2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: OL
theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Top 50
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
ED | DL | LB | CB | SAF
Alt is a technician. While many offensive line prospects make their way to the league needing to clean up a thing or two, the Notre Dame standout is already an incredibly refined player. He's a fantastic athlete, demonstrating impressive movement skills in pass protection and getting to the second level in the run game. The fluidity for a player his size is absurd. Alt processes the game like a 10-year veteran, showing the ability to pass off assignments and handle stunts with ease. He tends to get caught overextending in the run game, and leverage can understandably be a challenge versus power rushers, but those are minor concerns for an otherwise outstanding prospect. Alt has the makings of a premier left tackle who could also fit on the right side if needed.
Fashanu would have been a top-15 talent if he declared for the NFL draft after his redshirt sophomore season. He opted for another year in school, but his projection hasn't changed one bit. The Penn State standout is a treat to watch in pass protection, showing the fluidity to match edge rushers laterally, the strength to anchor against power, and the technique to consistently win with his hands. Fahanu's movement skills are also an asset in the run game, allowing him to get position on difficult cut-off blocks, climb to the second level, and make an impact in space. He'll need to improve his leverage and technique as a drive blocker to unlock more power, but that seems likely given his physical gifts and the polish he has already shown in other areas. Fashanu is a high-floor, high-ceiling future star.
Fautanu was the leader of Washington's award-winning offensive line. Movement skills are his calling card up front, as he's one of the most naturally gifted athletes at the position this year. He's not just a finesse player, though; Fautanu also wins with impressive hand work in pass protection, and he goes about his business with a nasty play demeanor. While he should have every opportunity to stick at tackle, his skill set could also make him a strong fit at guard. With time to develop more lower-body strength to sustain blocks, along with a slightly more measured approach to pass protection, Fautanu has a path to becoming a Pro Bowler at either position.
For offensive line prospects, starting only eight games during a college career could be perceived as a red flag. Experience does matter, but Mims is a unique case. The Georgia tackle has some of the freakiest traits you will see from a player up front. He looks like he was built in a lab, and the athleticism he demonstrates for a player with his size and power is borderline unfair. He has also shown far more refinement than anyone could reasonably expect after so few in-game reps. Development time will be required, particularly if his new team plans on moving him to the left side. But drafting the 21-year-old Mims is all about the ceiling. The sky's the limit.
Fuaga is a powerhouse right tackle. The Oregon State product has the play strength and finishing demeanor to overwhelm opponents. He's also much more advanced in pass protection than your typical mauler, demonstrating fluid movement skills and excellent hand usage. Fuaga will have to play with better pad level and technique to consistently sustain blocks against NFL defenders in the run game, but there's no doubt he possesses the physical traits for high-level production in this area of the game, too. He should be a Day 1 starter with a high ceiling looking to the future.
Powers-Johnson is the top center in this draft. He's got great size for the position and the power to go with it. His play strength shows up as a run blocker and when dropping the anchor in pass protection. But he can get out and move, too. With some impressive lateral quickness and the ability to get up to the second level and work in space, Powers-Johnson should be a strong fit for any blocking scheme. He also has the processing traits necessary for a leader in the middle of the line. Below-average length will occasionally present an issue, and improved leverage will be key to ensuring that his power translates. But Powers-Johnson is a rock-solid prospect and a clear first-round talent.
Latham is built to play right tackle. He has a massive frame, the power profile to match, and more fluid movement skills than you might expect for a player of his size. When he gets his hands on a defender, the rep is pretty much over. Latham could improve his patience in pass protection, as a tendency to overset leaves him susceptible to inside moves. He can also find himself overextending and getting off balance in the run game. Cleaning up those areas of his game - a reasonable expectation for a 21-year-old prospect - will give him every opportunity to put together a long, productive career.
Barton offers an intriguing blend of movement skills and play strength. His lateral quickness and ability to climb to the second level make him a particularly interesting fit in a zone-heavy system, but he has the power and tenacity to create movement as a drive blocker, too. Position fit is the main question surrounding Barton's NFL future, as a lack of length may prevent him from staying at tackle. Moving inside to center, where he saw time as a freshman, could be the best way to utilize his physical traits and processing abilities. Either way, his versatility is an asset and Barton could be a high-level starter at multiple positions.
Guyton is a dream prospect for offensive line coaches who can develop raw talent. The Oklahoma product has to work on his technique in certain areas; most notably, inconsistent hand placement prevents him from using his length effectively. But that's teachable. Athletic abilities aren't, and Guyton offers an especially unique profile in that department. His movement skills are silky smooth, effortlessly mirroring edge rushers in pass protection and efficiently climbing to the second level in the run game. Offensive linemen of his size typically don't have this kind of fluidity. Guyton can become a high-level starter at tackle with some technical refinement.
Beebe is a physical presence on the interior offensive line. He demonstrates the power to succeed as a drive blocker in the run game, consistently creating movement off the ball and sustaining blocks. He also drops a heavy anchor in pass protection to shut down bull-rush attempts. Beebe is an explosive athlete for the position but is significantly lacking in length. Continuing to operate with polished technique and hand usage will be important for his ability to establish and maintain leverage against NFL defenders. Beebe could be a Day 1 impact starter in a gap-heavy system.
Other notable prospects
Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Christian Haynes, Connecticut
Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Patrick Paul, Houston