2022 NFL Draft Prospects: Offensive Tackle

4/26/22: An NFL team could get away with Neal at left tackle, but he would be a more dominant player at right tackle or guard. At the Senior Bowl, sources from a couple of NFL teams with top-10 picks said they would not play Neal at left tackle in the pros. Some teams also have serious medical concerns about Neal and pulled him from their board after their doctors flunked him medically. Neal is an overwhelming blocker in the ground game and capable as a pass blocker.

The Crimson Tide moved Neal to left tackle in 2021, and he played well on the blind side overall. Neal saw a good test against Florida in Week 3. He had some problems with the Gators speed rushers getting upfield against him, but Alabama helped protect Neal with a lot of quick passing. The Florida game made Neal look like a better fit for right tackle in the NFL. To a lesser degree, the same lesson was given proof against Texas A&M.

In 2020, Neal was a mauler at right tackle for Alabama, blasting open a lot of holes and being a reliable protector for Mac Jones. In his first year starting on the edge, Neal was superb. Although, the fast edge rushers at Florida gave Neal problems in the SEC Championship game. Neal has surprising quickness and athleticism for such a massive edge blocker, but sometimes his feet get stuck in the ground, and his feet aren't quick enough for fast edge rushers. Neal is a beast in the ground game and with the mass to overwhelm defenders at the point of attack.

7/3/21: Neal is a massive blocker who started at left guard as a freshman. He has the size and length to kick out to tackle and could be the Crimson Tide's replacement for Alex Leatherwood in 2021.

4/26/22: Ekwonu put together an impressive 2021 season that earned him high grades from NFL teams. One director of player personnel said their team had Ekwonu as a mid-first-round pick for the 2022 NFL Draft. But with this being a weak draft class, however, they thought Ekwonu would go in the middle of the top 10.

Ekwonu has experience at both guard and tackle from the Wolfpack, but he projects as being able to play left tackle in the NFL. Ekwonu is a fierce and physical run blocker who absolutely mauls defenders. While he has some things to work on as a pass blocker, the potential is there for him to stay on the edge at the next level. Ekwonu has excellent quickness, athleticism and enough feet to be a pass blocker.

4/26/22: Cross looks like a future starting left tackle in the NFL and impressed team evaluators in 2021. He has excellent feet, athleticism, and quickness to play on the edge. For the next level, sources say Cross needs to get stronger and bigger for taking on pro linemen, but that is not abnormal. They feel after a little developmental time, Cross could be a very good pro left tackle.

4/26/22: Penning is a big tackle who has surprising quickness and athleticism to go along with excellent size and length. In both phases, Penning is a tough blocker. He has upside to grow at the pro level. Penning had a good performance at the Senior Bowl and showed a real mean streak to finish off defensive linemen.

7/3/21: Penning impressed advance scouts and earned a favorable projection entering the 2021 season. He has good speed and athleticism to go along with his massive size. Penning has caught the attention of scouts and received high grades by some advance scouts. He could be a riser during the 2022 NFL Draft process.

4/26/22: Some area scouts are super high on Smith and feel he could end up being a steal in the middle to late portion of the first round. Smith broke into the starting lineup in 2020 and played left tackle for Tulsa over the past two seasons. He is an excellent athlete with quickness to go along with big size and strength. Smith has a ton of upside to develop.

Here's what one area scout texted me about Smith months ago, "He's more gifted than the other offensive tackles in this class besides the N.C. State kid. Smith is 6-foot-5, 325 pounds with 34-plus-inch arms. As violent as he plays and the fact he can play guard also, I could see someone pushing him up because he's only 20 and smart also."

4/26/22: Petit-Frere won the starting right tackle job for the 2020 season and played really well. He was superb in pass protection, barely allowing any pressures on Justin Fields all season. There were projections of the Tampa, Florida product being moved to left tackle for 2021 with senior Thayer Munford kicking inside to guard, and that is what happened. Petit-Frere played well overall in 2021. He is a good athlete with quickness, athleticism and a quality build. He could stand to get stronger to pack more of a punch in the ground game and help do a better job of sustaining his blocks in pass protection. Multiple team sources say they think Petit-Frere will be a late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

4/26/22: Faalele turned in a solid 2021 season, including in Week 1 against Ohio State. He will have to play right tackle or guard at the next level because his feet are too slow for left tackle. In pass protection, sometimes Faalele's feet seem to get stuck in the ground. He has excellent size and length that make him tough to run around, but he also has some limitations in speed, athleticism and movement. At the Senior Bowl, Faalele was decent, but he did not dominate.

In the ground game, Faalele can be very tough when he plays with good leverage. He can push defenders around and shows the strength to tie them up and an ability to manipulate defenders away from the play.

7/3/21: Faalele is a massive blocker who has surprising quickness and athleticism for such a big-bodied blocker. He was very impressive for Minnesota in 2018 and 2019 before sitting out the 2020 season. It will be interesting to see how he performs after the lay-off.

4/26/22: Raimann is a developmental prospect after switching from tight end to offensive tackle. He has a good skill set with size, speed and athleticism. At the Senior Bowl, Raimann had a mixed week of practice, including some struggles in the pass-blocking one-on-ones. NFL sources from five different teams shared with WalterFootball.com that they were projecting him to the second day of the 2022 NFL Draft. Raimann struggles with speed rushers and has short arms for a pro tackle. It might best for him to move inside to guard in the NFL. Some teams flunked Raimann medically and dropped him from their board.

7/3/21: Raimann started out his college career at tight end and didn't switch to left tackle until 2020. He had an impressive debut at the position with quality size, length, and athleticism on the edge. He could improve as he gains experience and develops technique. If he improves with further experience, Raimann could be a riser.

4/26/22: Walker had some rough moments in the 2021 season opener against Wisconsin and in the loss to Ohio State. Versus the Buckeyes, Walker allowed two quarterback hits that resulted in turnovers that produced huge points. He played better aside from those games. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection. Walker has an excellent skill set with height, length, quickness and athleticism, but he needs to develop his technique for the NFL.

7/3/21: Walker is a large offensive tackle with upside to get better as he gains experience. He has flashed the ability to be a tough run blocker and reliable pass protector. Walker has a good skill set with size, speed and athleticism to be a riser.

4/26/22: Lucas had a decent 2021 season. He was solid against USC and was a steady protector while showing some ability to contribute in the ground game. He did not impress at the Senior Bowl.

7/3/21: Lucas is a massive edge protector with excellent length and surprising quickness for such a big-bodied blocker. After redshirting in 2017, Lucas broke into the starting lineup at right tackle in 2018 and has been a mainstay for the Cougars. He plays with good leverage bending at the knee and shows nimble feet, quickness, athleticism, and an ability to pull well. Assuming he stays healthy, Lucas will be a 4-year starter with a lot of experience, and he looks like a safe prospect to turn into a quality starter at the pro level.

4/26/22: Goedeke came back from missing the 2020 season with injury to put together a solid 2021 regular season that earned him a Senior Bowl invitation. Goedeke left one of the Senior Bowl practices early in the week with an injury and did not return. Goedeke started at right tackle for Central Michigan, but guard would be his best fit for the NFL given his lack of length. Some team sources say they like Goedeke more than teammate Bernhard Raimann, who some in the media have projected to the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

4/26/22: Kinnard looks like he trimmed weight in 2021, appearing quicker and more athletic in space. He has a good skill set and a nasty attitude. Kinnard put together an excellent 2021 season as a reliable pass protector and a bull in the ground game. Along with being a right tackle at the next level, Kinnard could be a tough guard. Kinnard had some highlight-reel plays and some lowlights at the Senior Bowl. Team sources said Kinnard was not coachable in Mobile and did not interview well at the combine.

7/3/21: Kinnard was an excellent contributor for the Wildcats in 2020. He is a massive beast at the point of attack who is a tough run blocker and plays with a mean streak. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but he shows some potential and upside to improve. For the next level, Kinnard's best fit might come as a right tackle in power-man scheme. After Kentucky lost Landon Young to the NFL, it will be interesting to see if the program moves Kinnard to left tackle or keeps him on the right side in 2021.

Kinnard was a tough run blocker in 2019, helping Lynn Bowden to a lot of success when running behind Kinnard and the right side of the offensive line. Kinnard could stand to drop some weight and improve his pass protection for the NFL. He could be a candidate to slide inside to right guard as a pro.

4/26/22: Mitchell started at left and right tackle for the Ragin' Cajuns, earning All-Sun Belt Conference accolades. The senior played well in 2021, helping to protect Levi Lewis, and the team had a lot of success running the ball behind him over the past few seasons. Mitchell then had a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl. For the NFL, Mitchell could be a swing tackle/guard backup, but it would help him to get stronger for taking on pro defensive linemen.

4/26/22: Jones played against easier competition, so impressing at the Senior Bowl was important for him, but that didn't happen. Jones, however, worked out well at the combine, including a fast 40 for an offensive tackle. He looks like a potential backup with the hope that he can develop into a starter.

7/3/21: Jones has good size to go along with speed and athleticism. He played some defense early in his career before moving to offensive tackle and turning into an impressive edge protector for the Thunderbirds. Jones could be a riser, and it would help him to impress at the Senior Bowl or the East-West Shrine.

4/26/22: Deculus sustained a shoulder injury in the 2021 season opener, but he stayed on the field and played through it. Deculus looks like a mid-round backup who could develop into a bigger role.

7/3/21: LSU kept Deculus at right tackle in 2020 even though it lost its starting left tackle to the NFL. Deculus could be a candidate to move inside to guard in the NFL, as pro speed rushers could give him lots of problems. He could start out his career as a backup guard and right tackle.

Deculus was the Tigers' starting right tackle in 2019, and he provided decent protection to keep rushers out of the face of Joe Burrow. For the NFL, Deculus' run blocking is ahead of his pass protection. He did a nice job of run blocking for Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2019. For the NFL, Deculus would fit best as a right tackle or guard.

4/26/22: Zakelj was a starting left tackle for Fordham from 2018 on, and he played well enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He did not stand out in Mobile, and with his very short arms, it could be a good idea for Zakelj to move inside to guard in the NFL.

4/26/22: After suffering a season-ending injury in 2020, Waletzko returned to the field in 2021 and played well enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. In Mobile, Waletzko flashed some potential, but he definitely needs refinement and development. Waletzko broke into the starting lineup during his freshman season in 2018.

4/26/22: Burford was a standout for UTSA over the past three seasons, playing well enough to get included in the Senior Bowl. At UTSA, Burford displayed his versatility by starting at left tackle, right tackle, and guard. His best fit in the NFL might come inside at guard. He could have the possibility to serve as a valuable game-day backup with his ability to provide depth at tackle and guard.

4/26/22: Munford voluntarily moved inside to guard for 2021 to help Ohio State get its best five linemen on the field together. It may have been a wise move for his draft stock, as Munford looked better at guard in 2021 than he did at tackle in 2020. He is a solid blocker, but he is not overly special and does not have a dominant trait.

7/3/21: Munford had a solid 2020 season for Ohio State. He is a decent college player, but is not especially dominant and does not always play up to his skill set. Munford took advantage of the extra year of eligbility due to the pandemic to return to the Buckeyes.

Munford was a candidate to be a potential early-round pick who left school early for the 2020 NFL Draft, but in 2019, he was not that impressive and did not stand out by showing the skill set to be a franchise left tackle. NFL sources felt Munford did not make the case that he should skip his senior year and enter the 2020 NFL Draft, so he was wise to return to Columbus.

Munford needs to improve his technique and become more polished to take on pro edge rushers. He had an ugly outing versus Wisconsin in 2019 and could be better off moving inside to guard at the next level.

Munford was a rotational backup as a freshman before breaking into the starting lineup at left tackle in 2018. The sophomore had some issues during his first year as a starter, and those might cause him to move inside to guard for the NFL. Munford also played with a hip injury as a sophomore, and he missed the game against Maryland with a leg injury. He then missed the Rose Bowl with another injury.

4/26/22: Wisconsin played Bruss at right tackle, but he could be a better fit at guard in the NFL given his short arms. Bruss was solid, but unimpressive, in 2021.

7/3/21: Bruss has logged a lot of time at right tackle for the Badgers, but the NFL advance scouts have him projected to playing guard in the NFL. Moving to the inside would help Bruss in pass protection. With his size and strength, he can be a tough interior run blocker and dependable pass protector.

4/26/22: Eze put togther a solid 2021 season at left tackle for TCU. He might be better off moving inside to guard in the NFL.

7/3/21: Eze is a big edge protector who will enter the NFL with a lot of experience. Unless he gets injured, he will have had three seasons as a starting left tackle. Eze started out his college career at Memphis and played left tackle for there for six games in 2018. In 2019 and 2020 Eze made all 25 starts at left tackle for the Tigers.

4/26/22: Diesch was a solid player for Arizona State, but he could stand to get stronger for the next level. Diesch might need a redshirt season at the pro level to grow physically, but he has developmental potential for the NFL.

7/3/21: Diesch has good length and some athleticism, but he could stand to add weight and strength for the NFL. He started out his career at Texas A&M and was a backup left tackle before transferring to the Sun Devils.

4/26/22: Frost was a solid right tackle for Nevada, but for the next level, he could be a better fit at guard.

7/3/21: Frost has played well at guard and tackle for Nevada. He has enough size and quickness to compete on the edge, but moving inside to guard could be his best fit in the NFL.

4/26/22: Kerstetter was solid, but unimpressive, for Texas in 2021. Versus Oklahoma, Kerstetter gave up a sack to Perrion Winfrey and had problems with the Sooners' speed. Kerstetter would be a better fit on the inside in the NFL.

7/3/21: Kerstetter was solid, but unimpressive, for Texas in 2020. For the next level, he could offer versatility as a game-day backup who can be cross-trained at a few positions. He has played all over the offensive line for the Longhorns. On NFL team's preseason watch list, they have him as a tackle but given his size he could easily end playing more on the inside. He could stand to get stronger for the next level.

4/26/22: Cunningham was a quality blocker for Arkansas in 2021. He could be a swing tackle backup at the next level.

7/3/21: Cunningham did a decent job for the Razorbacks in 2020, but he has some limitations for the NFL. Cunningham has enough length with some agility on the edge, but he needs to clean up technique for the next level. That isn't surprising considering he started out his collegiate career in the community college ranks, so it is understandable that he needs some development. Cunningham had a good debut for Arkansas in 2019, only allowing one sack over his opening season.

4/26/22: McKenzie rotated along the line for the Trojans. He could be more of a swing backup at guard and right tackle in the NFL.

7/3/21: McKenzie has been a solid blocker for the Trojans. He might be better off moving inside to guard in the NFL. McKenzie has played right guard and right tackle for the Trojans. He has good size to him with some upside to improve.

4/26/22: Connecticut struggled in 2021. Van Demark looks like a potential depth player for the NFL.

7/3/21: Connecticut's lack of a 2020 season - even in the spring - didn't help Van Demark. Van Demark has started at left tackle since his sophomore year for Connecticut. He has been a solid edge blocker, but he must get stronger for the NFL.

4/26/22: Stueber started at center for the Wolverines, and he spent 2021 playing right tackle. Moving to the inside looks like his best fit for the NFL. He probably will have to play guard at the next level.

7/3/21: Stubbier played guard and right tackle for Michigan in 2020. He missed the 2019 season with injury and only started two games at right tackle in 2018. As a sophomore, he played mostly as a backup. Stueber could be better in 2021 after getting some experience in 2020.

4/26/22: Carter should probably move inside for the NFL.

7/3/21: Carter is fast and athletic, but he has size limitations. Moving inside to guard or center could be the best play for Carter. He should look to get stronger for the NFL, and it would help him to play well at an all-star game like the Senior Bowl or the East-West Shrine.

4/26/22: Mays played right tackle for Tennessee, but in the NFL, his best fit might come at guard. He lacks the quickness and athleticism to block on the edge in the pros.

7/3/21: Mays played well in the first few games of 2020 before really struggling against Georgia. He was at right tackle for the Volunteers, but he looks like a guard for the next level, and that is how he is listed on NFL teams' preseason watch list.

Mays was a decent starter on Georgia's all-star offensive line in 2019 and could have been the replacement for Andrew Thomas at left tackle for 2020, but Mays decided to transfer to Tennessee. After being a top recruit, Mays started seven games as a freshman in 2018 for the Bulldogs while also dealing with injuries. With his versatile size, Mays could fit at guard or tackle, and it will be interesting to see where he settles in at Tennessee. Mays is a strong run blocker with good size to create a push at the point of attack.

4/26/22: Lowe was unimpressive in 2021. He looks like a late-round backup candidate for the NFL.

7/3/21: Lowe had a decent 2020 season for the Illini. He needs to play better though to be more than a late-round pick. Lowe has been the starting left tackle for the Illini over the past few seasons. He still needs to show an improved ability to handle dangerous edge rushers. Lowe has a good build and some athleticism. He could be a candidate to be cross-trained at a few positions and be a game-day backup at a few spots.

4/26/22: Okafor was starting at left guard before sustaining a season-ending leg injury. He should stay on the inside for the next level.

7/3/21: Okafor did not impress in 2020 and needs to play better in 2021 to be more than a late-round pick. Prior to 2020, Okafor had been a consistent starter for Texas, but the NFL advance scouts placed him on their preseason watch list for the 2021 NFL Draft and then again for the 2022 NFL Draft. Okafor might fit better competing at guard for the pros.