2023 NFL Draft Betting Preview-Offensive Tackles

2023 NFL Draft Betting Preview-Offensive Tackles

In the passing era, wide receivers have much more value than running backs. The offensive tackle position is becoming nearly as important as the wide receiver position, because the quarterback needs to be protected. Let’s take a look at the top 10 offensive tackles in the 2023 NFL Draft as we head towards April 27-29 from Kansas City. The top offensive tackle expected to be drafted is Paris Johnson from Ohio State, who is listed as +20000 to be drafted first and +3000 to be drafted fifth.

1)Paris Johnson, Ohio State, 6-6, 313

Johnson is athletic and did well as the blindside protector for C.J. Stroud. Played just one season at left tackle and will need to clean up technique. The upside is to become an elite tackle. Has 36 1/8 arms and very good feet.

2)Jaelyn Duncan, 6-6, 306

Skilled lineman who has the potential to be a very good left tackle. Has room to grow in terms of hands. But athletic and very balanced. Has 33 inch arms and ran a 5.10 40.

3)Broderick Jones, Georgia, 6-5, 315

Jones has decent length (34.75) and is an athletic tackle (4.97 40), who started for a premier offense at Georgia. He can play tackle, even if he doesn’t have the typical height and great length. Could win up at guard because he can dominate the run game.

4)Peter Skoronski, Northwestern, 6-4, 313

Only concern is that he’ll be a guard or right tackle with short arms (32.25). But he’s very athletic and moves well. Has to foot speed to go into space and dominate in the screen game. He allowed just six pressures on 474 pass blocking snaps last season according to PFF. Ran under a 5.2 40.

5)Darnell Wright, Tennessee, 6-5, 333

Good frame and size with decent length (arm 33.75). Good 40 time (5.01). Did well against Alabama’s stud pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. and held him to just one pressure in that game and eight for the season according to PFF. Will wind up at right tackle where he dominated last season. A dominant run blocker and masher, but can move.

6)Anton Harrison, Oklahoma, 6-5, 315

Harrison has the athleticism to play left tackle (4.98 40) with decent arm length (34.13). Experienced player who has started since he was a true freshman. Allowed just nine pressures on 447 pass blocking snaps according to PFF.

7)Tyler Steen, Alabama, 6-6, 321

Steen transferred from Vanderbilt to play left tackle at ‘Bama. Good athlete who needs to get stronger. Very experienced with 46 starts in college and a very aggressive run blocker.

8)Cody Mauch, North Dakota State, 6-5, 305

There’s always that big move from FCS to the NFL though North Dakota State is an FBS-caliber program. He’s a very athletic tackle who is outstanding in the run game. The former tight end should end up fine as a pass blocker, but is still working on technique. Could move to guard.

9)Blake Freeland, BYU, 6-8, 305

Freeland might be more of a project, but you can’t teach that height and athleticism (4.98 40). He could end up at right tackle but you have to love the athleticism for his size.

10)Dawand Jones, Ohio State, 6-8, 375

Massive tackle who is definitely playing on the right side. He is a solid athlete for his size and super long with a 36.38 arm and 11.63 hand. Will eventually be dominant in the run game, but will struggle with speed rushers.

(PFF=Pro Football Focus)