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Earlier today you saw my final grades for the offensive tackle class and now we take a look at the interior linemen. The IOL class has a lot more depth than the tackles as I feel there are more future starters in this group than their counterparts on the outside.
We’ve got the same format as the last few articles, so let’s get going.
First Round Grades:
1. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa Red Flags: Size profile? Player Comp: Jason Kelce
Ideal Role: Starting center
The NFL is going to overthink Tyler Linderbaum, aren’t they? Yes, he’s got shorter arms. Yes, he’s sub-300 pounds. Yes, the NFL made a mistake the last time they drafted someone with his size profile in the first round with Garrett Bradbury. Tyler Linderbaum is far more of a mauler than Bradbury was. He’s almost a carbon copy of Jason Kelce, who has been one of the league’s top centers for over a decade. To me this is simple, draft Linderbaum in round one and move on.
2. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Left Guard in a power-based system
I already wrote up Kenyon Green’s scouting report so you can read more in-depth thoughts on him by clicking on the hyperlink in his name. In short, this is the type of player who you plug in at a starting guard position and let him maul opposing defenders. He’s one of my favourite players in the class and had the most enjoyable tape of anyone this year.
Second Round Grades:
3. Zion Johnson, Boston College Red Flags: None Player Comp: none
Ideal Role: Starting Guard
Zion Guard was the “glue guy” for Boston College, playing wherever they needed him, however at the next level, his best position is guard. He was one of the best offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl and as the draft cycle has gone on we’ve seen him be connected to a number of teams in the top 45 picks and that’s right on point with where I have him graded. I think he can be a plug-and-play guard right away.
4. Ed Ingram, LSU Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Starting guard
I’ve written up Ingram’s report, so again, you can find his full report here. In short, Ingram was put on my radar after the Senior Bowl and could be argued as the best OL in Mobile that week. He’s scheme diverse and while he may not be a starter right away (depending on landing spot), he’s definitely pro ready.
5. Jamaree Salyer, Georgia Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Guard in a power-run scheme
A good athlete with plenty of power to boot, Salyer was a force in Georgia’s dynamic rushing attack. He’s a hoss at 325 pounds, but he’s a very physical “phonebooth” player. He may not go in round two like I have him graded due to length concerns and may not start right away but he’ll be a starter at guard by his second or third season in the league.
Third Round Grades:
6. Dylan Parham, Memphis Red Flags: none Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: guard or center in a zone-based scheme
7. Darian Kinnard, Kentucky Red Flags: None Player Comp: None Ideal role: Starting guard
8. Cam Jurgens, Nebraska Red Flags: none Player Comp: Stronger Garrett Bradbury
Ideal Role: Starting center
9. Cole Strange, Chattanooga Red Flags: Level of competition Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Developmental center
Fourth Round Grades
10. Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech Red Flags: None Player Comp: Nate Davis Ideal Role: starting guard in a zone-run scheme
11. Dohnovan West, Arizona St. Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: zone-blocking scheme interior offensive lineman
12. Brock Hoffman, Virginia Tech Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Center in an inside zone system
Fifth Round Grades
13. Luke Fortner, Kentucky Red Flags: none Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Developmental Center
14. Alec Lindstrom, Boston College Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Developmental center in an inside zone blocking scheme
15. Spencer Burford, UTSA Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Developmental guard/tackle
16. Chris Pail, Tulsa Red Flags: none Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Developmental Guard
Sixth Round Grade
17. Thayer Munford, Ohio St. Red Flags: none Player Comp: none Ideal Role: Depth guard
18. Dawson Deaton, Texas Tech Red flags: none Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Backup center in zone-blocking scheme
Seventh Round Grades
19. Hayden Howerton, SMU Red Flags: none Player Comp: None
Ideal role: depth IOL
20. Marquis Hayes, Oklahoma Red Flags: None Player Comp: None Ideal Role: Depth guard in a power-based scheme
UDFA Grades
21. Tyrese Robinson, Oklahoma Red Flags: None Player Comp: None
Ideal Role: Depth piece
22. Josh Sills, Oklahoma St. Red Flags: Age (24 years old already) Player Comp: None