Ranking of the top 10 offensive linemen

The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy names his top 10 offensive linemen in this year’s 2022 NFL Draft, based on reviews and talking to people in the league:

1st OT Evan Neal, Alabama, 6-7, 337 lbs

The prototypical left tackle has made 40 career starts at three positions in three years and can be an elite player right away. 337 pounds has never looked so skinny. Dominant in pass and run games. The best of many newer Alabama blockers.

2nd OT/G Ikem Ekwonu, North Carolina State, 6-4, 310 lbs

His next team will have to ask themselves in 2022 and beyond: do we need an all-pro guard or a very good tackle? Powerful run blocker that buries defenders in the ground. Highest marks in character. Develop pass blockers.

3rd OT Charles Cross, Mississippi, 6-5, 307 pounds

Ran the 40-meter dash in 4.95 seconds—a taste of tantalizing athleticism. Smothers all pass rushers, no matter how many moves, but inexperienced at run-blocking, which has slowed development of other Air Raid offensive products.

4. OT Trevor Penning, North Iowa, 6-7, 325 lbs

So determined to prove his toughness in competition at the Senior Bowl that he was almost too over the top to finish blocks. Checks all physical boxes. Benefits from the success of many other FCS offensive linemen in the NFL.

5th C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa, 6-2, 296 lbs

Handles lightning with fast gliding feet and good detection. He laughed at the idea of ​​sitting out a bowl game to prepare for the draft (scouts love that lead), but then injured his foot. image of being fundamentally healthy.

6. G Zion Johnson, Boston College, 6-3, 312 pounds

Didn’t allow a single press last season and committed just one penalty in 2,271 career snaps, according to ESPN. Brute strength plays well in doubles teams and in a phone booth, less so when asked to pull.

7. G Kenyon Green, Texas A&M, 6-3, 323 pounds

Started last season in four positions – guard and tackle on both sides of the line – but profiles as road grader running backs follow. Subject to holding penalties because he can be overly aggressive and relies on his hands.

8. OT Tyler Smith, Tulsa, 6-4, 324 pounds

Boom-or-bust projection, who could become a star when the right coach and system harness their athleticism and badass streak. Must trust technique longer instead of relying on brute skill. Could fight complex lightning.

9th OT Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan, 6-6, 303 lbs

He’s only scratching the surface of his potential, having switched from the tight end midway through his career. Receptive to coaching but has yet to see the variety of pass moves he will have in the NFL. Will wipe out tacklers on screen passes.

10. OT Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State, 6-5, 316 pounds

Scouts thought he might be a first-rounder in 2023, but he came out of school despite struggles against the top Big Ten rushers. Played on both edges. Athletics that can’t be taught.

late riser

Raimann: International student from Austria who has gained more than 70 kilos without losing the athleticism and fast feet of a pass catcher. High engine seen driving down the field looking for second and third blocks.

fall fast

linden tree: Borderline top 10 season-ending prospect. Pushed into the late first round due to injury and debate over how early is too early to draft a center. Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey was a big difference as a rookie pick in the second round.

Little school miracle

G Cole Strange, Chattanooga, 6-5, 307 pounds: Started 44 games (41 at left) and used six years of eligibility. Smart, rugged, and pretty much any other intangible you want. Don’t shy away from a challenge. Is he too big to play center? Probably.