The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top-10 offensive lineman in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
1. OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame, 6-9, 321
Polished three-year starting left tackle who stifles power rushers and speed rushers just the same. Feet rarely in a bad position. His father, John, was a Pro Bowl tackle. Struggles at times with bending, as expected at his height. Just four career penalties.
2. OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State, 6-6, 312
Prototypical left tackle would have been a top-10 pick in 2023 but now is getting nitpicked. Good stunt and blitz recognition. Allowed one sack on 680 pass-protection snaps over past two seasons. Small hands (8 ¹/₂ -inches) are a concern.
3. OT JC Latham, Alabama, 6-6, 342
Massive, physical mauler who clears running lanes on the right side. Also quick to combination blocks. On the ground too often when beaten off the ball in pass protection. Hands like fly traps. Few missed snaps over 27 consecutive starts (41 straight games).
4. OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State, 6-6, 324
Clean prospect who plays through the whistle with nastiness. Experienced right tackle but could play four spots on the line. Finishes run blocks to the dirt. Speed in space could give him trouble. Flagged for six false starts in 2023.
5. T/G Troy Fautanu, Washington, 6-4, 317
Displayed light feet when changing directions. Hard-nosed player ready for a controlled fight. Grips of steel. Technique can get sloppy at times and leave him off-balance. Allowed 25 pressures on more than 1,100 pass-blocking snaps.
6. OL Graham Barton, Duke, 6-5, 313
Three-year starter at left tackle who might return to freshman position of center. Tone-setting worker who logged more than 2,500 career snaps. Comfortable pulling around the edge. Relatively short arms could be an issue, but he’s scrappy when beaten.
7. OT Amarius Mims, Georgia, 6-8, 340
Just eight career starts (all at right tackle), including first two under playoff pressure. High-ceiling/low-floor prospect due to long wingspan and natural physical gifts versus inexperience and injury history. Packs a powerful punch.
8. OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, 6-8, 322
Late-bloomer with 15 career starts at tackle. Nimble feet of a basketball big man. Protected the quarterback against his share of speed and power pass-rush moves. Run-blocking needs development: Can he drive defenders off the ball? Injury-plagued last two seasons.
9. OL Jordan Morgan, Arizona, 6-5, 311
Not quite the same imposing specimen as other top tackles but just as good — if not better — athleticism. Four-year starter might be moved to guard. Returned well from 2022 late-season ACL tear. Understands creating leverage and maintaining pad level.
10. G/C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon, 6-3, 328
Barrel-chested Rimington Trophy (nation’s top center) winner’s never-quit motor gets under opponents’ skin. Add in toughness, scheme versatility and high football IQ, and you have a center. Sets can become too wide. Long injury history.
Late riser
Troy Fautanu, Washington
Scouts who thought he was an NFL guard or center are starting to believe he can stay at tackle. Athleticism on display with 5.01-second 40-yard dash at combine. Wipes out tacklers on screens.
Falling fast
Amarius Mims, Georgia
There’s not a lot of patience for first-round picks — and a team will need it with Mims, who has some bad habits, like staying too upright or not setting proper pocket depth. Could fall to second round, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said.
Small-school wonder
Kiran Amegadjie, Yale, 6-5, 323
Spurned major conference transfer opportunities to earn his Ivy League degree. Explosiveness and coordination expected from his basketball background and soccer family DNA. High-upside prospect who mirrors pass rushers. Started at guard and tackle. Missed opportunity in Senior Bowl (injury).
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