6 rings prospect preview: offensive tackles
2024 NFL Free Agency is in full swing this week, but NFL Draft prep ahead of April's event never stops.
We're back again with our 6 Rings and Football Things draft coverage as, from now through the end of April, Andy Hart, Chris Scheim, and I will preview each position group in the class to get a feel for the prospects.
We hit on the offensive tackles this week. You can watch it here:
And, in written form, here’s a look at my top five offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 class:
Honorable Mentions:
– JC Latham, Alabama
– Kinglsey Suamataia, BYU
– Amarius Mims, Georgia
– Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
– Jordan Morgan, Arizona
No. 5 - Patrick Paul, Houston
Houston’s Patrick Paul stands at a whopping 6-foot-7, 333-pounds and is a monster in the passing game. According to NFLDraftBuzz.com, Paul allowed just six hurries, one QB hit, and zero sacks at left tackle last season.
If the Patriots sign a veteran tackle on the free agent market, Paul would be the perfect prospect to pair with him as a developmental piece.
No. 4 - Troy Fautanu, Washington
Troy Fautanu passed the all mighty arm-length test last week at the NFL Combine, shushing the doubters that wondered if he could play guard.
While the former Huskie measured in at just under 6-foot-4, 317 pounds, his arms are actually longer than Notre Dame’s 6-foot-8 Joe Alt. Fautanu’s ability to move along the line is now a strength, rather than a weakness and – as Andy Hart points out on the pod, his motor is endless.
No. 3 - Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Olu Fashanu moves like a ballerina despite standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 312 pounds. He’s incredibly light on his feet and, in his final season at Penn State, was a Consensus All-American, a First-Team All-Big Ten selection, and named the Big Ten's Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Fashanu was also a team captain with the Nittany Lions, for what it’s worth.
No. 2 - Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
A silent assassin in the tackle ranks, Taliese Fuaga is a monster.
While the 6-foot-5 former Beaver (Oregon State, that is) can occasionally struggle as a pass protector he’s an elite run blocker who is set up to play from day one. New England likely won’t be able to get their hands on him unless they use their first round pick on him (which they won’t, as he’s a right tackle an they just re-signed Mike Onwenu) but Fuaga would be perfect for what New England wants to do on offense.
No. 1 - Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Mr. Do It All in this class is Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. Along with WR Marvin Harrison Jr., the 6-foot-8, 321-pound left tackle is the epitome of ‘can’t miss’ in the 2024 Draft.
Equal parts elite in both the passing game and the running game, Alt allowed just one sack in 2023 and is primed to play from Day 1 in the NFL. The lock-of-all-locks to be a Top 10 pick.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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