Advertisement
football Edit

NFL Draft stock report: Offensive line

NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: QB | RB | WR | TE

Ten weeks into the college football season, many top players have seen their draft stock rise, fall or stay steady. In our latest NFL Draft series, we take a look at some of these prospects.

Today we move to the offensive line.

MORE FARRELL: Good, bad and ugly from 2016 | Tigers do Swinney a favor

Advertisement

STOCK UP

RYAN RAMCZYK, Wisconsin

Recruiting: According to reports, when then-Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst took the Pitt job, Ramczyk was offered a scholarship by the Panthers but he chose not to take it. He signed at Winona State but did not enroll and instead attended Mid-State Technical College. Ramczyk then went to Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he played for two seasons before transferring to Wisconsin.

Performance: In Wisconsin’s methodical offense, the Badgers are averaging just 23.8 points per game, but the rushing attack is strong. Wisconsin averages four yards per carry, more than 180 yards per game and the Badgers have 14 rushing scores. Corey Clement leads with 805 yards and seven touchdowns.

Farrell’s take: Ramczyk was clearly not on our radar as a Winona State University signee. He went from Winona State to a technical college to become a welder to UW-Stevens Point and now Wisconsin. And now he could end up being the top offensive tackle taken in this class if he keeps improving. Think Jack Conklin with a less direct path to college football.

ERIK MAGNUSON, Michigan

Recruiting: In the summer before his senior season, Magnuson committed to Michigan over Oregon, Miami, Cal, Oklahoma and others. His relationship with then-coach Brady Hoke from his days at San Diego State played a major role in Magnuson’s decision.

Performance: The Wolverines average 48 points per game, have rushed for more than 251 yards per outing and have 36 rushing touchdowns so far this season. De’Veon Smith, Chris Evans, Karan Higdon and Ty Isaac all have more than 400 rushing yards.

Farrell’s take: Magnuson was a Rivals100 prospect with good size and an excellent frame to build on and we liked his upside a lot. He’s thrived in a pro-style offense showing good feet and playing with good leverage. Magnuson was always a leader in high school and a willing, physical run blocker who could reach the second level. He had a tendency to lose his line of vision and lower his head, something that still happens to this day. Magnuson can continue to rise on this list if he improves his pass blocking consistency.

STOCK STEADY

QUENTON NELSON, Notre Dame

Recruiting: Nelson committed to the Irish in May before his senior season. Boston College, Ohio State, Penn State and Rutgers were Nelson’s other finalists.

Performance: Averaging just under 30 points per game, Notre Dame has rushed for only 1,345 yards and 13 touchdowns this season but the Irish average 4.2 yards per carry. Josh Adams leads the way with 583 rushing yards and quarterback Deshone Kizer has seven rushing scores.

Farrell’s take: I really liked Nelson on film, but I was blown away when I first saw him in person and felt he was a five-star prospect. He was huge, had good feet and was physical. It’s not shocking to see Nelson working inside, but he can be a right tackle at the next level as well. He was raw as a prospect out of high school, so his best football is still ahead of him. Nelson is starting to put it all together.

DAN FEENEY, Indiana

Recruiting: The three-star Feeney committed to Indiana over Illinois and Western Michigan in the summer before his senior season. Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue and others were showing interest.

Performance: The Hoosiers have rushed for 1,536 yards so far this season as they’re averaging just over 27 points per game. Indiana has rushed for 12 scores in a pass-happy offense. Devine Redding leads Indiana’s rushing attack with 793 yards and three scores. Feeney has missed some time this season due to injury but has been strong when he’s played.

Farrell’s take: Feeney wasn’t heavily recruited. He had excellent technique, knee bend and could pass block and run block equally well, but he wasn't overly athletic and his footwork needed help. He was always a hard worker in high school and continually worked on all aspects of his game. Feeney has improved a great deal each year in college and has taken on a new role this season and fought back from injury. He’s versatile and could play guard or tackle.

STOCK DOWN

CAM ROBINSON, Alabama

Recruiting: Alabama and LSU battled it out for the nation’s top-rated offensive tackle and the Crimson Tide won out in early September when Robinson chose them over the in-state Tigers.

Performance: Outscoring opponents 40-13 so far this season, the Crimson Tide have rushed for 2,334 yards. Alabama averages 5.8 yards per carry and 21 rushing scores. Damien Harris leads the way with 750 rushing yards and quarterback Jalen Hurts has 635 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Farrell’s take: Robinson's offseason arrest on felony charges will be something he’ll need to address, but this is a weak offensive line class and he is still near the top of the heap. This kid was obviously a can’t-miss based on his ranking and he’s the only one who can stop himself from being a star in the NFL. Robinson has been up and down for Alabama this season but I don’t think he’s lost his first-round grade.

RODERICK JOHNSON, Florida State

Recruiting: The Seminoles always seemed like the front-runner for the Midwest four-star prospect but he waited until National Signing Day to make his decision. Ohio State and Alabama were the other serious contenders and Johnson had many other offers including several from the SEC and Big Ten.

Performance: Averaging more than 33 points per game, the Seminoles have rushed for 4.8 yards per carry and 23 touchdowns so far this season. Running back Dalvin Cook has led the way with 1,134 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Farrell’s take: Johnson was a tall kid with good feet and a great frame who was already filled out a bit, but he didn’t play against the best competition. So it was tough to gauge how he would do against bigger and more physical players. That being said, Johnson was obviously a four-star and in our Rivals250, so he wasn’t missed. He has been frustrating to watch this season and his stock has dipped as a result but, with few elite tackles available, he remains high on the list.

Advertisement