Nothing builds hype for an NFL team like the draft. Pick up a promising QB or flashy edge rusher and the fanbase will be thrilled — and likely to buy jerseys.
Or … build an actually good football team by picking up a dependable interior lineman who will work tirelessly for the next decade to go mostly unnoticed on the field. Such a move creates significantly less buzz but these players are essential for making life easier on big-money QBs.
This year’s draft class doesn’t appear to have a superstar interior lineman, but the top of the group features a few already-polished players who should contribute from Day 1.
1. Jonah Jackson, G Ohio State
Jackson is a little on the older side after spending five years at Ohio State. Versatility is one of his biggest selling points. He can play either guard spot and center. Jackson may not be a people-mover in the run game, but he can be a blocker on the move and rarely gets outsmarted in pass protection. For an athlete of Jackson’s caliber, the Combine numbers were a bit disappointing but his athleticism shows up on tape. He should start from Day 1.
Grade: 2nd Round
2. Cesar Ruiz, C Michigan
It’s not much of a discussion: Ruiz is the top center in this year’s class. Whichever team drafts him will be getting an anchor for its line for the next decade. As polished as Ruiz is, he’s still very young and has plenty of room to grow. He’s not the most impressive athlete and will need to get better at the more mental aspects of the position, but that will come with experience.
Grade: 2nd Round
3. Damien Lewis, G LSU
Lewis is a powerful (but stationary) guard who has trouble in pass protection. It’s a technique issue, so coaching at the next level will be pivotal. He has experience against SEC pass rushers, which is obviously a plus. He more than held his own as a run blocker against some of the best interior defenders in the country. He has people-moving strength and is particularly good at coming off double teams and washing out second-level defenders.
Grade: 3rd Round
4. Netane Muti, G Fresno State
Durability issues are always a concern for NFL teams come draft day, but that’s especially true this year with teams not getting a chance to bring players in for examinations. Well, that may be a problem for Muti, who has an extensive injury history. He’s played just 318 snaps over the past two seasons. There was a ruptured Achilles in 2018 and then a Lisfranc injury in 2019. A team may be willing to overlook all that because his tape is that impressive. Muti is a powerful dude who just mauls defensive tackles. He’s a nasty blocker in the run game and can hold up against bullrushes in pass protection. Not much of a mover and not particularly effective when asked to block in space. He’d fit best in an offense built around a downhill run game.
Grade: 3rd Round
5. Calvin Throckmorton, G Oregon
If you’re looking for versatility — and a pretty sweet name — Throckmorton is your dude. He played every position on the offensive line at Oregon … but a disastrous combine will likely limit his position versatility in the eyes of NFL teams. He’ll probably be stuck on the interior after starting at tackle for the Ducks in 2019. The experience at other positions will be valued, however. He might not be much of an athlete but he certainly has NFL strength and is ready to play right away. He’s a better pass protector than run blocker but, with the lack of athleticism, will it translate to the next level? Whatever the case, Throckmorton is smart enough to stick around for a long time, even if he never develops into a good starter.
Throckmorton.
(Sorry, I just wanted to write his name one more time.)
Grade: 4th Round
Five more prospects to keep an eye on…
6. Lloyd Cushenberry III, C LSU
7. Ben Bredeson, G Michigan
8. Nick Harris, C Washington
9. Michael Onwenu, G Michigan
10. Tyler Biadasz, C Wisconsin