Ell’s Top 5 Interior O-line NFL Draft 2022

1. C Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

Strengths: toughness/athleticism (wrestling skills), run blocking/strength               

Weakness:  weight/length, bull rush versus stronger players

Draft Projection: Top 5 – Top 15

2. G Zion Johnson, Boston College

Strengths: size/strength, good at pass and run blocking/versatility            

Weakness: speed rush, some technique issues

Draft Projection: Mid 1^st Round – Early 2^nd Round

3. G Kenyon Green, Texas A&M

Strengths: versatility (played all positions in college, except Center), size/strength            

Weakness: footwork/technique, pass blocking/speed rush

Draft Projection: Mid 1^st Round – Early 2^nd Round

4. G Jamaree Salyer, Georgia

Strengths: size/strength, versatility (played all five positions on O-line)   

Weakness: footwork/technique, athleticism/speed

Draft Projection: 2^nd Round – Early 3^rd Round

5. G Dylan Parham, Memphis

Strengths: mobility/athleticism (former TE), footwork/technique

Weakness: size/length, bull rush versus stronger defenders

Draft Projection:  3^rd Round

Position Grade: B-

The interior O-line offers a lot of versatility with some college Tackles moving to Guard and some Guards who can also fill in at Tackle. The Center position is limited but led by the best interior lineman in Linderbaum who has top 5 talent and should be an instant starter with the toughness and nasty demeanor teams love. Johnson has been rising since the Senior Bowl and some teams even believe he could fill in at Tackle, while others believe he could start at Center. Green is the player known for his versatility, but teams believe he could be a Pro-Bowl Guard. Salyer is another versatile player who played LT in college but is viewed as a possible Pro-Bowl Guard as it would limit his weaknesses moving inside. Parham is an athletic Guard who lacks the size so he fits best in a zone blocking scheme, teams believe he could be a top-level Center.  Tackle/Guard Darian Kinnard, Kentucky, is another player to look out for with his size, strength and run blocking.