2021 NFL Draft Offensive Tackle Rankings Top Ten
10. Stone Forsythe, Florida
Size: 6-9, 315
The Good: He grew into a left tackle. A very tall guard when he started out, he rose up to become a good blocker who’s just getting started. With just enough quickness to go along with his size and frame, he’s impossible to get around and just physical enough to knock guys off their balance from the snap. He’s got the power to go along with the length, but …
The Not-So-Good: He’s not much for the running game. The height and frame are a problem when it comes to trying to blast away. He’ll wall off his guy, but don’t expect him to bury anyone into the ground. However …
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Don’t get too swept up in what he can’t do – he’ll be fantastic in pass protection. Expect opinions to be all over the map on him. The size and skill set are too intriguing, but he needs to go somewhere that likes to throw with interior linemen who can pop.
Projected Round: Fourth
9. Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State (OG)
Size: 6-4, 301
The Good: A strong all-around blocker who can work at guard if it doesn’t fly at tackle, he’s a tough guy who turned into the main man to help let Trey Lance operate. While he’s fine in pass protection, his real talent is as a pounder with the power missing from several of the top tackle prospects.
The Not-So-Good: The overall athleticism is just okay. He’s not massive, and he doesn’t quite have the next-level pass protection skills to work as a left tackle and might have issues with the speed guys on the right.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’ll depend on what you want him to do. He’s a 4-7 round prospect as a pure tackle, but his potential as a guard and his all-around versatility are enough to potentially push him into the top 100.
Projected Round: Third
8. Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
Size: 6-5, 302
The Good: A fantastic college player who stepped in and became Notre Dame’s next great blocker, he was a rock of a left tackle with excellent toughness for the ground game and enough skills to hold his own against the elite pass rusher. While he’s not bulky, he’s got a great NFL frame with the technical capabilities to go along with the raw tools.
The Not-So-Good: He’s not quite physical enough for the running game – more adequate and competent than dominant – and he’s not quite the elite athlete you might like for an NFL left tackle. The body isn’t exactly the prototype length-wise.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a possible-boom-no-bust aspect to his game. He was a great recruit for the Irish, he more than hit the expectations, and he’ll be ready to go right out of the box as a mid-third roundish pick, if not a bit higher. For the right team, he could easily kick inside and be a dependable guard if needed.
Projected Round: Third
7. Sam Cosmi, Texas
Size: 6-6, 314
The Good: This is how an NFL left tackle should look frame-wise. Tall, bulky, and with the pass protection ability to step in right away, he’s a finesse blocker – that’s not a knock – who fits the modern next-level passing game. The athleticism and technical ability are all there to keep every type of pass rusher away from the quarterback.
The Not-So-Good: He’s not going to be a killer for the ground game. He’s not bad as a run blocker, but that’s not why you’re paying him. While he could be a guard if absolutely needed, there’s a problem if he’s moving inside.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: While he might not be for everyone, he was terrific at Texas, he brings the experience, and he’s a solid pass protector who’ll do what most NFL teams want. You want to keep your quarterback healthy? Here you go.
Projected Round: Third
6. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
Size: 6-5, 312
The Good: He’s a Nick Saban left tackle – you don’t get that gig without having the next level skills to handle the work. He’s got the prerequisite size, looks the part of an NFL tackle, and he can move well enough to have few issues with the better pass rushers. However …
The Not-So-Good: He’s not quite the dominant force of nature that most Bama tackles are. He’ll get the job done, but can he destroy the man in front of him? That’s not really his game. There’s a whole lot to like, but he’s more of a very good next-level prospect than a sure thing Pro Bowl talent, but …
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Whatever. He might not be a WOW type of blocker, but he’s rock-solid, won’t make mistakes, and he’ll be a long time left tackle that you don’t have to worry about.
Projected Round: Second