Pre-combine rankings: Offensive linemen
The NFL Combine is set for the end of the month, so we are taking a look at each position and how the players rank heading into the big event. In Rivals.com tradition, we also look back at how they ranked out of high school.
Today we look at our top offensive linemen.
The skinny: 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.
Interesting note: Robinson was rated as the third-best prospect in the Louisiana state rankings for the 2014 class behind RB Leonard Fournette and WR Malachi Dupre, who both signed with LSU.
Farrell’s take: Robinson's offseason arrest on felony charges will still need to be addressed, although not much came of it. This is a weak offensive line class and he is still near the top of the heap, although his talents are polarizing to NFL scouts because of a lack of consistency. 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. He’ll need a good combine and pro day to stay here.
The skinny: 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 Madison Area Technical College and Mid-State Technical College. Ramczyk then went to Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Wisconsin.
Interesting note: After turning down Pitt and enrolling at Winona State, Ramczyk left a week later without taking a class. He enrolled at a technical college in hopes of becoming a welder.
Farrell’s take: Ramczyk was clearly not on our radar as a Winona State University signee. His path to Wisconsin is amazing and his physical nature and aggressiveness have scouts drooling. 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.
The skinny: After attending Saratoga Springs (Utah) Westlake where he played defensive tackle, Bolles went on his LDS mission. He then attended Ephraim (Utah) Snow College where he played for two seasons before transferring to Utah. He also considered Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan State, Oregon, Arkansas, Georgia and others through his recruitment.
Interesting note: According to reports, Bolles lived with his former lacrosse coach and his family during times in high school because his mother dealt with addiction issues. For a time, he didn’t play football and worked at a garage door company.
Farrell’s take: Bolles was a class of 2016 recruit because of his mission and playing at JUCO, so he’s fresh in my mind. He was a big, tall kid who had a frame that could still fill out even as an older JUCO prospect and he was an excellent drive blocking, keeping his feet moving and reaching the second level. There’s a reason he was our No. 3 JUCO prospect in 2016 and was considered as a potential five-star. He could be the safest tackle in the draft.
MORE UTAH NEWS: UteNation.com
The skinny: In early January, shortly after an official visit to Florida Atlantic, Lamp committed to Western Kentucky over FAU, FIU, Miami, Ohio and many others.
Interesting note: One of the big reasons Lamp selected Western Kentucky was because of his budding relationship with then-coach Willie Taggart, but Taggart left the Hilltoppers for USF after Lamp’s freshman season.
Farrell’s take: Lamp was a lightly recruited, skinny tackle out of high school who has developed into a very good inside prospect at the next level. He looked more like a tight end physically in high school and despite excellent footwork, we had some questions about how he would fill out and handle the strength and power of college players. He landed at the right spot and developed well, but the lack of elite competition he faced could be an issue.
MORE WKU: InsideHilltopperSports.com
The skinny: The three-star committed to Indiana over Illinois and Western Michigan in the summer before his senior season. Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue and others were showing interest.
Interesting note: Feeney became the fourth player in Indiana program history to earn first-team All-America status twice.
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 took on a new role this season and fought back from injury. He’s versatile and could play guard or tackle.
