2021 NFL Draft OG rankings: Wyatt Davis and Alijah Vera-Tucker top list
By John Blair
5. Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame
6-foot-5, 302 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
Notre Dame’s Robert Hainsey was a three-year starter for the Irish at right tackle. He earned several accolades at this position including being named to the 2020 All-ACC second team and Notre Dame’s offensive lineman of the year in 2019. However, his lack of ideal length including only 32-inch arms will force him inside to offensive guard in the NFL.
In terms of what Hainsey brings to the NFL, his top trait is his fundamentally sound play. He does a great job with hand placement and also shows good feet in both the run and passing game. Another positive with him is the versatility he brings. He has the ability to play guard or center in the NFL. While he does need to improve his strength, look for Hainse to be a solid starter in the NFL.
6. Ben Cleveland, Georgia
6-foot-6, 354 pounds
2021 NFL Draft grade: Fourth round
Georgia’s massive offensive guard Ben Cleveland started all nine games for the Bulldogs this year and was named to the All-SEC team. Other than his size the trait that stands out the most with Cleveland is his power. He does a good job of getting movement in the running game and also has the power to hold up as a pass blocker. In fact, over his career and 741 pass-blocking snaps he has only allowed one sack.
The biggest concern with Cleveland is that he struggles in space. This is due to the fact he lacks great flexibility and has trouble breaking down in space. In order for him to be successful in the NFL the team that drafts him is going to need to allow Cleveland to play in a phonebooth and not expect him to block linebackers consistently. If the right team drafts him, Cleveland could have a chance of becoming an NFL starter.