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What can we say about the Jets at the moment, they're an absolute disaster needing an influx of talent in several areas. One of those areas is offensive line. With Clady not guaranteed to be back and Giacomini a likely cut following a disappointing spell in New York, it stands to reason that the Jets will make this area a priority. It's very difficult to move the ball down the field when your offensive line isn't blocking or creating holes.
I love good line play. Whether that's defensive or offensive, it all starts in the trenches. Unfortunately we've been treated to some horrendous play this year on the offensive line. Gone are the days when we trotted out Ferguson, Faneca, Mangold, Moore, and Woody.
I don't personally see any top 10 worthy lineman in this draft. Not at the moment anyway. However, if the Jets win enough games (seems hard to believe right now) to land in the teens, then we have options to select the best available tackle or move down to stockpile selections... and then take a tackle.
Cam Robinson - Alabama
It's worth noting that Robinson was arrested earlier this year on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and illegal possession of a stolen firearm. He was not charged due to a lack of evidence.
Robinson has continued to play at a very high standard for Alabama and he is the one tackle who could potentially break into the top 10.
Robinson is an excellent run blocker, showing an ability create holes and work to the second level. He has a good base and excellent power and never takes a play off.
Unfortunately he can sometimes be late off the ball which allows defenders to get on him in a hurry, causing him to reach and grab. He's NFL-ready as far as run blocking goes, but will need a little work in pass protection. Overall he's a very promising prospect as long as he keeps himself out of trouble.
Roderick Johnson - Florida State
Johnson is a really interesting prospect as he's a very big man. We're talking 6'7" and over 300 lbs. He came in and played for Florida State his rookie year, which also happened to be the year they won a National Championship.
I really do think that Johnson will make a better right tackle in the NFL; he already possesses a nasty edge, showing the ability to move players off the line, and he's opened up numerous holes for Dalvin Cook.
Johnson has all the natural talent in the world, but sometimes his pass protection really lets him down. His footwork can be very erratic, and he often gets off balance and loses the leverage battle.
If a team expects him to come in and start at left tackle right away, I think they're going to be disappointed, but if they want him to come in and work with him on his footwork and plug him in at RT, I think he'll get the job done.
Adam Bisnowaty - Pittsburgh
Here is my personal favorite line prospect in 2017. He's going to make one NFL scouting department look like geniuses because he is going to be one of those guys who can play everywhere.
He has the power, strength, and nastiness to play inside. However he also has the quickness and footwork to play against quick edge rushers in the NFL.
He plays with an excellent base and a very good understanding of leverage. His balance is excellent and he shows a good punch to keep defenders off his chest. He's also got an above average kick slide to mirror defenders.
He may not have the raw talent of someone like Robinson, but he already plays with excellent technique, including good hand usage.
Obviously he's not a finished prospect. He needs to work on finishing his blocks when plays are extended and on moving to the second level.
Other notable tackles to watch out for
- Mike McGlinchey - Notre Dame
- Julie'n Davenport - Bucknell
- Chad Wheeler - Southern California
- Conor McDermott - UCLA
- Dion Dawkins - Temple