Ranking the top 10 offensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft class

8. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

I considered not having Alex Leatherwood eligible for this list because he is best suited to play inside at the next level. That being said, he has been a strong starting left tackle for one of the marquee programs in college football for the last two years and his NFL team will likely give him a chance to prove himself at offensive tackle at the next level.

Leatherwood is another quick and aggressive offensive lineman who is at his best when he is asked to play forward and attack. Because of this, he typically shines in the run game, firing off of the ball and attacking with impressive power at the point of attack. However, his aggressiveness does get him in trouble in pass protection at times, as crafty pass rushers will take advantage of his mistimed and inaccurate punches.

Leatherwood is an interesting player who could become a solid starting offensive tackle with some advanced coaching. That being said, his future is likely on the inside, limiting his overall upside at the next level.

9. Jackson Carman, Clemson

Jackson Carman is a massive offensive tackle prospect who absolutely dominates his opponents in the run game. He is a mean and nasty player who dominates opponents at the point of attack and does not let them escape. Once he gets his paws on a defender, he typically drives them down the field and eliminates them from the play.

While Jackson is not an elite athlete at the position, he moves well for his size. This allows him to have success as a second-level blocker and hold his own against speed in pass protection. Carman would be a nice target for any offensive line needy team on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft.

10. Daniel Faalele, Minnesota

Daniel Faalele is an incredibly difficult player to evaluate. His size is unrivaled (6-foot-8, 400 pounds), even when compared to the biggest players across the NFL and he certainly gets around well for his size. Faalele is not an overly impressive athlete up front, but the fact that he can get out in space and move a bit at his size is an impressive feat itself.

Faalele’s size gives him a massive advantage over any defender and it simply is not easy to get around someone that big who also has long arms. Faalele is going to have some issues when he tries to vertically set against elite speed rushers but should be able to use his size as enough of an advantage to hold his own against most NFL edge rushers.

This prospect is ridiculous power at the point of attack, consistently man-handles and controls opposing defenders in the run game and has elite anchor ability in pass protection. He is an extremely raw prospect who will make mental mistakes, but his upside as a right tackle at the next level is absolutely massive. Landing with a team that has a respected offensive line coach and a strong developmental process will be important for Faalele’s success at the next level.