Regarded as one of the deeper groups in the 2021 Draft class, the offensive tackles possess quality depth and have a number of high-end talents. I find it unlikely that 2021 matches the six tackles drafted in the first round of 2020, but I could imagine it has more than double the number of tackles selected on the second day of the draft. Who are colleges’ top tackles, and how do they stack up against one another as of right now?
2021 offensive tackle rankings
10) Samuel Cosmi, Texas
A high upside prospect, Samuel Cosmi is highly regarded among draft twitter pundits. He’s an elite mix of size and speed. His physical abilities are easy to project, however, Cosmi lacks the fundamental technique of an elite tackle prospect. He struggled with consistency, and his play against top competition left a lot to be desired. Cosmi has the physical talent to be a first-round pick, however, his development is still a ways away.
Sam Cosmi is an absolute beast at left tackle for the Texas Longhorns. A complete prospect, who should be a very high draft pick in 2021. #2021NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/6fALPNa4WT
— Jack Borowsky (@thegridiron_nfl) April 22, 2020
Related | 2021 NFL Draft: Is the offensive tackle class “generational”?
9) Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame
While the consensus seems to be that Liam Eichenberg is a top-three tackle in the 2021 class, I have some concerns about his translation to the NFL. Poor hand placement and a lack of consistency make me doubt how competent he could be as a rookie. The talent is there, but some growth is needed.
8) Landon Young, Kentucky
Dominant length is the first thing that comes to mind when speaking about Landon Young. He utilizes the entirety of his 6’7″ frame. Despite being on a weaker team in the SEC, Young has been one of the most consistent left tackles in the conference. Young still needs to work on his pass setting, as it’s not as smooth as you’d like, but his overall ability is unquestionable.
7) Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
An FCS player making a preseason top-10 list is uncommon, but Dillon Radunz is an uncommon player. An elite blend of size and speed, Radunz was viewed as the top offensive tackle in the FCS last season. After missing all of 2018 to an injury, he returned in 2019 to 682 snaps and allow 0 sacks. Radunz still has some work to do technically, and his level of competition will constantly be used against him. However, his upside and production are undeniable.
When watching NDSU, everyone wants to to talk Trey Lance.
However LT Dillon Radunz(75) has the goods. Size/Speed specimen. Gets the pancake here and then blocks the linebacker for 20 yards down field. pic.twitter.com/bSghNgrFI4
— Matt Valdovinos (@MVScouting) May 22, 2020
Related | NDSU offensive tackle Dillon Radunz is a hidden gem in 2021 OT class
6) Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
A recent riser among draft analysts, Michigan’s Jaylen Mayfield is a high upside tackle prospect. With great size and good athletic ability, Mayfield has the physical tools required to be a top NFL tackle. His pass set is smooth and his motor runs hot. However, if Mayfield is to move up my rankings for the 2021 NFL Draft, he must improve his hand technique, and his power at the point of attack. At times he shows the ability to create movement, but it does not show up consistently in his film.
Eubanks gets a great hook block
-correct 1st step to the outside
-head across the bow
-strong outside arm
-swings hips & feet to seal his guy in
-WIN
/chef's kiss.Oh yea, Jalen Mayfield killed a dude. pic.twitter.com/MeKGETMG3M
— Due# (@JDue51) October 13, 2019
5) Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
Alex Leatherwood was, at one point, viewed as a first-round talent. I still believe he has the talent to be taken in the first 32 selections. He’s naturally gifted, moving off the line of scrimmage and up the field with ease. His length is apparent at 6’6″, and he makes full use of his arm length. He returned to school for his senior season, something that I think is beneficial as he focuses on improving his overall down to down consistency.
Keeping with the OT clips.
Do you know how hard it is to fully extend your arms vs Derrick Brown? It’s a small detail and easy to miss, but this is text book arm lock out for Alex Leatherwood.
He gets ran into and loses his grip, but Leatherwood has some really nice traits. pic.twitter.com/tv2eXl2Dx7
— Matt Valdovinos (@MVScouting) May 23, 2020
4) Rasheed Walker, Penn State
Rasheed Walker started 13 games this past season as a true sophomore, leading one of the nation’s most prolific offensive lines at Penn State. Walker, despite starting for the first time, showed veteran technique and already looks the part of an NFL tackle.
His hands are arguable the best in the class, and his play shows a high football IQ. A physical specimen at 6’6″ and 320 pounds, Walker is a strong athlete giving him a myriad of physical tools to call upon. Walker still needs to develop as a run blocker though. He struggles to provide movement off the line scrimmage, an indication that he needs to improve his lower body strength.
This is a direct showing of Penn State’s left tackle Rasheed Walker’s elite football IQ.
His job is to double the 1-tech so his guard can move to an LB. 1t slants towards Walker, he recognizes this, changes his leverage and walls off the 1t and DE. Almost like he’s posting up. pic.twitter.com/Wit4YkWnXb
— Matt Valdovinos (@MVScouting) May 24, 2020
3) Jackson Carman, Clemson
The most rugged of the top three, Jackson Carman is a true mauler. A nasty attitude with excellent play strength and size. At 6’5″ and nearly 350 pounds, Carman has the length, athletic ability, and strength to be a great NFL tackle. He needs to work on his pass setting and focus on winning with technique over just purely out-muscling the opposition. If Carman can smooth out his rough edges, he should challenge for the spot as the second-best tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class.
Sophomore OT Jackson Carman will be getting first-round buzz this summer pic.twitter.com/7aUxl8JwS9
— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) March 3, 2020
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2) Abraham Lucas, Washington State
One of the nation’s premier pass protectors, Abraham Lucas is the next iteration of impressive Washington State offensive tackle prospects. He’s a strong athlete, running a sub 5.1 as a senior in high school. His 6’7″ frame provides him with an elite size, which he uses to keep pass rushers from getting into his chest. His hands are fast and active, and his feet follow suit.
Lucas’ major concern, is a lack of experience as a run blocker. Playing at Washington State, it’s incredibly difficult to project how a player will translate to the NFL. However, Lucas’ dominance as a pass protector and his undeniable athletic upside make him an elite prospect.
Washington State OT Abraham Lucas is one of my favorite tackles in the 2021 class.
Great athlete, very long at 6’7, and arguably the most smooth pass protector in the class.
Lucas(75) against Kayvon Thibodeaux(5). Lucas is patient, his hands eliminate any pass rush move. pic.twitter.com/q98aiJMUcO
— Matt Valdovinos (@MVScouting) May 23, 2020
1) Penei Sewell, Oregon
This should come as a surprise to no one, as Sewell is not only the best offensive tackle in the class, but he has a very real argument as the best player in the class. Including Trevor Lawrence. Sewell is a dominant force on the line of scrimmage. His play strength is already elite by NFL standards, and his technique is nearly flawless. He may not be an elite athlete, but he possesses more then the requisite movement ability to make every block necessary. Sewell will likely be the only player to challenge Lawrence for the number one overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Oregon has a true freshman playing LT. Y’all will know his name well when he eventually enters the draft. Penei Sewell. This is a tough base block against a 4T. Not an issue for Sewell. The finish is the best. Watch his ability to redirect and 🥞 pic.twitter.com/oNH4Kf3jqS
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) September 24, 2018
Related | 2021 NFL Draft: A deeper look at OTs Penei Sewell and Walker Little
The 2021 offensive tackle class is just as strong as the 2020 class. It possesses an elite prospect in Sewell, along with other high upside players. The class as a whole lacks refinement, but the physical talents are undeniable. If a few of them take positive steps in their development, this could be a legendary class.