We here at For The Win love (to endlessly ridicule) anonymous scouts, and already this year The Athletic reported a truly absurd snippet about Mekhi Becton, one of the top tackle prospects in this class.
According to a scout who would not be named, Becton is at the top of the class physically but his dedication isn’t where it needs to be, “Because he loves to cook and eat more than he loves frigging football …”
My rankings have nothing to do do with a player’s perceived devotion to outside hobbies and everything to do with what they’ve done on the football field and at the combine. Becton drops to fifth on my list because he’s either not as refined or talented as the players ahead of him.
1. Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
There was some talk of Wirfs making the move to guard before the combine but his arms were just long enough to meet the threshold. It was a silly discussion, anyway. In terms of athleticism, Wirfs is one of the best prospects we’ve ever seen at the tackle position. He’s more than an athlete, though. Wirfs was excellent in pass protection and a monster in the run game. If he gets good coaching at the next level, there is no ceiling.
Grade: Early 1st Round
2. Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Thomas is a bit of a project. He’s not totally refined from a technical standpoint but he’s very young and good enough that a team isn’t going to be taking a big risk by drafting him early. The Georgia standout is good in both pass protection and the run game. He’ll fit more in a zone-blocking system than a downhill run game. Athleticism is his main selling point but he’s also very strong. Combine testing results show he’s an explosive athlete.
Grade: Early 1st Round
3. Jedrick Wills, Alabama
Wills has all the physical tools and attributes you want in a right tackle, but arm length is a concern as Wills wasn’t an elite pass blocker at Alabama. There has been talk of moving him to guard, but Wills is far too talented to not play at tackle. He’s a dominant run blocker in both gap and zone schemes; that versatility will attract teams. Wills is seen as a mauler but also a great athlete who can move and make blocks in space. As for weaknesses: He can be a little wild in pass protection and was flagged a lot.
Grade: Mid 1st Round
4. Josh Jones, Houston
Jones dominated at the Senior Bowl and graded out well during his final season in Houston, but there are a number of red flags. His technique in pass protection is unrefined. His arms are a little short. He put up average numbers at the Combine. And he’s an older prospect. He’s also a better run blocker than pass blocker. Jones is a safe prospect but not one you’d want to use an early first-round pick on.
Grade: Late 1st Round
5. Mekhi Becton, Louisville
A large human being who uses that size to bully defenders. And this big man can move well — even for your average-sized tackle. He is a raw prospect — especially in pass sets — so you’re drafting him on potential. Becton will, however, be ready to contribute as a run blocker from Day 1. And, Becton has experience at both tackle spots.
Grade: Late 1st Round
Five more prospects to keep an eye on…
6. Austin Jackson, USC
7. Lucas Niang, TCU
8. Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
9. Ezra Cleveland, Boise State
10. Matt Peart, Connecticut