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The 2024 NFL Draft's offensive line class is deep and as talented as they come. If you're looking for versatility, this draft has it in spades. According to our grading process, the top 10 interior offensive linemen are as follows. This year's rankings will include a more in-depth view of each player's individual run block grade, pass block grade, scheme fit grade, as well as their career snap totals and where they lined up on the offensive line in college. The aim of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive view of each prospect's versatility and their projected position on an NFL offensive line.
How We Scout The Offensive Guard And Center Positions
Scouting the offensive guard position in the NFL requires evaluating a player's strength, agility, and blocking ability.
Below is a list of critical components we use to grade the IOL position during the NFL Draft process. Every IOL receives a grade on a scale of 1-10 for each of the below components during the scouting process. Once each player component is graded, we attach a final grade to indicate where the player stands before entering the NFL Draft, and then we attach a ceiling grade based on future potential.
Here are some key factors to consider when scouting the interior offensive line:
Size and Strength: An IOL needs to have size and strength to hold their ground against defensive linemen. This includes their ability to generate power at the point of attack, maintain leverage, and finish blocks.
Run Blocking: An IOL needs to be able to execute a variety of run-blocking techniques, including drive blocking, zone blocking, and pulling. This includes their ability to identify their blocking assignments, maintain proper pad level, and create running lanes for the ball carrier.
Pass Protection: An IOL needs to be able to pass protect effectively. This includes their ability to anchor against bull rushes, slide their feet to maintain balance, and pass off stunts and twists.
Agility and Footwork: An IOL must have good agility and footwork to be effective in running and passing. This includes their ability to move laterally, pull and lead in the running game, and set their feet to engage defenders.
Football IQ: An IOLs football intelligence is important in order to make quick decisions and adjustments on the field. This includes their ability to recognize defensive fronts, communicate with their teammates, and execute their blocking assignments.
Durability: An IOLs durability is important, as they will be taking a lot of hits on the field. This includes their ability to stay healthy and recover quickly from injuries.
1). Jackson Powers-Johnson - Oregon Ducks
Height/Weight: 6'3", 320 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: A
Pass Block Grade: A+
Zone Grade: B
Gap Grade: C
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 0
LG: 27
C: 893
RG: 430
RT: 5
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Center
Showcasing exceptional athleticism and versatility at Oregon, Jackson Powers-Johnson, primarily serving as a center with 893 snaps, excels in a zone-based running scheme. His advanced footwork and lateral movement, combined with effective anchoring and intelligent hand use, make him ideal for dynamic ground games. His high football IQ and leadership point to a seamless fit for NFL teams valuing a versatile and strategic offensive line presence, promising early starter potential.
2). Graham Barton - Duke
Height/Weight: 6'5", 311 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: B
Pass Block Grade: B-
Zone Grade: B-
Gap Grade: C-
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 2134
LG: 0
C: 0 (Note: Played center in 2020, snap data unavailable)
RG: 0
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard/Center
Graham Barton's primary position at Duke was left tackle, accumulating 2134 snaps, showcasing his potential for a versatile role in the NFL. His proficiency in drive blocking and handwork, combined with agility for second-level plays, suggests readiness for interior positions. While gap blocking needs enhancement, his solid zone scheme performance and adaptability present him as a valuable asset for teams seeking versatile, technically proficient interior linemen. Barton's transition into guard/center roles could address arm length concerns, leveraging his dynamic offensive line skills for impactful NFL play.
3). Zach Frazier - West Virginia Mountaineers
Height/Weight: 6'3", 310 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: B
Pass Block Grade: B+
Zone Grade: C
Gap Grade: B
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 0
LG: 0
C: 2583
RG: 0
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Center
A formidable center at West Virginia, Zach Frazier leverages his wrestling background to dominate in gap schemes and provide reliable pass protection. His skills in controlling the line of scrimmage and understanding defensive schemes make him ideal for NFL teams focusing on power running games. Frazier's readiness to diagnose plays and adapt to NFL-level competition earmarks him as a high-end starter, especially in schemes prioritizing strength and technique at the point of attack.
4). Christian Mahogany - Boston College Eagles
Height/Weight: 6'3", 322 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: B
Pass Block Grade: A-
Zone Grade: C
Gap Grade: B+
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 2
LG: 0
C: 0
RG: 1532
RT: 32
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard
Christian Mahogany's blend of power, technique, and athleticism has made him an effective weapon for Boston College, especially at right guard. His aggression and capability in moving to the second level highlight his readiness for NFL schemes that value physical dominance and versatility. Despite a need for enhancement in zone schemes, Mahogany's proficiency in gap blocking and overall adaptability present him as a high-end starter potential in the NFL.
5). Christian Haynes - Connecticut Huskies
Height/Weight: 6'2", 313 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: A-
Pass Block Grade: A
Zone Grade: A+
Gap Grade: D+
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 0
LG: 0
C: 0
RG: 2423
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard
Christian Haynes excels in wide zone blocking schemes, displaying significant technique and athleticism that allow him to effectively engage at the second level. Ideal for NFL teams emphasizing mobility and creative run schemes, Haynes' remarkable zone blocking and pass protection skills underscore his potential as a versatile and dynamic interior lineman.
6). Cooper Beebe - Kansas State Wildcats
Height/Weight: 6'4", 322 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: B+
Pass Block Grade: A
Zone Grade: B
Gap Grade: B+
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 774
LG: 1738
C: 0
RG: 25
RT: 103
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard
Cooper Beebe's adaptability and strength have been key to his success at Kansas State, primarily in the left guard spot. Excelling in run blocking and pass protection, Beebe's versatility shines in both gap and power run schemes. His ability to pull and effectively climb to the second level makes him a formidable asset for NFL teams emphasizing physicality and versatility along the offensive line, aligning him with high-end starter potential.
7). Zak Zinter - Michigan Wolverines
Height/Weight: 6'6", 334 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: C
Pass Block Grade: C
Zone Grade: C+
Gap Grade: C+
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 1
LG: 0
C: 0
RG: 2297
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard
Zak Zinter, with his prototypical guard size and noted toughness, has shown consistent performance at Michigan, primarily at the right guard position. His physicality and technique make him a good match for vertical run schemes, leveraging his strength to maximize engagement and block sustainment. While mobility may not be elite, Zinter's foundation allows effective block engagement. Best fitting in power run schemes, his capacity to move defenders and anchor against the pass rush, despite height-related leverage issues, points to a promising future as a high-end starter in the NFL, particularly for teams emphasizing strength and durability in their offensive strategy.
8). Sedrick Van Pran - Georgia Bulldogs
Height/Weight: 6'4", 310 lbs
Ceiling Grade: High End Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: B
Pass Block Grade: B+
Zone Grade: B
Gap Grade: C+
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 0
LG: 0
C: 2721
RG: 0
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Center
Sedrick Van Pran has emerged as a highly athletic and intelligent center for the Georgia Bulldogs, exclusively anchoring the position with 2721 snaps. His proficiency in both power/gap and zone blocking schemes is complemented by his quickness, making him effective in space and a perfect fit for NFL teams that value mobility and versatility on the offensive line. Van Pran's leadership and football IQ suggest he can seamlessly adapt to various offensive strategies, providing immediate value as a plug-and-play option in the NFL. His balanced performance across different blocking schemes presents him as a high-end starter with the versatility to enhance any offensive line configuration.
9). Mason McCormick - South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Height/Weight: 6'4", 309 lbs
Ceiling Grade: Mid Level Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: A+
Pass Block Grade: B+
Zone Grade: A+
Gap Grade: B+
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 0
LG: 2726
C: 0
RG: 0
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard
Mason McCormick's dominance as a left guard is marked by his exceptional ability in run blocking and adaptability in zone schemes, demonstrated across 2726 snaps. His A+ grades in both run block and zone scheme areas highlight his proficiency in creating holes and displacing defenders, making him especially suited for teams that prioritize a versatile and dynamic ground game. McCormick's solid pass block performance (B+ grade) and capability across various blocking schemes underscore his readiness to contribute significantly at the NFL level. Ideal for offensive systems that value powerful, effective run blockers with the versatility to excel in multiple schemes, McCormick stands out as a high-potential prospect ready for the professional stage.
10). Trevor Keegan - Michigan Wolverines
Height/Weight: 6'5", 310 lbs
Ceiling Grade: Mid Level Starter Potential
Performance Grades:
Run Block Grade: D
Pass Block Grade: B
Zone Grade: D+
Gap Grade: D
Snaps by Alignment (Total for All Years):
LT: 35
LG: 2163
C: 0
RG: 0
RT: 0
NFL Scheme Fit Summary:
Projected NFL Position: Guard
Trevor Keegan has solidified his role primarily as a left guard within the Michigan Wolverines' offensive line, tallying 2163 snaps. His foundation in technique and physicality renders him a reliable option in the pass block (B grade), though his run blocking and scheme versatility require development. Suited for power/duo blocking schemes, Keegan's strengths can be maximized despite his limited athletic upside against dynamic interior pass rushers. His specific skill set positions him as a mid-level starter in the NFL, with potential for growth in a system that can leverage his existing strengths while addressing areas for improvement.