Felger and Mazz Big Board: Offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL Draft
The Felger and Mazz Big Board returns for the 2023 NFL Draft! The Felger and Mazz program believes that throwing markers at a draft magazine is just as successful as…
The Felger and Mazz Big Board returns for the 2023 NFL Draft! The Felger and Mazz program believes that throwing markers at a draft magazine is just as successful as predicting who’ll be picked based on scouting reports....so that’s what they do!
In 12 years, the guys have correctly predicted 13 Patriots draft picks. The F&M Big Board gave us DE Jake Bequette, WR Aaron Dobson, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, DE Trey Flowers, CB Cyrus Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett, OT Isaiah Wynn, WR N’Keal Harry, CB Joejuan Williams, DT Christian Barmore, LB Cameron McGrone, and two hits last year Cole Strange OG an dPierre Strong RB.
The big board got underway on Monday by picking offensive linemen!
Will the guys add correct picks again this year? Here’s their offensive linemen hits!
Listen to the full segments here:
Guards and Centers:
Tackles:
OL Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsSep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (8) in overtime at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
- Bulldozer vibes when working double teams and combo blocks
- Feet apppeared much calmer in 2022
- Jolts linebackers out of positioning with push
Weaknesses:
- More bear-hugger than technician at point of attack
- More of a catcher than puncher
- Shows confusion against twist
(Source: NFL.com)
OG Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama
Mickey Welsh/Advertiser/USA Today NetworkAlabama offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor, Jr., (55) against Duke in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Mickey Welsh/Advertiser/USA Today Network)
Strengths:
- Well-schooled and attentive to his hand placement
- Three-year starter
- Runs feet to keep distance closed and blocks sustained
Weaknesses:
- Lacks ideal size and length along interior
- Could struggle against bigger two-gapping opponents
- Average adjustments when protecting in space
(Sounce: NFL.com)
C Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 08: Skyler Bell #11 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrate a touchdown with Joe Tippmann #75 and Graham Mertz #5 against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Ryan Field on October 08, 2022 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Strengths:
- Proportional thickness with strength to neutralize
- Unlocks hips and rolls them into blocks
- Flexible lower body allows him to cast solid protection anchor
Weaknesses:
- Needs to play with flatter back and inside hands
- Must make concerted effort to keep pad level low
- Leaning slows lateral transitions to mirror incoming twists
(Source: NFL.com)
C Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
Sep 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Ricky Stromberg (51) signals during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
- Makes calls up front with great awareness
- Hits lateral landmarks taking opponent diagonally
- Athleticism to flip feet and re-direct to back-side rusher
Weaknesses:
- Doesn't carry the build teams desire at center
- Body control will get away from him at times
- Bends at the waist and reaches to redirect runners
(Source: NFL.com)
OT Blake Freeland, BYU
Chris Gardner/Getty ImagesPROVO UT- OCTOBER 15: Blake Freeland #71 of the Brigham Young Cougars blocks against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half of their game on October 15, 2022 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Strengths:
- Frame can carry much more weight and muscle
- Plays with charged-up punch in pass pro
- Team captain and four-year starter
Weaknesses:
- Drive blocking falls below average
- Requires additional technique to protect edges
- Has trouble unlocking leverage as run blocker
(Source: NFL.com)
OT Richard Gouraige, Florida
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Richard Gouraige of Florida speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Strengths:
- Twists and stunts rarely confuse him
- Resets hands and locks into opponent
- Rhythmic step and lift into leveraged contact
Weaknesses:
- Average foot agility in pass protection
- Can be a leaner when making second level blocks
- Tall pads hinder ability to create push as drive blocker
(Source: NFL.com)
OT Zion Nelson, Miami
Nov 6, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Charleston Rambo (11) celebrates his touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets with offensive lineman Zion Nelson (60) and tight end Will Mallory (85) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths:
- Length and wingspan are significant
- Difficult on the edge in pass protection
- Raw skills at his disposal
Weaknesses:
- Needs to nurture his growth
- Feet die on contact
- Needs better anticipation in most phases
(Sounce: thedraftnetwork.com)
Listen to Felger and Mazz from 2-6 every Monday-Friday on 98.5 The Sports Hub, with hosts Mike Felger, Tony “Mazz” Massarotti, and Jim Murray “Big Jim”. You can listen live in the Sports Hub App and subscribe to their podcasts here. Follow @FelgerAndMazz on Twitter to keep up with the show!
