On the first “real” day of 2022 NFL Scouting Combine action, we heard from the highest touted offensive linemen in the class. The 2022 NFL Draft is full of talented offensive linemen, headed by Evan Neal from Alabama and Ikem Ekwonu from North Carolina State. That said, some believe there could be eight or more offensive linemen selected in the first round this year.
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Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The star of the day was Neal. Weighing in at 337 pounds, Neal is highly regarded as the best tackle in the draft, and even at 337 pounds, Neal looks lean and more athletic than any lineman out there.
Evan Neal is 340 pounds 🤯
📸: @BigDuke50 pic.twitter.com/0TeIOhdZR8
— PFF (@PFF) March 3, 2022
Neal said he models his game after Tyron Smith, but his favorite all-time player is Larry Allen. With some of the most incredible athleticism of any player in the draft, there is a real chance that Neal is picked first overall, and will definitely land in the top five.
OT Evan Neal is crazy athletic. 😳🙌
Will he be the No. 1 overall draft pick? #NFLCombine
(Via: @ENeal73) pic.twitter.com/PoS6LrjaB9
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) March 3, 2022
Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
On the inside, Green impressed with his commitment to versatility, and his measurements to back it up.
Kenyon Green
6037
323
10 3/8 hand
34 1/8 arm
83 3/8 wing— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 4, 2022
Kenyon Green on his versatility:
"It's very rare. I'm blessed and able to play different positions." pic.twitter.com/jpKTWTwdCK
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) March 3, 2022
Green, as of yesterday, had met with about 15 teams at the combine so far. With the size to play tackle and the athleticism to play guard, Green will be one of the most coveted linemen in the draft. There are some concerns about Green’s hand usage, but with his raw athletic talent and pure versatility, NFL teams will be willing to overlook some minimal technique errors for the time being. Look for Green to go to a team that needs interior help, but do not be surprised if Green is selected to play on the outside at tackle.
Texas A&M OL Kenyon Green is confident he could play all 5 positions on the offensive line. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/dJlRBlDszA
— MJ Hurley (@mjhurleytdt) March 3, 2022
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
In the middle of the line, Linderbaum impressed a lot of media and scouts so far at the combine. While he may be a bit undersized for an interior offensive lineman, he has the speed and athleticism to fit well in a hybrid-type offense like the San Francisco 49ers have. Linderbaum says he has modeled his game after Alex Mack, which is a decent comparison for the young center.
Unfortunately, Linderbaum has an ankle sprain and will not be working out at the NFL Combine, so some numbers will have to wait for his pro day later this month. Teams Linderbaum met with this week include the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins. All of these teams place a specific emphasis on their offensive line. Linderbaum absolutely will be taken in the first round.
On the Field Work
The offensive linemen will work on the field this evening at the NFL Combine. While some have opted out of benching and doing on the field work, there will be plenty of premiere offensive line talent on display under the Friday night lights. The 40-yard dash may not be important tonight, but there are plenty of other drills to show just how freakishly athletic some of these athletes truly are.
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