The Bears could build for the future at offensive tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft, and here are five prospects to watch.
With a talented class of offensive tackles, the Bears have a chance to build for the future in this year’s NFL Draft. The expectation is that quarterback and offensive tackle will be the most sought after prospects in the first round, but there are still some great prospects that figure to be on the board when the Bears’ picks roll around.
While the Bears are financially tied to Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle and Bobby Massie at right tackle in 2020, general manager Ryan Pace has an opportunity to look to the future with this draft. If Leno and Massie’s questionable play continues into 2020, they could find themselves out of job.
Let’s take a look at five offensive tackles Chicago could target in the NFL Draft:
1. Austin Jackson, USC
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Jackson is likely to be among the slew of tackles taken in the first round, but if he were to fall to the Bears in the second round, they shouldn’t hesitate to draft him. Jackson has the attention of many teams due to his left tackle traits. Jackson has started the past two seasons at left tackle for the Trojans, and he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2019. His quickness and agility at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds is impressive.
Here are seven offensive linemen who could be on the board when the Bills pick at No. 54 at the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Buffalo Bills first scheduled draft selection won’t occur until Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, as the team picks at No. 54 overall.
Luckily, the Bills do not have a glaring need on their roster, making this year’s draft quite intriguing. Buffalo’s front office, led by general manager Brandon Beane, can go in a multitude of directions with the pick, leaving quite a bit of interest and uncertainty with whom the Bills could select.
This final installment of our position-by-position series looks at the offensive line prospects and which players could still be on the board when the Bills make their first selection at the upcoming draft:
Buffalo Bills offensive guard Jon Feliciano (76) and center Mitch Morse. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Current roster
The Bills are returning their starting five offensive linemen from last year. This continuity is something of importance to the team’s front office, as they feel this will give the team an advantage in regard to improving again next season Center Mitch Morse, guard Quinton Spain, and tackle Cody Ford are all signed through the 2022 season.
Buffalo has two starters, tackle Dion Dawkins and guard Jon Feliciano, whose contracts expire at the end of next season. In addition, three possible reserves, Ty Nsekhe, Daryl Williams, and Ike Boettger have deals ending in 2021.
While it might not be a major need for this season, the Bills may look to the future and select a lineman who can grow into a starting job in 2021. It might be considered a reach for a second-round pick to be spent on a player who has a somewhat limited shot at starting in the future. However, no one can look into the crystal ball and predict the going rate for Dawkins and Felciano in free agency and how they could fit into the Bills salary cap situation. No one can predict if the Bills sees areas to improve upon in their current starting five, either. There’s always a chance the best player available could be an offensive lineman in Round 2.
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Jonah Jackson. Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jonah Jackson | Ohio State
Jackson transferred from Rutgers and played his final season for the Buckeyes, starting 14 games at left guard. He was named a third-team Associated Press All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten player for his work during his 2019 campaign. He tends to be a bit stronger in pass protection. His run blocking was a bit inconsistent at times, but this is a trait that may be refined with a solid offensive line coach. He’s been placed between the second and fourth rounds of mock drafts, so it comes down to fit and able to develop at the next level. He’s experienced and has dealt with the best collegiate football has to offer, so it wouldn’t be surprising for him to be a long-term solution at an interior lineman position.
The main takeaway from this play? Justin Fields holding the ball too long and getting sacked.
But also look at Jonah Jackson deliver a hit on the defensive end mid-spin move. He likes to be a punisher.
From Andrew Thomas to Jedrick Wills to Mekhi Becton, there are five or more first-round tackles in this draft class. How do they stack up?
The problem with needing a franchise offensive tackle and trying to get one in the draft is that it’s hard to project how that’s going to go. As is the case with every position, you have to be able to project how that lineman will fit into your system. You also have to part out what the player can and can’t do, and decide if the developmental curve is worth it.
Complicating this is that, while there are as many as five first-round talents at the position in this draft class, there are no obvious locks. That’s generally the case unless a Joe Thomas or Quenton Nelson drops from the sky. On the other hand, based on coaching, development, and scheme fit, it’s entirely possible to grab a franchise-defining tackle in the later rounds. It’s all about getting the right guy for your offensive scheme, and here’s how the 11 best offensive tackles in the 2020 draft class sort themselves out.
Bio: Thomas was a four-star recruit from Atlanta’s Pace Academy, and he chose Georgia over 28 other schools, including Notre Dame and Michigan. The Freshman All-American started 15 games right out of high school, and moved to left tackle in time for the 2018 season. In 2019, he was awarded Associated Press All-American and first-team all-conference honors after starting 13 games on the left side.
“I think athleticism,” Thomas said at the scouting combine, when asked what separates a good offensive tackle from a great one. “Playing at the next level those guys are freaks, so being more athletic helps you. And then technique, especially at the offensive line positions. Playing against those guys, you have to be a technician. Every down, every play, you have to change it up. It’s almost a like a chess match and you have to be able to adjust to different types of rushers, so I think that makes all the difference.”
Stat to Know: Thomas did his work in zone schemes on 83% of his snaps over three seasons, averaging 6.2 yards per carry (and 6.9 yards per carry when running to his gap in 2018 and 2019), with a 50% Positive Play Rate.
Strengths: Choppy kick-step at times, but he makes it work with excellent diagnostic skills and the proverbial head on a swivel. Has the feet to adjust to quicker defenders trying to slip past him to the pocket. Has a mauling, finishing mentality when moving in slide protection and to the second level. He’s happy to bury pass-rushers who come with less than stellar technique — embarrassed K’Lavon Chaisson multiple times in 2019 when Georgia faced LSU. Quick decision-making allows him to react well to stunts and twists — he hands off naturally when he needs to. Mirrors instinctively against inside moves. Plays from a solid base and doesn’t get rocked back easily.
Weaknesses: Pass sets are more abrupt than smooth — Thomas isn’t yet a natural mover as you’d like from an offensive tackle. Could be vulnerable to late movement from edge-rushers until he refines that. Has the raw strength to bury defenders once he gets his hands inside the numbers, but needs work in clamping on and staying there.
Conclusion: While Thomas isn’t the most agile mover, and I have concerns about the choppiness of his pass-sets against more advanced NFL pass-rushers, he presents the right mentality, levels of strength, and coachable traits to be a top-level tackle early in his NFL career. He’s best suited for a balanced offense in which the run game is a prominent factor, and physicality is a requirement.
NFL Comparison: Eugene Monroe. Like the Virginia alum selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Jaguars, Thomas checks all the boxes you’d like from a power tackle with improving agility characteristics. He’s as close to “plug-and-play” as you’ll find at the tackle position in this draft class.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Auburn offensive tackle prospect Prince Tega Wanogho
Prince Tega Wanogho | OT | Auburn
Elevator Pitch
A top-notch athlete for the offensive tackle position, Wanogho’s combination of size, body control and quickness makes him a prototypical developmental prospect for the offensive line. He has a ways to go from a technical perspective, but considering how far he’s come for a player with just one year of high school experience, the sky’s the limit for him if he gets coached up well in the NFL.
The athleticism that Wanogho brings to the table for a 6-foot-5 tackle at 300-plus pounds is nothing short of impressive.
It’s a shame Wanogho wasn’t able to partake in Combine drills, because he likely would have performed well enough to catapult himself into Round 1 conversation based off of his upside alone. He is a very good lateral athlete who moves with fantastic agility in pass protection. He has a spring in his step and can cover plenty of ground laterally, all while managing to not overset his motions. Wanogho accelerates to the second level very well and has the quickness to move well in zone and reach-blocking situations.
Wanogho has shown that he has plenty of flexibility when he knows what he’s doing, as his ankles and hips both possess the ability to move around easily. His footwork is surprisingly polished for someone as raw as he is. He made an impact quickly in his football career, as he has two seasons as a full-time starter to his name, as well as half of a season starting in 2017. That’s impressive considering he not only played one year of high school football, but the one year he did play he spent as a defensive end. Plus, even though it doesn’t affect his draft stock, Prince Tega is an actual prince, as his grandfather was the king of his village in Nigeria, which is pretty cool.
Weaknesses
When it comes down to it, Wanogho is, to put it lightly, a work in progress. Though he’s shown growth throughout his collegiate tenure, his technique is definitely still raw. His pad level isn’t all that great, as he can struggle to consistently stay low and create that leverage with his pads to generate power in his lower body. He doesn’t have a ton of lower-body strength yet, either, as he struggles against speed-to-power conversions and powerful defenders.
Wanogho’s hand usage could be cleaner up a bit, too. He doesn’t consistently get his hands inside of the shoulders of his opponents, and he is occasionally prone to allowing defenders inside of his frame. He doesn’t pack much of a punch at the point of attack, and though he plays with a solid overall motor, he could stand to develop a bit more nastiness in his game. He might be better off landing in a spot where he can redshirt his rookie year before entering the starting lineup.
The Detroit Lions will be checking out several 2020 NFL Draft prospects at Auburn’s Pro Day on March 6
The Auburn Tigers are hosting their prospect pro day on Friday, March 6. The Detroit Lions applied for credentials and are expected to have a contingent in Alabama to check out several future NFL players on hand.
Derrick Brown gets all the headlines, but the defensive tackle is not the only Tigers player the Lions should have an interest in drafting in 2020. Brown figures to be a consideration for the team’s first-round pick, particularly if Detroit is able to engineer a trade back a few spots from the No. 3 overall position they currently sit.
Brown’s linemate, Marlon Davidson, is a Day 2 prospect with a lot of juice and personality. He stood out at the Senior Bowl practices on the South roster (the Lions coached the North) before being shut down with a minor injury. Davidson didn’t do the full combine workout, and the Lions will be interested in how the four-year starter tests in the explosion drills (broad jump, vertical jump). He plays both inside and out at 303 pounds, a good fit for how the Lions deploy their D-linemen.
Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene is another potential Day 2 pick for the Lions…if he lasts to the second round. The son of two Olympic sprinters, Igbinoghene (pronounced IG-bin-OG-a-nee) is a converted wide receiver who took a big step in his defensive mindset in 2019. He loves to press and get into the faces and chests of receivers, and his turn-and-run gear can keep up with just about anyone. He needs work on his lower-body technique, but showed real improvement as 2019 progressed.
Another CB, Javaris Davis, fits the exact profile the Lions desire in the slot. He’s plucky, physical, tackles well and has excellent top-end speed. He raised his stock with a good Senior Bowl week and is considered a 5th-6th round talent.
12 Offensive tackles for Browns fans to watch at the scouting combine
The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Player workouts begin later in the week, with many of the drills now being performed in prime time for a wider television audience.
The Cleveland Browns and the new coaching staff led by Kevin Stefanski will be very active in scouring Indianapolis for talent that can help the team. With the biggest hole on the roster at offensive tackle, expect a big focus on the top tiers of tackles who can help the Browns immediately.
Here are the consensus top 12 offensive tackles in the 2020 NFL Draft who will be working out at the combine. How they break down in order remains to be seen, but these are the names to watch during the week.
One of the glaring needs the Bears will need to address this offseason is the offensive line, where there’s work to be done for the future.
There were no shortage of concerns on the offensive side of the ball for the Bears in 2019. One of the glaring needs the Bears will need to address this offseason is the offensive line.
While they’re pretty much stuck with what they’ve got — with the exception of a vacant right guard position — in 2020, there’s plenty of work to be done in the NFL Draft in regards to building for the future.
With that said, here are five offensive line prospects the Bears should watch at the NFL Scouting Combine next week:
1. Damien Lewis, LSU
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The Bears are looking to fill the vacant role at right guard, and LSU guard Damien Lewis could very well be the guy for the job. Lewis started 28 straight games at right guard for the Tigers. He’s a physical force up front and does well under pressure. Lewis had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, and his draft stock will only continue to rise with a strong outing at the NFL Combine.
Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez examines Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho, a prospect on the Los Angeles Chargers’ radar.
Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at hundreds of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.
Today, we are taking a look at Auburn offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho.
Honors and Awards
SEC Academic Honor Roll (2015, 2016)
All-SEC First Team – Pro Football Focus (2018)
All-SEC First Team – Athlon, Lindy’s, SEC media, SEC coaches, PFF (2019)
Strengths
Long, athletic frame, great foot quickness. Possesses terrific lateral range and reaching ability.
Gets depth with smooth, fluid kick-slide and does a good job of mirroring. Agile enough to win the edge in pass protection and has the strength to reset and hold his ground if the defender counters.
Doesn’t latch on and drive with raw power in the run game. Instead, he seems to latch on and get opponents moving with finesse and instincts. Has strength to anchor, hands carry power.
Explodes out of stance into defender. Accelerates feet after contact and finishes. Works well at the second level.
Has length and strength to redirect around pocket when beaten around the edge.
Reliable football character. Competitive toughness is evident. Will play though the whistle.
Prince Tega Wanogho vs Rashard Lawrence in the run game. The matchups in this game were incredible.
PTW does a great job landing hands inside left and controlling 90's pad on the right to get 90 turned. PTW replaces right hand inside breastplate and hangs long enough to spring. pic.twitter.com/t8lUXy5mcB
Inexperienced at the position and still raw. Didn’t play offensive line until he came to Auburn.
Base can get too wide on pass protection, struggling to regather himself.
Appears stiff when facing vertical rushes. Impatient and will panic if a defender does start to crowd him.
Grip strength, hand placement and carrying out blocks are areas that need to be improved upon.
He can struggle to engage athletic defenders at the second level.
Works with technique on pass sets but loses that technique suddenly at the high point of the pass rush.
Summary
A Nigerian native, Tega Wanogho left home and arrived in the United States at age 16 with basketball ambitions. But he found his way on the football field, where he was a defensive lineman. He was recruited to play on the defensive side of the ball, but moved to the offensive line, earning a starting spot when he was a sophomore.
The 6-foot-7 and 310-pound Wanogho has terrific feet and overall athleticism. He has power in his hands and a frame that most offensive tackles would kill for. But he is raw and still is learning the finer details of the position. His instincts and technique are a work in progress, but he should blossom with some more coaching at the next level.
Chargers Fit
While Wanogho refines his technique and gets caught up to NFL speed, he still has the physical tools and a skillset that would allow him to instantly start at right tackle. By Year 2 or 3, he could be a viable left tackle with Pro Bowl potential.
The Los Angeles Chargers snag a quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver in their latest three-round mock draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers were expected to be a Super Bowl contender heading into this season. But injuries and deficiencies on the roster hindered them.
General manager Tom Telesco and company are gearing up to bolster their already talented group to ensure that the Bolts are in the best shape to give it another go next season.
With that, here is our latest three-round mock draft with the direction that Telesco could go in the 2020 NFL draft.
Round 1, No. 9, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
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The last time the Chargers drafted a quarterback in the first-round was back in 2004 when they took Eli Manning, who was later traded to the Giants with Philip Rivers in return. With Rivers set to become an unrestricted free agent, Los Angeles could very well end in that drought in this upcoming draft.
With the Bolts picking high, they have the opportunity to land a top quarterback. In this case, Tagovailoa surpasses the Dolphins, who could very well be looking to address the position.
Tagovailoa was expected to be a lock for the top-5, but a hip injury that he sustained this season has given some a reason to be concerned. But doctors who performed the surgery feel confident he will make a full recovery with a slate of rehab.
Injury aside, Tua is a quick processor, who has phenomenal field vision, natural instincts, accuracy and mobility to tear up defenses in a multitude of ways. The Alabama product is a well-known name that would draw a plethora of people into their new stadium, as well.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter sees the Chargers and Tua as a perfect marriage since he would be on a team that doesn’t have to play him right away considering Rivers or Tyrod Taylor would be the Day 1 starter in 2020.
“If you look at the Top 10, there’s teams that need a quarterback, a team like the Chargers. Phillip Rivers maybe sign a one year deal to come back. And if he doesn’t, they like Tyrod Taylor anyway and could play him for one year. That might be an interesting situation,” Schefter said.
