2022 NFL Draft Best Fits: Offensive Line

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The best fits series continues with the big guys up front. There are going to be a few names from all three positions on the line. It’s not what you would call an exciting pick, but there are a lot of teams that could use some help protecting the quarterback (cough cough Cincinnati Bengals). Since I already highlighted Daniel Faalele in an earlier article, he is not going to be mentioned here. If you want to learn more about the freak of nature human from the University of Minnesota, check out the article about him. Let’s come back to the present, and let’s break it all down.

Evan Neal

Evan Neal from Alabama is highly regarded as the best left tackle in the draft. He is 6 foot 7, 350 pounds. Neal’s natural power and strength is something you don’t want to mess with. He can also play right tackle if he needs to, and also has experience at left guard. Neal needs to refine his pass blocking and he doesn’t always move very well.

His best fit is the New England Patriots. Folks, Isaiah Wynn for lack of better words is really really bad. He is also injury prone. The Patriots draft position in the first round should give them a chance to land Neal. This is the biggest need the Patriots have right now and they absolutely need to address it in the first round.

Charles Cross

Mississippi State’s Charles Cross is another top prospect at the left tackle spot. He is 6 foot 5, 310 pounds. He has good explosion and is good in pass protection because of his time in an air raid system. Cross has good intelligence and technique, but his lacking in the run blocking department.

His best fit is the Arizona Cardinals. First of all, they run the air raid. The Cardinals still have DJ Humphries under contract for another year, but he is getting older. Cross could be viewed as a backup left tackle in his first year and then take over for Humphries if that’s the way they want to go.

Kennyon Green

The Texas A&M offensive line has been very successful lately, and Kennyon Green is a big reason why. He is 6 foot 4, 325 pounds. Green can play anywhere up and down the line making him an asset to any team. His best position is left guard. He has good intelligence, speed, and quickness. Green’s pass blocking needs work.

His best fit is the Cincinnati Bengals. The guard spot is a problem spot for Cincy. Jackson Carman has a bright future, but it’s unclear which side he will play since he has played both in his rookie year. He has been in the right guard spot for the playoffs. If he sticks there, Green can slide into his natural left side role.

Tyler Linderbaum

Iowa linemen are sound football players. Tyler Linderbaum is regarded as the best center in the draft. He is 6 foot 3, 290. He is technically sound, athletic, and mobile. He is a great pass protector and his wrestling background gives him a HUGE edge when gaining leverage. Overall, he needs to be stronger.

His best fit is the Washington Commanders…that’s going to take some getting used to. Center is a trouble spot for them with having two 30 year olds on injured reserve. The line isn’t in horrible shape, but it could be better. Adding a young center to fortify things would be a big step in improving what usually is a strength for Washington.

Darian Kinnard

A Kentucky offensive linemen? Sure, why not. Let me tell you, it was hard to find a guy listed as a right tackle in this class. But, Darian Kinnard is listed as a top option and is a very strong run blocker. He is 6 foot 5, 324 pounds. He attacks well and is considered a mauler. Movement skills are good and so is his IQ. Kinnard is a big athlete with really good burst. His pass protection and hand placement need to be improved. While he is viewed by some as a guard at the NFL level, I am putting him in the tackle category since that is what he is listed as right now.

His best fit is the New York Giants. Nate Solder can’t be the guy anymore. The Giants vastly overpaid him when they signed him and the deal was too long. He is a 33 year old tackle and his body is probably breaking down. New York has been trying to retool the protection up front for a long time now. Kinnard should give them a boost.

Bernhard Raimann

From Austria to Central Michigan, this guy used to be a receiver. Raise your hand if you saw that coming. Bernhard Raimann is 6 foot 7, 304 pounds. Raimann has experience playing tackle and guard, and is currently listed as a guard. He’s strong and good both as a run and pass blocker. His footwork and technique are also sound. He’ll finish is blocks, and has a 3.8 GPA. He needs to get better at moving laterally and needs to improve his hand strength and placement.

His best fit is the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo’s interior line gave up a lot of QB pressures, and they allowed the most in week nine with a whopping 13 against the Jaguars. That was the highest of any team at that point of the season. They are weak in the run game, and Raimann can definitely help with that. Parts of the line are aging and it would be a good idea to infuse some young blood to set them up moving forward.

Final Thoughts

If a lineman from the draft doesn’t work out, if can set a team back at least a couple of seasons. Sometimes linemen can stick with a team for a decade. Just look at how long Joe Thomas stayed with the Browns. Hopefully this article gets you excited about the big guys.

Coming up:

Breaking down the biggest moves in WNBA free agency

Speedy B leaving Hamilton, but where is he going?

Checking in on the new Sooners QB

Stock up, stock down for the Bruins prospects

Best fits roll on

Keep it here!