Sizing up the offensive linemen
T Laremy Tunsil, 6-5, 310, 5.23, Mississippi The best line prospect in the draft had a chance to go first overall until Tennessee traded the pick. Now he could drop as far down as sixth to Baltimore. Terrific athlete who has everything the coaches want in a left tackle. Three-year starter who served a seven-game suspension last year. Allowed only two sacks in last 29 games. T Ronnie Stanley, 6-6, 312, 5.18, Notre Dame Ranked just a tad behind Tunsil, but some teams like him better. He’s got a huge wingspan, can slide his feet as well as any blocker in this draft and has nimble feet to recover when knocked off balance. A wide base, strong hands, shows impressive flexibility. Should go in the top 10. T Jack Conklin, 6-6, 308, 4.98, Michigan St. A former walk-on who had a redshirt year before he earned a scholarship and became a three-year starter who got better every season. Can play either side. Came from a pro-style offense, so he can make a quick adjustment to pro game. Plays with a nasty disposition, especially on run blocking. Had the best 40 time of the top prospects at his position. Should go in the middle of the first round. T Taylor Decker, 6-7, 310, 5.16, Ohio St. A dependable senior who started 42 games at a premier program. Has size and strength coaches covet. He loves to drive block. A three-point stance is no problem. Strong hands, understands the position, mirrors his man impressively. Gets good knee bend for his size. Long arms help him against rushers in space. Should be a top-20 selection. C Ryan Kelly, 6-4, 311, 4.96, Alabama Perhaps the safest pick in the draft. If a team needs a center, Kelly is the man. Didn’t allow a sack his last two years. Strong run blocker who buries his man. Gets on the second level well. Has strong arms. Got his degree and worked on his master’s. He can handle all the calls. Scouts say if he stays healthy, he’ll be a 10-year starter and earn some Pro Bowl trips. Will go to the first team that needs a center. G Cody Whitehair, 6-4, 301, 5.02, Kansas St. Played tackle and guard in college. Scouts think guard is his natural position. A senior who started 50 games. Great work ethic, team leader. Extremely smart. Solid technician. He can run block and pass protect. Dynamic team leader. He’ll be taken by the first team that needs a guard.
SLEEPER T Willie Beavers, 6-5, 321, 5.21, Western Michigan A senior three-year starter who improved every season. A natural left tackle with long arms, quick feet, intelligence and instincts. Anchors and mirrors well. Agile, gets leverage, knows how to redirect. Likes to run block. Could go in the third round.
TEXANS NEEDS They need help on the offensive line. They can use a young tackle to develop behind veterans Duane Brown, Derrick Newton and Chris Clark. If the tackle can provide depth at guard early in his career, he’ll be even more valuable. They could take a tackle as high as the third round. They also could use a center in a later round.