The 2023 NFL Draft is full of starting-caliber prospects. Peter Skoronski, Joe Tippmann, and O’Cyrus Torrence lead our updated offensive line rankings.
The offensive line is the engine that makes an NFL offense go. Even with elite quarterback play, it doesn’t matter without protection. In the run game, the offensive linemen are more important than the running back — more times than not.
Left tackle remains the premier position on the offensive line, as teams are always looking for a trustworthy player on the blindside. The contracts reflect this, but other spots on the line are starting to rack up the dollars.
Rather than moving guys around and forcing them into new positions, NFL teams are leaving players where they belong. For example, the Colts have been without an answer at left tackle but never once thought to move All-Pro Quenton Nelson from his guard spot. The same is true about Tristan Wirfs sticking at right tackle (for now).
Veterans are becoming increasingly more expensive each year, so selecting starting-caliber players in the NFL Draft is necessary for roster building. Whether it be as immediate replacements or a prospect that develops on the bench.
In this ranking, offensive tackles, guards, and centers are split into their own respective categories. See where your favorite lineman stacks up as we start things off at center!
2023 NFL Draft: Center Rankings
C8: Ricky Stromberg (Arkansas)
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 3
C7: Jarrett Patterson (Notre Dame)
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3
C6: Juice Scruggs (Penn State)
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3
C5: Mark Evans II (Arkansas-Pine Bluff)
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
C4: Luke Wypler (Ohio State)
Here goes a run of Big Ten centers to round out these rankings. Luke Wypler is a two-year starter for the Buckeyes, logging 1,687 snaps at center in that span. Wypler graded out with an 80+ run-blocking and pass-blocking grade, showcasing his all-around ability.
Wypler’s best trait is his technique on pass-blocking downs. He is polished and needs less development than most prospects in this class. Still, he is not overwhelmingly strong and can get pushed around as he struggles to anchor in and stand his ground.
As a run blocker, this lack of strength shows up. On a majority of snaps, Wypler does well establishing his base and maintaining proper balance as he leaks out. However, more than a handful of times, the Ohio State veteran got thrown out of the way, directly leading to the defender taking down his running back.
Wypler is a center-only prospect who lacks the strength and range you’d want from a zone-blocker. The inconsistencies knock him down to an early day three grade, but his overall tape is better than that. Nonetheless, his experience and work ethic make him a worthwhile selection, as there is a realistic path to Wypler being an above-average starter in the middle.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
C3: Olusegun Oluwatimi (Michigan)
The Michigan running game was lethal in 2022, and Olusegun Oluwatimi deserves as much credit as any for the unit’s success. He transferred after three years as a starter at Virginia and continued his progression in the hard-nosed Big Ten.
Oluwatimi lacks elite strength and struggles with leverage at times, but he often out-talented and out-smarted his college assignments. It is less likely that the Michigan mauler can continue making waves on Sundays without cleaning up form and overall technique.
As a pass blocker, Oluwatimi showed immense potential with the Wolverines. He allowed zero sacks in his lone season in Ann Arbor, showing he didn’t dominate solely because of the lackluster ACC defenses. His 3,469 snaps at center are unprecedented, and that on-field experience should help Oluwatimi challenge for the starting spot wherever he is drafted.
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2
C2: John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota)
Another Big Ten center? What can I say, the conference is sending some awesome center prospects to the NFL this year. John Michael Schmitz has a case to be the best of the bunch, but he checks in at No. 2 on my rankings.
Schmitz is a seasoned vet at center, having 2,491 snaps under his belt. He only allowed four quarterback hits in that span and was charged with two sacks, highlighting his prowess as a pass blocker. The running game is where Schmitz truly excels.
He posted a 92.4 PFF grade in 465 run-blocking snaps in 2022. Schmitz uses good-but-not-great athleticism to create running lanes, but his strong hands allow him to clamp on to a defender and not let go until the whistle blows.
He is already 24 years old, so there may not be much more room to grow, but his tenure at Minnesota showed that he’s a starting center in this league. Expect a team to take him on day two.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2
C1: Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin)
Joe Tippmann is the best interior lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft. He boasts impeccable footwork, picturesque hand usage, and a deceptive athleticism that allows him to leak out to the second level and continue clearing lanes for his running back. In a scrum, he is more than willing to get his nose dirty and shows the lower body strength to push the pile ahead.
At Wisconsin, Tippmann logged 1,456 snaps at center and allowed only one sack throughout his career. The Badger star thrives at keeping his quarterback clean by using flawless technique, staving off the bulky defensive tackles that attempt to collapse the pocket. Tippmann consistently serves as the low man on the line, getting his long frame as close to the turf as possible.
His competitive nature should rub off on the rest of the offensive line throughout training camp and as the season gets underway. Tippmann is a near-perfect center prospect, which gives him a day-one grade on my Big Board. The best center in the class is the next in a long line of Wisconsin standouts.
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 1
Honorable Mentions:
Alan Ali (TCU)
Alex Forsyth (Oregon)
Grant Gibson (NC State)
2023 NFL Draft: Guard Rankings
OG11: Andrew Vorhees (USC)
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3
OG10: Braeden Daniels (Utah)
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3
OG9: Antonio Mafi (UCLA)
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3
OG8: Emil Ekiyor (Alabama)
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
OG7: Nick Broeker (Ole Miss)
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
OG6: Jaxson Kirkland (Washington)
NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 2
OG5: Chandler Zavala (NC State)
Anyone who knows me knows I love Chandler Zavala. His power jumped off the screen at NC State, but his time at the Shrine Bowl stamped everything I saw on tape. Zavala manhandled an impressive group of pass rushers and flexed the best anchor of any interior lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft. Once he sets his feet, there is no moving him.
As a run blocker, Zavala uses his relentless motor to create holes and free up room for his ball carriers between the tackles. He is not the most athletic guy in the world but could be an instant starter in a power-run offense. I’d take Zavala late on day two and let him compete for a starting gig in training camp.
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2
OG4: Cody Mauch (North Dakota State)
North Dakota State may not be a powerhouse to the casual college football fan, but the pipeline of players they have sent to the NFL in the last decade grows more impressive by the year. The next one to come through the school and go inside the top 100? Cody Mauch.
Mauch is full of personality and is the type of prospect that will not rest until he puts his assignment into the turf. The Bison star started for 2.5 seasons and became a fixture on one of the best offensive lines in the country. He served as the starting left tackle and allowed two sacks in his entire career.
That is where the projection gets interesting because I do not see Mauch as a tackle. His arms are too short, and his form is too inconsistent to hold up on the edge. This is not a death sentence for Mauch, as he grades out as a starting guard early in his career. His blend of deceptive quickness and hard-hat mentality will make him a fan favorite.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2
OG3: Matthew Bergeron (Syracuse)
I have no qualms with evaluators that put Matthew Bergeron in the offensive tackle group. However, his traits are best fit on the inside. The Syracuse lineman boasts adequate arm length, but he would be more comfortable and effective with help on each side of him.
Bergeron only has four career snaps from the interior, but his time at the Senior Bowl showed him predominately taking snaps from guard. He looked smoother, quicker, and more confident. Bergeron’s ability to recover when he loses leverage is his calling card, as he can never be counted out of a play, but it will be more difficult to do this on Sundays.
Talent-wise, Bergeron checks the boxes. Fundamentally, he could be better at the point of attack and using his footwork and hands to slow the progress of pass rushers. Kicking inside to a spot he never played at Syracuse is risky, but it is the way to get the most out of his potential.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2
OG2: Steve Avila (TCU)
Steve Avila is another prospect with droves of college experience on the offensive line. His overall athleticism and agility leave much to be desired, but the teach tape blocking technique he exhibits is enough to mitigate the physical risks.
Avila spent most of his career with TCU as a center, but he moved over to left guard in 2022 and put up the best tape thus far. He is as good as any in the class at hand fighting and mirroring pass rushers, even showing the ability to play 100+ snaps at right tackle when called upon.
Avila’s lack of top-end talent shows up more in the run game. He is limited when it comes to blocking in space, as the TCU leader is slow to leak out and doesn’t always have a plan when he engages. Defenders can take advantage of this lack of agility, but his power blocking levels the playing field.
He is experienced and motivated and brings a leadership quality many NFL coaches look for in linemen. Avila may never be a consistent All-Pro, but he will be an above-average starter for quite some time. That is worth an early day two selection on my Big Board.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 2
OG1: O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida)
The best guard in the 2023 NFL Draft is O’Cyrus Torrence out of Florida. He is a bruiser in the run game and regularly overpowers his assignment with dominant grip strength and a lower-body drive that allows him to churn the pile with ease.
Torrence is tall, and this sometimes is a detriment as a pass blocker. He fails to get as low as he could, allowing the defender to get under his pads and neutralize the strength that Torrence brings to the table.
Still, he is not a liability in pass protection. Torrence is strong enough to anchor in and is right there with Chandler Zavala when it comes to rooting himself into the turf. The Florida superstar was charged with zero sacks in 2022 and didn’t allow one in three seasons with Louisiana-Lafayette before joining the Gators.
Torrence’s only year in the SEC resulted in some of the best tape from any lineman. He is an easy projection to the NFL due to the strength he possesses. Torrence doesn’t rank amongst the best athletes in the class, but he has more than enough in his 347-pound frame to be a needle mover on any offensive line.
NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 1
Honorable Mentions:
Henry Bainivalu (Washington)
Jake Andrews (Troy)
Asim Richards (North Carolina)
Caleb Chandler (Louisville)
Brandon Kipper (Oregon State)
2023 NFL Draft: Offensive Tackle Rankings
OT11: McClendon Curtis (UT-Chattanooga)
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 3
OT10: Wanya Morris (Oklahoma)
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
OT9: Blake Freeland (BYU)
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
OT8: Jaelyn Duncan (Maryland)
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2
OT7: Tyler Steen (Alabama)
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2
OT6: Dawand Jones (Ohio State)
Full disclosure, Dawand Jones will be a starting right tackle for years to come. He is never going to be worse than average as a run blocker, and his potential in the passing game is worth betting on. Jones boasts the wingspan of a 7-footer, and his 374-pound frame is tough to handle as a defender.
That being said, Jones’ size is not always a good thing. He can be neutralized when the defender gets into his chest, as Jones is unable to shake free because of his long arms. Also, Jones is a good athlete for his size, but I would not call him a good athlete in general.
Jones allowed zero sacks this season and graded out with an 85+ run-blocking grade in each of the past two seasons. His floor is as stable as any, but his outlier size makes it tough to project a ceiling higher than the top 5 on this list. I would take Jones on day two and be happy with the investment.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 2
OT5: Anton Harrison (Oklahoma)
Anton Harrison is slept on, and I might be sleeping on him too by placing him as the OT5 in this class. The Oklahoma alum is the best pass blocker in the 2023 NFL Draft, as things currently stand. He uses prototypical size to stifle pass rushers off the edge and his unbelievable footwork to recover when he is beaten off the snap.
Harrison is a capable run blocker, but this is the area he can stand to improve the most. He lacks the playing strength of others in this group, and at times, the Sooner leader is caught too high as he engages with a defender. Harrison needs some polish, but with 1,807 snaps under his belt at left tackle, few bring such a proven track record to the league.
NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 1
OT4: Broderick Jones (Georgia)
I am a fan of Broderick Jones, but he is rawer than anyone wants to admit. While he is oozing potential as a franchise left tackle, Jones needs to clean up a few things to reach that potential. He is oftentimes off-balance in the run game and lacks the consistency needed to be a difference-maker, at least right now.
Still, these negatives won’t push Jones out of day one on my Big Board. He is prototypical size, flashed elite play as a pass protector in 2022, and plays angry every snap. Jones overwhelms oncoming tacklers with his length and athleticism, using his otherworldly grip strength to snatch them up and pancake them into the dirt.
He allowed zero sacks in nearly 1,000 snaps last year, the only campaign as a full-time starter. Jones can mirror pass rushers on occasion, but NFL coaching should unlock the next level of his development as a pass blocker. There is a chance the NFL bets on Jones’ upside by taking him as the first lineman off the board, but he sits at OT4 in my rankings. Still a top-20 player overall.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 1
OT3: Darnell Wright (Tennessee)
Darnell Wright is the best pure right tackle prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. He began his Tennessee career swapping back and forth from the right side to the left side. Wright offered rocky play on the blind side, but he found a home in 2022.
As the starting right tackle, Wright logged 507 pass-blocking reps and did not allow a single sack. He set a career-high grade as a run blocker, earning a respectable 65.0 grade via PFF.
Traits-wise, Wright’s arms are a smidge short but nothing to sound alarms over. He makes up for it with impressive lateral mobility and idyllic form as a blocker. I am confident in saying Wright is worth a first-round pick and should be a starter at right tackle for the next decade+.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-Day 1
OT2: Paris Johnson Jr. (Ohio State)
Paris Johnson Jr. is not far behind my No. 1 offensive tackle. He projects as an immediate starter at left tackle with the highest potential of anyone in the class. The OSU standout has experience at guard as well, but to get the most out of Johnson, he should stick outside.
Johnson is a top-tier pass blocker from the moment he is drafted. He is still growing in the run game, but his superb agility and mean streak will allow him to impact the game as a rookie.
Johnson is best fit for a zone scheme that allows him to use his athleticism in space. He is worth a day-one selection and could become a franchise cornerstone on the blindside as early as his rookie year.
NFL Draft Grade: Early-to-Mid Day 1
OT1: Peter Skoronski (Northwestern)
My top-rated offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft is Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski. While others may try to push him inside, I see Skoronski as an elite offensive tackle on Sundays.
Whether it is on the right side or the left side, Skoronski immediately boosts the group he’s joining. He is the most refined blocker in the class, exhibiting exceptional technique and play strength on tape.
His shorter arms present the only real red flag. Skoronski does not meet the typical 34-inch threshold teams look for, but we learned from another former Northwestern Wildcat (Rashawn Slater) that this issue can be smoothed over with proper fundamentals.
Skoronski is capable of playing anywhere on the line at a high level. I would stick him at left tackle, but he has All-Pro potential at guard and center as well. A prospect with the floor of Skoronski usually brings a lower ceiling, but he is the rare exception. A safe pick and a high-upside pick all in one.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 1
Honorable Mentions:
Nick Saldiveri (Old Dominion)
Ryan Hayes (Michigan)
Carter Warren (Pittsburgh)
Warren McClendon (Georgia)
Kadeem Telfort (UAB)