2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Offensive Tackle

Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL season is officially over, so it’s time to ramp up the NFL draft coverage here at BGO. I will be ranking the top draft prospects at every position over the next few months as well as updating my mock draft every couple of weeks. If you have any issues with my rankings, feel free to let me know in the comments or on Twitter.

2015 NFL Draft Position Rankings:

Defense: DT | 3-4 DE | 4-3 DE | 3-4 OLB | OLB | ILB | CB | SS | FS

Offense: C | OG | OT | TE | WR | RB | QB | FB | K | P | RT

2015 Tackle Rankings:

1.) Andrus Peat, Stanford (6’7 | 312 | 5.18)

Scouting report – Prototype left tackle prospect with the size, arm length, run blocking power, and quick feet in pass pro to excel at the position. Occasionally Peat comes out of his stance too high or makes a technique mistake, but there really isn’t much not to like in his game. He is polished enough to step in as a rookie and hold his own at left tackle with the potential to eventually develop into a Pro Bowler at the position.

Draft grade: Top 15

2.) Ereck Flowers, Miami (6’6 | 324 | 5.26)

Scouting report – One of the most improved players in the nation this year, Flowers has developed into a well-rounded LT prospect. He has great feet in pass pro, prototype LT size with long arms, and the quickness to neutralize edge rushers. Flowers has been solid in the run game as well, consistently opening up holes off tackle for Duke Johnson. Even more impressive is that Flowers played most of the season with a torn meniscus and also raised his play against top DEs. As long he Flowers has a good combine, he should be a top 20 pick.

Draft grade: Top 20

3.) Brandon Scherff, Iowa  (6’5 | 320 | 4.93)

Scouting report – A bulldozer as a run blocker with excellent strength and consistent technique. Scherff had some problems with speed-rushers this season which some scouts think will force a move to right tackle or even guard in the NFL. Despite some occasional struggles, Scherff’s footwork in pass pro is pretty solid and he wins most battles with a good initial punch and a solid base. I don’t think he can play left tackle in the NFL but his floor is a solid RT/RG and he could be a Pro Bowl caliber player at either position on the right side early in his career. Very similar to Cowboys 1st round pick Zach Martin last season.

Draft grade: 1st round

4.) La’el Collins, LSU (6’5 | 321 | 5.12)

Scouting report – Would have been a sure thing top-15 pick if Collins entered the draft after his impressive 2013 season, but Collins was a bit inconsistent during the 2014 campaign. Collins has good feet, a powerful punch, and strong enough hands to control defenders once he locks on. My favorite trait is his mean streak, he always seems to be looking to knock someone on their ass. Collins is a dominant run blocker, but his pass blocking wavers at times. Inconsistencies in his kick-slide and hand placement have led to troubles with speed rushers. At time Collins shows all the tools to be a dominant left tackle, but his technique was inconsistent this season and he has balance issues that could be exposed against elite NFL pass rushers. His struggles have some scouts predicting he will have to move to right tackle or even guard at the next level. I am in the minority but think Collins could be a good left tackle with some technique improvement. Worst case Collins has Pro Bowl potential as a right tackle or guard. The recent trend and success with starting college tackles at guard (Martin, Bitonio, Robinson) could play in Collins favor and see him drafted high with a place in the starting lineup on the right side as a rookie.

Draft grade: 1st round

5.) T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh (6’5 | 305 | 5.14)

Scouting report – A mauling run blocker who has helped Pitt’s RB James Conner put up 1,600 rushing yards this season. Clemmings is relatively new to the position after switching over from defensive tackle just two seasons ago, but he’s shown dominant run blocking ability. His pass protection has improved since last year, but he still has a long way to go before it is NFL ready.  Clemmings may be restricted to the right side early in his career, but with his size, long arms, and elite athleticism the potential is there for Clemmings to develop into a quality left tackle eventually.

Draft grade: 1st-2nd round

6.) Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M (6’5 | 300 | 4.98)

Scouting report – Was projected to be a top 10 pick before the 2014 season, but Ogbuehi struggled to replace LT Jake Matthews and he was moved back to the right side mid-season. He gave up 6 sacks in three games on the left side, losing battles mostly due to lack of strength and sloppy technique. Ogbuehi was better on the right side, but still struggled against elite talent and didn’t show the same aggressiveness or solid technique he did as a junior. Half a season of struggles won’t be enough to drop Ogbuehi far, but a torn ACL in the Aggies bowl game might be a bigger issue. He also needs to get stronger and be more consistent with his technique. Despite his injury, early season struggles, and a lack of elite strength, Ogbuehi is still a borderline 1st round prospect with 2.5 seasons of dominant blocking on his resume, the versatility to play multiple positions if needed, and elite athleticism. He also has unusual quickness for a big man, very long arms to keep rushers at bay, and has the lateral agility to recover from mistakes and neutralize speed rushers.

Draft grade: 1st-2nd round