Tag: offensive tackle

2026 4-star OT Maxwell Riley lists Alabama in top 7

2026 four-star offensive tackle Maxwell Riley released his top schools list. The Ohio native included Alabama as a finalist.

Class of 2026 four-star offensive tackle Maxwell Riley released his top schools list on Tuesday morning. The Ohio native included the Alabama Crimson Tide as one of seven finalists. The other finalists included Clemson Tigers, Florida State Seminoles, Michigan State Spartans, Missouri Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Oregon Ducks.

Riley plays for Avon Lake High School in Avon Lake, Ohio. He is listed at 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds. Given his size, Riley can play either offensive guard or offensive tackle.

Riley took an unofficial visit to Alabama on March 19. That was his first trip to Tuscaloosa and his first opportunity to begin to build relationships with the Alabama coaching staff.

It will be interesting to see how Riley’s recruitment pans out in the coming weeks and months heading into his junior season of high school.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Riley’s recruitment and other Alabama football recruiting news.

The Cleveland Browns should extend OT Jedrick Wills before start of 2024 season

The Cleveland Browns need to extend Jedrick Wills before they risk losing the talented, young OT.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. is set to return to action in the 2024 NFL season after suffering a torn MCL late in the 2023 season. The No. 10 overall selection from the 2020 NFL draft has been one of the best young linemen in the league since he joined the Cleveland Browns.

Wills is nearing the end of his rookie contract and recently received a restructured deal from the team to impact the franchise’s cap room. However, he is due for an extension, unless the Browns went to run the risk of losing him to free agency soon.

ESPN NFL writer Aaron Schatz recently broke down one move every NFL team should make before the start of the 2024 regular season (subscription required). He argues that Cleveland’s front office should move quickly to secure Wills for future seasons.

“Wills’ contract was restructured this offseason to give the Browns some cap room, and it now has a bunch of void years tossed onto the end of it. But effectively, the Browns will lose their left tackle after 2024 without giving him a new deal. Yes, Wills is coming off a torn MCL, but he has been one of the top young tackles in the league. Last season, he ranked eighth among tackles in pass block win rate (92.4%).”

Offensive linemen don’t have flashy stats or highlight-worthy plays, but, as Schatz mentions, Wills has been successful in pass protection, ranking among the elites of the NFL.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow former Alabama players in the NFL and Alabama Football news as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Wisconsin football offers talented three-sport class of 2027 OT

Wisconsin football offers talented three-sport class of 2027 OT

Wisconsin football extended an offer to talented three-sport class of 2027 OT Cole Reiter on Wednesday.

Reiter became the first 2027 offensive tackle to earn an offer from UW, just a week after the Badgers became the first Division I program to extend an offer to 2027 iOL Tristan Dare.

Like Dare, Reiter has attended a handful of camps this spring and summer. Despite being a 2027 recruit, the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder has already earned offers from North Dakota State, Central Michigan and Wisconsin.

Representing Germantown High School in Germantown, Wisconsin, Reiter was a member of the junior varsity basketball and varsity track and field team as a freshman this past season.

With obvious versatility, Reiter’s in-state ties could play a substantial role in his recruitment.

Even though the 2027 recruiting cycle is still far away, Luke Fickell and his staff are getting ahead of what will likely be a competitive recruiting process.

The Badgers also extended an offer to class of 2027 linebacker Braylon Williams on June 2, another Texas product like Dare.

Rivals, meanwhile, currently ranks Fickell’s class of 2025 at No. 4 in the nation with 20 players committed.

Way too early look at Colts’ 2025 NFL draft: PFF’s top 10 OTs

Let’s take a way too early look ahead to the 2025 NFL draft for the Colts with PFF’s top 10 draft eligible offensive tackles.

While it’s certainly too early to even begin thinking about who the Colts will select next April, it’s not too early to put together some prospect watch lists for the 2024 college football season.

Pro Football Focus recently went through all 11 positions and picked the top 10 draft prospects from each. Here is who they chose at offensive tackle. For more details on each player, click here.

Will Campbell, LSU
Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Emery Jones, LSU
Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
Blake Miller, Clemson
Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Earnest Greene III, Georgia
Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin

Earlier this offseason, when GM Chris Ballard was discussing roster building, specifically around a young quarterback, he of course mentioned the need for playmakers, but step No. 1 for consistent success begins with blocking and protecting.

We’ve seen Ballard routinely put an emphasis on building the offensive line, especially the tackle position, through the draft. But given that this is one of the most important positions in football and one where there is no such thing as too much depth, drafting a tackle is likely always in play to some degree–it just might not be at or near the top of the list in 2025.

The Colts have the left tackle position solidified for the foreseeable future with Bernhard Raimann, who is coming off an impressive second season.

This year they would draft Matt Goncalves, who they believe can play tackle or guard, and have spent recent draft capital on Blake Freeland and Jake Witt, along with Braden Smith being under contract through the 2025 season.

As I alluded to, on paper, tackle shouldn’t be a pressing need, but there could be a scenario where it does end up as a bigger need than what it might be perceived to be right now.

With right guard Will Fries a free agent next offseason, the Colts’ long-term plan could be to have Goncalves take over at that spot. This is also going to be an important year in Freeland’s development after taking some lumps as a rookie, and Witt still remains an unknown, like most seventh-round picks.

Smith was among the best tackles last season in both the run and passing games by PFF’s metrics but appeared in only 10 games dealing with injuries. He had offseason knee surgery that has him in a “better spot” and hopefully allows him to stay on the field in 2024.

However, it is worth noting that Smith does come with a fairly substantial cap hit of $19.75 million in 2025, and the Colts can save $16.75 million in cap space if they were to decide that moving on was the best decision. Smith’s availability this season will likely be a key factor in whether the Colts consider an extension or what I just mentioned above.

There are too many variables in play to speak with any sort of certainty about what the Colts’ plan at tackle will be next offseason. As pending free agents, Fries and Ryan Kelly’s futures with the team will be one part of the equation. Where the Colts want to line up Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini is another, as is Freeland’s development and Smith’s availability in 2024.

All of this will factor into who is lining up where and to what degree – if any – tackle is a need in the 2025 draft.

Commanders rookie OT Brandon Coleman working with the first-team offense

The rookie getting in some work with the first team at left tackle.

On the second day of the Washington Commanders’ minicamp, rookie Brandon Coleman worked with the first-team offense at left tackle.

What does this mean? Well, nothing for now.

When Washington opened minicamp on Tuesday, veteran Cornelius Lucas worked with the first team. Lucas is the presumed starter, but that’s not a given. Head coach Dan Quinn has stressed competition multiple times since taking over. That goes for the left tackle position, too.

Here’s what Zach Selby of commanders.com observed on Wednesday regarding Coleman:

We have more movement on the offensive line. On Tuesday, it was Cornelius Lucas who spent most of his time as the starting left tackle. On Wednesday, it was third-round pick Brandon Coleman’s turn at the position. It’s worth noting that the Commanders have tried multiple players at that spot, so Coleman getting the reps does not mean he is guaranteed to win the job outright. Still, it was a good opportunity for the rookie to see how he stacked up against starting NFL defensive linemen.

Selby is correct; this is an excellent opportunity for Coleman. While the Commanders don’t have an elite edge rusher to practice against, they have multiple veterans who know how to win one-on-one. That’s precisely what Coleman needs to practice against to improve.

The Commanders were criticized for not doing more at offensive tackle. General manager Adam Peters improved the interior of the offensive line by signing center Tyler Biadasz and left guard Nick Allegretti. However, Peters chose to roll with Andrew Wylie at right tackle again and re-sign Lucas to compete with a rookie at left tackle. Lucas is an excellent backup tackle. He has proven that his effectiveness lessens the longer he plays.

If Coleman wins the job and becomes Washington’s long-term starter at left tackle, that would be a massive feather in Peters’ cap.

Broncos coach Sean Payton likes OT Frank Crum’s toughness and intelligence

“He had traits we liked: toughness, intelligence,” Broncos coach said of OT Frank Crum. “We thought he had good feet and some versatility.”

After the 2024 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos landed three of the top undrafted free agent prospects, including Wyoming offensive tackle Frank Crum.

Crum (6-7, 315 pounds) played college football at Wyoming, earning first-team All-Mountain West recognition in 2023. Denver has limited depth at tackle, so Crum should have a decent chance to make the team this summer.

“He had traits,” Payton said when asked about Crum during rookie minicamp last month. “He was I think the last recruited free agent we signed. It took us probably two hours. We were all ready to go home, and we kept turning to the scouts and we were like, ‘Where are we at with Crum?’ But he had traits we liked: toughness, intelligence. We thought he had good feet and some versatility. Those are the things that stood out.”

Crum was recruited in part by offensive line coach Zach Strief, who played under Payton for 12 years in New Orleans before transitioning to coaching. Being close to his home state is just a bonus.

“Proximity is awesome for the state of Wyoming and my family, but that wasn’t the driving factor,” Crum said when asked why he signed with the Broncos. “[Denver] was the fit and Coach Strief believing and wanting me, that was the main driving force. That proximity wasn’t the biggest [factor], but it’s nice.” 

Strief, 40, won a Super Bowl with the Saints and while he only has three years of coaching under his belt, players respect Strief’s on-field accomplishments.

“He’s one of the best in the league and he lived it as well, which is a testament,” Crum said of his offensive line coach. “That’s awesome to have a guy like that in the room. I’ve really enjoyed these first couple of days and getting to know him and learn from him.”

Crum feels right at home in Colorado and appreciates the mentality the team’s coaching staff has established with the Broncos.

“Coming from Wyoming, it’s gritty and blue collar,” the rookie said. “I can really feel that the vibe is the same here right now. I’ve really enjoyed these first two days and [I’m] just learning and doing what I can do right now.”

Crum certainly isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster, but he’s probably one of the favorites among the team’s UDFA class.

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BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from 2025 four-star OT Logan Powell

BREAKING: Wisconsin lands commitment from 2025 four-star OT Logan Powell

The Wisconsin Badgers landed a commitment from class of 2025 four-star offensive tackle Logan Powell during his official visit on Saturday.

Powell’s announcement marks Luke Fickell’s first high-profile commitment of 2025. The Phoenix, Arizona native chose UW over Alabama, Arizona State, Oklahoma and Tennessee — four other programs that recently had cracked Powell’s top-five.

The Badgers received a 247Sports crystal ball prediction to land the 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive tackle this morning. His commitment arrived just a few hours later.

Powell is 247Sports’ No. 232 player in the class of 2025, No. 25 offensive tackle and No. 2 recruit from his home state of Arizona. He is Wisconsin’s third blue-chip commit in the class.

Powell’s background as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball is a welcome sign for Wisconsin. Agility on the line and overall athleticism propel him into an NFL-caliber prospect, per 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins.

A total of 14 other class of 2025 recruits made the trek to Madison alongside Powell for the program’s first weekend visit of the summer. Wisconsin also received a crystal ball prediction for 2025 WR Muizz Tounkara earlier this week.

Wisconsin’s class of 2025 currently ranks No. 19 in the nation with 12 players committed. After Powell’s commitment, it has two other offensive linemen thus far: four-star Michael Roeske and three-star Cam Clark.

Wisconsin secures official visit with top 2025 OT target Nolan Davenport

Wisconsin secures official visit with popular 2025 offensive tackle

Wisconsin top class of 2025 target OT Nolan Davenport will officially visit the Badgers the weekend of May 31.

The program offered Davenport back on April 28. The Massillon, Ohio native is currently a four-star recruit.

247Sports’ composite ranking has the offensive tackle as the No. 588 player in the class of 2025, No. 47 player at his position and No. 18 recruit from the state of Ohio. The popular recruit has received 33 Division 1 offers to this point, including from Ole Miss, Penn State, Stanford, Pittsburgh, Missouri, Purdue and Virginia Tech. Of note, he also plays to visit Michigan State in June.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound athlete is a junior at Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio and is also a pitcher for the school’s varsity baseball team.

In 2023, Davenport made the transition from tight end to left tackle for Washington High School, per 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins. That is where he projects to play at the collegiate level.

Wisconsin has been one of the best programs at producing offensive linemen over the last 20 years. Luke Fickell has already secured the commitments of two offensive linemen in his class of 2025: Michael Roeske (Wautoma, WI) and Cam Clark (Dexter, MI). Davenport is high on the program’s list in the class.

Wisconsin starting RT one of PFF’s ’10 offensive tackles to know ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft’

Wisconsin has a highly-touted starting tackle entering 2024:

Wisconsin right tackle Riley Mahlman was named an ‘offensive tackle to know ahead of the 2025 NFL draft’ by ProFootballFocus on Monday.

Mahlman was one of 10 players included, along with LSU’s Will Campbell, Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea, LSU’s Emery Jones, Oregon’s Ajani Cornelius, Clemson’s Blake Miller, West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum, Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. and Georgia’s Ernest Greene III.

Related: Post-spring Big Ten football 2024 power rankings, starting quarterback rankings

The veteran is set to again be Wisconsin’s starting right tackle in 2024. He started all 13 games at the position in 2023 and six in 2022 — though that number would have also been 13 had it not been for an early-season injury.

Mahlman’s 78.1 PFF last season was the highest for any Wisconsin lineman and the 5th-highest in the Big Ten. He enters 2024 primed for his best collegiate season and as one of the conference’s best tackles.

While the play of Wisconsin’s offensive line has been up and down since 2019, Mahlman has been arguably its best performer over that time. His play, at the least, has not been a part of what is now a multi-year struggle for the position.

Another offseason to prepare for Phil Longo’s offense should pay dividends for Mahlman and the rest of the line. Early struggles adjusting to the new pace and approach are understandable, though year two should be when we see those issues ironed out.

As we inch closer to the season and to 2025 NFL draft discussion, here is what PFF thinks of the Wisconsin starter:

After missing nearly half of his redshirt freshman season with an injury, Mahlman took a major leap as a redshirt sophomore. In 2023, the right tackle was the sixth-most valuable offensive tackle in the country according to our wins above average metric. Mahlman’s 78.1 PFF grade was a top-15 mark among Power Five tackles as was his 73.1 run-blocking grade. He was also among the 20 best Power Five offensive tackles in pressure rate allowed (3%).

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

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Broncos select OT Will Campbell in way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft

With Garett Bolles set to become a free agent, this way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft has the Broncos picking OT Will Campbell.

The 2024 NFL draft is now in the rearview mirror, which means it’s time for … more mock drafts!

In his way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft, Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire has the Denver Broncos selecting LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell with the third overall pick. Garett Bolles is scheduled to become a free agent next spring and the Broncos have not drafted an offensive tackle (in any round) in eight-straight years, so landing a top prospect like Campbell is overdue.

Before anyone gets too mad about Popejoy projecting Denver as the third-worst team in the league this fall, that’s not his projection; it’s the Las Vegas prediction. The Broncos are tied with the fourth-worst odds to win the Super Bowl this year. The Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots, who pick first and second in the mock, have the worst Super Bowl odds to win a title in 2024.

So if you don’t like that draft order projection, take it up with the oddsmakers.

For what it’s worth, Popejoy had the Broncos picking USC quarterback Caleb Williams in his way-too-early 2024 NFL draft mock at this time last year. Denver undoubtedly would have loved to pick Williams in this year’s draft, but they didn’t pick until 12th overall after winning eight games last season. Instead, the Broncos picked Oregon’s Bo Nix in the first round.

To view Popejoy’s complete 2025 NFL mock draft, visit Draft Wire.

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