Position: iOL

1. Peter Skoronski

Description: Peter Skoronski has a case for not only the best lineman in this draft, but the best overall player in the draft. The only significant question to his game is his size, specifically his arm length. He is 6’4” and 313lbs, but the arm length 32 ¼ inches puts him in the 4th percentile of offensive tackles, and the 79 ½ inch wingspan puts him in the 9th percentile. In spite of his numerous seasons of experience at left tackle, he is likely suited for a role at a guard spot because of his measurables. However, he has numerous strengths that make him have a high floor, as well as a high ceiling, especially if he kicks inside. First of all, his technique in both the running and passing game is immaculate. He has a strong base to anchor, and has fluid hips to pull and lead in the running game. He has good agility to climb to the next levels in the running game as well. He could work on some drills to improve his explosion, as he lacks that at times, but overall is set up well to be a high level starter immediately. Teams who draft him may try him at tackle first, with some success, and ultimately he is so technically sound that he has a chance to stay there.

2. John Michael Schmitz

Description: Often times, you’ll hear scouts say that the center position is more mental than it is physical. Luckily, John Michael Schmitz has the physical tools to project a high floor at the next level, as well as the experience and intelligence to command a line. He has started 36 games in college. The most impressive part of his film in the running game is his lateral quickness to reach and wall off a defensive tackle to create a massive lane for the running back. His mobility, strong punch, and overall power allow him to be scheme-versatile, whether in an inside zone scheme or between the tackles power run scheme. In pass protection, he has a strong anchor and sinks his hips well, playing with proper pad level, to avoid being shoved backwards into his QB’s lap. He needs to be careful in wide zone rushing attacks to not over extend himself and get off balance. If he can avoid getting his weight out over his toes, while being agile enough to reach defenders, he can solidify himself as an outside zone center as well. He is an incredibly high-floor starting center, but the limited athleticism could cap his ceiling a bit.

3. O'Cyrus Torrence

Description: At 6’5” and 330lbs, O’Cyrus Torrence is difficult to move around or through when playing as a guard in the phone booth. He has a quick first step in the run game, and combines his immense size with high effort to finish off a defender. He has a powerful anchor in the passing game, and will not be bull-rushed with ease. Because he is on the interior, he is difficult to maneuver around as well. He can be too aggressive at times in the running game, leaving himself off balance. He needs to remember to keep his head up, both for performance purposes and for his own safety. He lacks foot quickness in pass protection, and often will plant his feet while engaged. Regardless of size, if a lineman plants his feet, he is liable to get run over by the rusher. His lack of lateral agility can lead to holding penalties as well. He can be a starting guard in a power run scheme almost immediately, but will need some technical refinement to reach his ceiling.

4. Joe Tippmann

Description: Joe Tippmann is a massively imposing center, at 6’6” and 313lbs. His size allows him to generate power, but he is athletic enough to be scheme-versatile. In pass protection, he brings a strong anchor and quick feet which creates lateral agility to mirror defenders. He’s also always “looking for work” when he does not have a blocking assignment, and will smash into engaged defenders to help out his guards. In the running game, he constantly moves his feet and has a strong base. He’s smart enough to take advantage of a defender’s forward momentum and wash them out of a play. He is quick enough to climb to the second level to block linebackers as well. The drawback with his size is his height, as it can negatively impact his pad level and force him to put extra effort in to remain low. He needs to work on punching sooner, and can get off balance if he is over-aggressive and leaning. At this point, while he needs technical work, he profiles as a day one starting center in multiple schemes. He is not a better player than John Michael Schmitz at this moment, but the ceiling is much higher if the technique improves.

5. Cody Mauch

Description: Cody Mauch comes into the NFL Draft with some concerns over his age and position, but if he adjusts to position changes well, he can quickly become a starter in the league. A left tackle in 2022, the 24 year old sixth-year senior lacks arm length to stick at tackle. At the Senior Bowl, he demonstrated his ability to play all along the line, specifically guard and center, to maximize his versatility. He has excellent movement skills, specifically laterally to help mirror defenders in the passing game. He pulls well and has a future in outside and inside zone run schemes. He has the quickness to reach linebackers at the second level as well. He also sets a good anchor to pass protect against power rushers. At times, he can let defenders into his chest, which could lead to him getting bull-rushed. He needs to work on keeping his hands within his frame to avoid holding penalties. He doesn’t have a ton of power or length, so he will have better chances to succeed in zone running schemes, and should be a starter immediately at guard.