The 2022 NFL Draft is almost here, with a lot of talk on the: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Offensive Tackles, Edge Rushers, and Corner Backs, it’s time to talk about another strong position group in the Interior Offensive Line. This class is headlined by Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu and Tyler Linderbaum but there are a lot of 1st-round prospects that will fall to the 2nd-round. Here are my official rankings for the 2022 IOL Class.
1.) Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, NC State
6’4
310 lbs
Junior
Strengths:
- Dominant run blocker
- Accelerates quickly off the snap
- When in open field, LOOK OUT
Weakness:
- Not the best pass blocker
- Height could be an issue if he needs to move to offensive tackle
Ekwonu is listed as an offensive tackle but I think teams see him as a guard. Ekwonu is a tree bark when it comes to blocking, he’s a huge bulldozer that is hard to move. Is he versatile enough to play every position? I think he’s going to be a top 10 guard his rookie year but could lack in the tackle area.
Team Fits: Texans, Giants, Panthers
Draft Projection: Top 5 Pick
Player Comparison: Kelechi Osemele
2.) Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
6’2
296 lbs
Redshirt Junior
Strengths
- Explosive off the snap
- Speed in the screen game
- Plays better when quarterback is under center
Weakness:
- Bull rush could surprise him and cause him to panic
- Shotgun formation is a concern
Linderbaum has been labeled as a “generational talent” since the College Football season began in 2021. With the strengths of every other position group in this class, Linderbaum might slip to the 2nd-round
Team Fits: Eagles, Raiders, Bengals
Draft Projection: Late 1st-round pick
Pro Comparison: Jason Kelce
3.) Zion Johnson, Boston College
6’3
312 lbs
Senior
Strengths
- Great double team blocker
- Elite blocking when it comes to open field against linebackers by taking right angles
- Stops defensive bull rushers
Weaknesses
- Blitzes could cause a problem with him, especially designed blitzes
- Predominant run blocker, below average in pass blocking
Watching Zion Johnson made me believe he was a day 1 starter. He fights every play and will be a nice addition to any locker room because of his enthusiasm in the way he leads his team. Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Team Fits: Eagles, Patriots, Buccaneers
Draft Projection: Late 1st-round pick
Pro Comparison- Dalton Risner
4.) Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
6’4
323 lbs
Junior
Strengths
- Hand placement is elite
- Bulldozer of a offensive lineman
- Quick hands
Weaknesses
- Penalties
- Not the best pass blocker
Kenyon Green was predicted to be a top 10 pick after last season. He fell due to pass blocking concerns and the amount of penalties he has each game. I expect a team that dominates in the run to end up selecting Kenyon Green.
Team Fits: Buccaneers, Packers, Titans
Draft Projection: Late 1st-round pick
Pro Comparison: Richie Incognito
5.) Cole Strange, Tennessee-Chattanooga
6’5
307 lbs
Redshirt Senior
Strengths
- Strong hands
- Potential center?
- Great for a run blocking scheme
Weaknesses
- Poor lower body strength
- Not the best pull blocker
Cole Strange is a unique prospect. While the offensive line class is a deep one, look out for Strange being selected in the 2nd-round. After that, there’s a huge gap in offensive line prospects.
Team Fits: Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams
Draft Projection: Mid 2nd-round pick
Pro Comparison: JC Tretter
