Cole’s Corner: 2021 Interior Offensive Line Prospect Rankings

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Offensive linemen deserve tons of love because they do the dirty work for the offense you cheer for each game. Tackles seem to get the most attention, yet the centers and guards have important jobs as well.

The center starts the whole play off with a snap and then needs to often block a massive defensive tackle directly in front of him. Not to mention signaling out reads to the rest of the line pre-snap. As for the guards, they need to be tough and nasty in order to open up holes for the run game. Browns fans should fully understand this after a phenomenal year with Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller.

Interior O-line has been devalued as of late and you will likely witness the same thing in this draft. There is plenty of value in this group, so don’t sleep on this class.

Here are my top Interior Offensive Line prospects:

1. Alijah Vera-Tucker – USC

Vera-Tucker is the top left guard in this class for good reason. He displays fantastic body control on pass sets and will be an instant starter. He shows some force when opening holes in the run game, but he will fit best with a pass heavy team.

Pick Range: 1^st Round

2. Wyatt Davis – Ohio State

Davis is the top right guard in this draft and will also be an immediate starter. He has future Pro Bowl potential with his ability to clear holes in the middle. Davis is a mauler that also has some lateral quickness. He will at minimum be a long-time NFL starter.

Pick Range: 1^st – Early 2^nd Round

3. Creed Humphrey – Oklahoma

Humphrey is an enigma… That rare left-handed center. Humphrey is wide-bodied with some great football IQ. He is certainly not the most athletic, but he seems to be consistent each game. Any team needing a center, whether that be now or in a year or two better pay close attention.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 3^rd Round

4. Josh Myers – Ohio State

Myers is a big center with immediate starting talent. He is best in a heavy shotgun formation offense due to his time at OSU. Myers is excellent leading runs up the middle and has no issues standing up the largest nose tackles.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 3^rd Round

5. Landon Dickerson – Alabama

Dickerson is more versatile than Humphrey and Myers and could play either center or guard effectively. He can really pack a punch when making first contact which is a main reason why I prefer him at guard. Dickerson is best as a run blocker so a heavy run scheme would be the ideal fit. Injury concerns hold his stock back.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 3^rd Round

6. Deonte Brown – Alabama   

Brown is a beefy 365-pound OG. He is pure power and the size alone is eye catching for NFL teams. Some speedy defenders may be able to use his size against him, but Brown’s size equates to soaring draft stock.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 3^rd Round

7. Trey Smith – Tennessee

Smith is big, strong and quite talented. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and began at left tackle. He found a home at RG but could play on either side. Smith has immediate starting potential despite some minor technical work needing a touchup.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 3^rd Round

8. Aaron Banks – Notre Dame

Banks has a lower ceiling than most of the other top prospects, but that just means I don’t see Hall of Fame/Pro-Bowl honors in his future. Banks could actually piece together a fantastic career at left guard or right guard. He has a wide base and generates plenty of push when clearing lanes. He will be most productive with power running teams.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 4^th Round

9. Ben Cleveland – Georgia

Cleveland is a heavy right guard at 354 pounds with a lack of mobility. He plays with a nastiness in the run game and rarely gets knocked down. He could be a starter but will serve as a fantastic backup.

Pick Range: 3^rd – 4^th Round

10. Quinn Meinerz – Wisconsin – Whitewater

Meinerz is the Division III monster of this draft. He can play guard or center and played fantastic at the Senior Bowl. He has some of the highest potential of the group. Meinerz has excellent strength but questions still surround his athleticism. With some NFL coaching, I expect him to be a steal.

Pick Range: 3^rd – 4^th Round

11. Trey Hill – Georgia         

Hill has the versatility to play center or guard. He plays with some natural leverage and is strong at the point of attack. He is tough at the first level but not as successful at the second level against more speed. Expect him to serve as a backup guard.

Pick Range: 3^rd – 5^th Round

12. Sadarius Hutcherson – South Carolina

Hutcherson can play at either guard spot and had plenty of experience in college. He pulls well, shows some power and is overall rather solid. He needs cleanup with his hands and balance which will turn him into a slight project. He could end up becoming a starter in the future after serving as valuable depth.

Pick Range: 3^rd – 5^th Round

13. David Moore – Grambling

Moore is a compact guard who elevated his stock at the Senior Bowl. He is one of the more powerful players with great aggression. Moore just needs balance work done at the same time as making sure he doesn’t get too aggressive and miss quick pass rushers. Once that is cleaned up, Moore will be a solid selection.

Pick Range: 4^th – 6^th Round