in the draft, the same as Brugler. Their top two are Thomas and Wirfs. They project Cleveland in the fourth round, “the frame lacks the strength you’d like in the lower half.”

Q: So the opinions on Cleveland are all over the place?

A: NFL.com’s Jeremiah doesn’t have him in his top 50. I’m not an expert on offensive tackles. But I do know this, something is going on with the Browns and possibly trading down. I just hope they don’t think too much and miss a chance to fix the left tackle spot with a guy they really want.

Has it been that long since JT played that folks are knocking him for not being a mauler in the running game?

It used to drive me nuts when people would say things like Joe Thomas is not a good run-blocker.

Some people speak without thinking.

I had a guy tell me in another place that Cleveland needs to bring it to the DL in pass protection.

LOL ... I think the proper technique is to hold your water with proper form (knees slightly bent with forward lean) and receive the DL, not lunging at said DL.

Cleveland does a good job of not committing himself too early. He can improve on the speed of his punch which well intern improve the force of energy in his punch, but his technique is text book.

IMO ... He is a perfect fit for our zone-scheme blocking, and yes I do believe that we will be a much improved offense with our new Head Coach's system, and I am hopeful that we can have a consistent system for the foreseeable future.

In conclusion I do not see one thing in his game that isn't correctable with good OL Coaching.

The young man played through pain most of last season, and was unable to practice during the week, so its not like it was a hang nail problem. *L*

j/c

Not a top 5 OT but somebody to watch is:

Terrance Steele

Texas Tech 6-6, 312, 5.03 (Combine). Had a very good Senior Bowl. I do not have much further information, only enough to pique my interest. A mid-round pick...

I think the weigh-in was the highlight of his Senior Bowl and it was mostly downhill from there.

He's a project. Worth looking at, but I'm not sure I'd characterize his play in Mobile as "very good."

Has impressive length and adequate athleticism, but needs to get stronger and improve his technique. Getting stronger and improving technique is true of all OTs coming out, but he's probably better off more in the remedial class than intro to the NFL.

Just say no to Becton.

Greg Robinson 2.0?

He has a lot of bad tape before this past year.

EZRA CLEVELAND
T, COLLEGE PLAYER

In a poll of 17 NFL executives and scouts by The Athletic's Bob McGinn, one scout said Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland reminded him of Packers LT David Bakhtiari and Chargers RT Bryan Bulaga.

Cleveland's buzz is building of late, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Browns could be eyeing Cleveland in a trade-down scenario from No. 10 overall. Cleveland hasn't been mentioned in the same class as Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas, Tristan Wirfs, and Jedrick Wills, but it does sound like Cleveland has a shot to go in the first round. “He reminds me of some of the guys Green Bay has had over the years,” said the scout. “Bulaga, Bakhtiari, guys that kind of are just functional and get the job done. They’re not spectacular, just steady." Bakhtiari is one of the best left tackles in the sport. Cleveland (6'6/311) led all tackles in the 40-yard dash (4.97), Wonderlic (30), bench press (30), short shuttle (4.46), and three-cone (7.26) at the Combine.

SOURCE: The Athletic
Apr 17, 2020, 10:44 AM ET