CFB Recruiting 200: Top 20 Offensive Tackles in Class of 2016

After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports composite rankings and provided in-depth analysis on each young athlete. Bleacher Report will run a position-by-position breakdown series of the best college football recruits in the class of 2016. Here we present the Top Offensive Tackles.

Other Positions

• Overall Top 200
• Interior Linemen 
• Dual-Threat Quarterbacks 
• Defensive Backs

Given how passing concepts have expanded in recent years, the importance of having athletic and strong offensive tackles has grown.

Since defensive coordinators are always trying to find new ways to bring pressure on quarterbacks, offensive tackles must be agile enough to fend off sleek edge-rushers and powerful enough to push back beefier defensive ends.

The 2016 class is deep with high-quality tackle prospects, with 5-star Texas standout Greg Little leading the way.

The newest edition of Bleacher Report's CFB Recruiting 200 series will break down the best offensive tackles in the 2016 cycle and grade them on important traits such as hands, power, lateral quickness, pass protection and run blocking.

How do the nation's top offensive tackle prospects measure up to one another?

20. 4-Star Cole Van Lanen

Height/Weight: 6'5", 275 pounds

High School: Bay Port High School; Green Bay, Wisconsin

247Sports Ranking: No. 20 offensive tackle; No. 200 overall 

Bleacher Report Score: 85/100

Committed to Wisconsin on June 20, 2015

Wisconsin has a storied tradition of developing standout offensive linemen, and its latest commitment at the position is from 4-star homegrown offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen.

The U.S. Army All-American, the No. 2 prospect from the state of Wisconsin, selected the Badgers over offers from Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State and Nebraska, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Van Lanen's game is built on being physical at the point of attack. He's a better run-blocker than pass-blocker at this stage of his career. He does a good job of firing off the ball and getting to the second level of his blocks. He has the frame and athleticism to be a tackle at the next level but will need to work on moving his feet laterally in passing situations.

19. 4-Star Erik Swenson

Height/Weight: 6'7", 285 pounds

High School: Downers Grove South High School; Downers Grove, Illinois

247Sports Ranking: No. 19 offensive tackle; No. 178 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 85/100

Committed to Michigan on Nov. 25, 2013

Way back in November 2013, 4-star offensive lineman Erik Swenson became the very first member of Michigan's 2016 class.

He was one of just two commitments that new Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh inherited.

Swenson chose the Wolverines over offers from Illinois, Northwestern, Notre Dame and Ohio State.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Swenson has a terrific frame for an offensive tackle. His game is based on his power. However, he needs to work on using his hands to keep rushers at a good distance. His footwork could also use polishing. He's more effective as a run-blocker but has the measurables and is athletic enough to develop into a solid tackle at the next level.

18. 4-Star Michael Jordan

Height/Weight: 6'6", 285 pounds 

High School: Plymouth High School; Canton, Michigan

247Sports Ranking: No. 18 offensive tackle; No. 171 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 85/100 

Committed to Ohio State on May 7, 2015

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer has had a great deal of success poaching stud recruits out of the backyard of archrival Michigan.

He struck another blow to the Wolverines when he landed a pledge from 4-star offensive tackle Michael Jordan in May.

Jordan selected Ohio State over offers from Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Penn State, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Jordan's mean streak is evident when you turn on his tape. He has a great frame and seems ideally suited to be a right tackle at the next level if he can improve on details such as hand placement and footwork. His biggest strength is his power and ability to get off the ball in run situations.

17. 4-Star Clark Yarbrough

Height/Weight: 6'6", 270 pounds

High School: Woodberry Forest High School; Woodberry Forest, Virginia

247Sports Ranking: No. 17 offensive tackle; No. 169 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 86/100

Committed to Stanford on May 19, 2015

With more than 30 offers to his credit, 4-star offensive tackle Clark Yarbrough is among the most coveted offensive linemen in this cycle.

The No. 4 prospect from the state of Virginia chose Stanford in May over offers from Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma and Penn State, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Yarbrough is an athletic lineman who has played at multiple spots along the offensive line at the prep level. He has the frame and athleticism to make the permanent move to tackle, provided he can add bulk and keep his agility. He's still a raw talent but has a skill set that translates well to the next level.

16. 4-Star Scott Lashley

Height/Weight: 6'6", 300 pounds

High School: West Point High School; West Point, Mississippi

247Sports Ranking: No. 16 offensive tackle; No. 156 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 86/100

Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State and Florida

One of the shortest commitments in this cycle was that of 4-star offensive tackle Scott Lashley, who pledged to Mississippi State in May, only to decommit one day later. 

However, the Bulldogs are still in the thick of the race for the No. 7 player in the Magnolia State.

Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Florida are among the other schools in the running for Lashley.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Considering his prep squad has lined him up at tight end in certain sets, Lashley is an intriguing option at tackle. He moves well for his size and plays with the type of aggression you want in a lineman. He still has work to do in areas such as pass protection and using his hands to get extension on his blocks. However, he has the raw tools necessary to develop into a standout at the next level.

15. 4-Star Frank Martin II

Height/Weight: 6'5", 301 pounds

High School: Mater Dei High School; Santa Ana, California

247Sports Ranking: No. 15 offensive tackle; No. 143 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 88/100 

Committed to USC on April 16, 2015

USC received three commitments in a three-day span back in April—with the biggest prize in the group being 4-star offensive tackle Frank Martin II.

Martin is the second-best tackle prospect from the state of California in the 2016 cycle.

He selected the Trojans over offers from Florida, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas A&M, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Martin acquitted himself well at The Opening against some of the nation's best pass-rushers. He is strong enough to handle bull rushes and agile enough to slide his feet in pass pro, although that's an area he needs to continue to work on. He has an excellent frame that is suitable for adding muscle and has the chance to develop into a starting-caliber tackle in the Pac-12 down the road.

14. 4-Star Jauan Williams

Height/Weight: 6'7", 303 pounds

High School: Archbishop Carroll High School; Washington, D.C.

247Sports Ranking: No. 14 offensive tackle; No. 141 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 86/100

Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee

One of the more coveted tackles still on the board is 4-star Washington, D.C. native Jauan Williams.

UCLA, who offered Williams earlier this month, is the latest of his 41 offers.

Alabama and Maryland are the two schools that stick out on his Crystal Ball page.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Williams is raw at this stage of his career. In the limited clips of him working in passing situations, his pass-pro sets are not exactly what you would call fundamentally sound. With that said, he has the physical ability and athleticism to develop into a stud tackle down the road. He's quick off the ball with a mean streak to boot.

13. 4-Star Landon Young

Height/Weight: 6'7", 270 pounds

High School: Lafayette High School; Lexington, Kentucky

247Sports Ranking: No. 13 offensive tackle; No. 125 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 88/100

Committed to Kentucky on June 14, 2013

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops didn't have to look far to find his first commitment of the 2016 class.

More than two years ago, Lexington native and 4-star offensive tackle Landon Young decided he would stay home for college.

Young has since picked up offers from schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Miami and Ohio State, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis

There's a lot to like in Young's game. For starters, he's extremely athletic—as evidenced by his reported time of 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash. There are several clips of him blocking defenders more than 10 yards down the field. In pass protection he uses his hands well to fend off pass-rushers and does a good job of setting a good base. Additionally, he has room to improve in those areas. The main challenge for Young will be to add some mass while keeping his athleticism.

12. 4-Star Jean Delance

Height/Weight: 6'5", 281 pounds

High School: North Mesquite High School; Mesquite, Texas

247Sports Ranking: No. 12 offensive tackle; No. 103 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 89/100 

Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Michigan and Texas A&M

Offensive tackle Jean Delance, a 4-star, backed off an early pledge to Oklahoma amid a controversy involving one of the school's fraternities, as noted by Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles.

According to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, the latest trips for Delance were to Auburn, Florida State and Georgia.

In May, the Tigers and Seminoles were among Delance's top nine schools, per EJ Holland of Horns247.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Delance has a great frame and looks as if he isn't carrying any sloppy weight. He has the athleticism to be light on his feet and a frame that could hold some added muscle mass. The key for Delance will be to get bigger and stronger while maintaining the agility that makes him a prospect with tremendous upside at the next level.

11. 4-Star Liam Eichenberg

Height/Weight: 6'6", 290 pounds

High School: St. Ignatius High School; Cleveland

247Sports Ranking: No. 11 offensive tackle; No. 102 overall 

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Committed to Notre Dame on April 19, 2015

The battle to land 4-star offensive tackle Liam Eichenberg came down to in-state power Ohio State and Notre Dame.

The Irish won out in the end as Eichenberg committed to them in April.

The No. 7 prospect from Ohio chose the Irish over offers from Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Tennessee, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Eichenberg is a well-rounded tackle with a great deal of upside. He has advanced footwork in pass protection in comparison to most linemen at this stage. He uses his hands well when engaging defensive linemen. He's quick off the snap as a run-blocker. Overall, Eichenberg is a nice-looking prospect with a bright future if he continues to develop at the next level.

10. 4-Star Landon Dickerson

Height/Weight: 6'5", 293 pounds

High School: South Caldwell High School; Hudson, North Carolina 

247Sports Ranking: No. 10 offensive tackle; No. 68 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Uncommitted: Considering Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Michigan and Tennessee

The top offensive line prospect from North Carolina in the 2016 cycle is 4-star offensive tackle Landon Dickerson.

Florida State was the last team to host Dickerson for a visit, as noted by Josh Newberg of Noles247.

As detailed by Keith Niebuhr of Auburn Undercover, Auburn is another school that has made a strong push to land Dickerson.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Dickerson is another player I got to watch at The Opening. Aside from a few reps he held his own against the nation's best defensive linemen. He has a strong base and good power and agility. Dickerson is athletic enough to play guard or tackle, but based on the film he could be a great guard. He has the type of mean streak and aggressive mentality to thrive at that position. Regardless, his versatility is a plus that should help him be a contributor early in his career.

9. 4-Star Ben Cleveland

Height/Weight: 6'7", 322 pounds

High School: Stephens County High School; Toccoa, Georgia

247Sports Ranking: No. 8 offensive tackle; No. 57 overall 

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Committed to Georgia on July 19, 2014

Georgia's 2016 recruiting class got off to a fast start last July when 5-star quarterback Jacob Eason and 4-star offensive tackle Ben Cleveland gave head coach Mark Richt a pair of elite prospects to build around.

The U.S. Army All-American is the top offensive line prospect from the Peach State in the 2016 cycle.

Cleveland chose the Bulldogs over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State and Ole Miss, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Cleveland has the prototypical size and athleticism you would want in an offensive tackle prospect. He even played both defensive tackle and defensive end for his prep team, which illustrates his athletic ability. He has a decent kick step when getting into his pass-pro set, but his strength at this point is firing off the ball as a run-blocker. Still, Cleveland has all the tools and potential to become a standout left tackle at the next level.

8. 4-Star E.J. Price

Height/Weight: 6'6", 311 pounds

High School: Archer High School; Lawrenceville, Georgia

247Sports Ranking: No. 8 offensive tackle; No. 52 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia and Michigan

Offensive tackle E.J. Price, a 4-star, decommitted from Georgia in June, but he told Bleacher Report at The Opening that the Bulldogs are still the favorite to land him on signing day.

"Georgia, they are my No. 1 right now because I have such a good relationship with them," Price said. "I want to be clear that it was nothing against Georgia. I just felt like I needed to enjoy the process because you only get to do it once. Georgia is definitely still up there."

Price mentioned Florida State, Georgia, Texas A&M and Michigan as schools he could potentially visit in the fall.

Bleacher Report Analysis

I saw Price at The Opening, and he opened some eyes with his performance. Even when he lost reps he was rarely caught in a bad position. He has great footwork, and he's fluid in his movements. He needs to use his hands better to fend off defensive ends and work on maintaining his balance in pass protection. But overall Price has a strong frame and the upside necessary to develop into an elite prospect in college.

7. 4-Star Tommy Kraemer

Height/Weight: 6'5", 305 pounds

High School: Elder High School; Cincinnati  

247Sports Ranking: No. 7 offensive tackle; No. 44 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Committed to Notre Dame on Oct. 4, 2014

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly was able to land another stud line prospect out of Ohio State's backyard when 4-star tackle Tommy Kraemer committed to the Irish last October.

The U.S. Army All-American selected the Irish over offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State and Tennessee, among others.

Kraemer is the top prospect from the state of Ohio in the 2016 cycle.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Kraemer is a well-rounded prospect who still has some room to grow into his frame. Technique-wise, he's already shown the ability to slide his feet and maintain his balance in pass protection. He has the ability to get to the second level in run-blocking situations. Overall, he's one of the more complete prospects in this class.

6. 4-Star Willie Allen

Height/Weight: 6'7 ½", 300 pounds 

High School: John Curtis High School; New Orleans  

247Sports Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle; No. 40 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, LSU and Ole Miss

Offensive tackle Willie Allen, a 4-star, represents the top offensive prospect in the state of Louisiana since the recent transfer of 5-star quarterback Shea Patterson to IMG Academy in Florida.

While Alabama and LSU are the presumed favorites for Allen, in June he visited Auburn twice, as well as Ole Miss.

Baylor, Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame and Ohio State are among the other powers who have offered Allen.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Allen is a mauler in the run game. He does a great job of getting off the ball and driving his defender downfield. He can get to the second level in a hurry. He's less advanced as a pass-blocker, but his athleticism, footwork and long arms are a few traits that can help him develop in that area.

5. 4-Star Jonah Williams

Height/Weight: 6'5", 296 pounds

High School: Folsom High School; Folsom, California  

247Sports Ranking: No. 5 offensive tackle; No. 38 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 92/100

Committed to Alabama on April 4, 2015

The top offensive line prospect in the state of California in this cycle is 4-star offensive tackle Jonah Williams.

In April, he committed to Alabama over offers from Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon and USC, among others.

Williams is currently the highest-rated member of the Tide's 2016 class.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

In the 2016 tackle class, Williams has one of the better pieces of film with respect to his pass-blocking ability. He appears to be advanced in elements such as footwork and hand placement. He's also strong at the point of attack in the ground game. Adding mass and continuing to develop his technique will be key for Williams and his transition to the college level.

4. 4-Star Michal Menet

Height/Weight: 6'5", 273 pounds

High School: Exeter Township High School; Reading, Pennsylvania  

247Sports Ranking: No. 4 offensive tackle; No. 35 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100 

Committed to Penn State on May 29, 2015

Since he's taken over at Penn State, head coach James Franklin has done a great job of locking up the top talent in the Keystone State.

This year he was able to land the state's top prospect—4-star offensive tackle Michal Menet—in May.

Menet chose Penn State over offers from Alabama, Florida State, Michigan and Ohio State, among others.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Menet is another versatile prospect who has played both defensive end and defensive tackle in his career. He's naturally athletic for a player with his size. As an offensive tackle he's still very raw. He's a prospect who would benefit from a redshirt year—not just to add weight but to learn the finer details of playing offensive tackle. With that said, given his agility and aggressive mentality, he's a prospect with tremendous upside at the next level.

3. 4-Star Ben Bredeson

Height/Weight: 6'5", 293 pounds

High School: Arrowhead High School; Hartland, Wisconsin  

247Sports Ranking: No. 3 offensive tackle; No. 32 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 90/100

Committed to Michigan on June 17, 2015

At the heart of Michigan's top-10 recruiting class is a trio of standouts along the offensive line.

Leading that list is 4-star offensive tackle and Wisconsin native Ben Bredeson.

He selected the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

In pass protection, Bredeson does a great job of setting his lower base and keeping defenders at a distance using his long arms. He has some room on his frame to add strength, and he's agile enough to play tackle. Overall, Bredeson brings a versatile skill set to college, which should help him make the transition quicker than most linemen.

2. 5-Star Patrick Hudson

Height/Weight: 6'5 ½", 325 pounds

High School: Silsbee High School; Silsbee, Texas  

247Sports Ranking: No. 2 offensive tackle; No. 16 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 91/100

Committed to Baylor on July 18, 2014

One of the top prospects in the Lone Star State in the 2016 cycle is 5-star offensive tackle Patrick Hudson.

After an initial commitment to Texas A&M, Hudson decommitted in favor of Baylor last July.

He also has offers from Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas.

Bleacher Report Analysis 

Hudson moves well for a kid his size. He's athletic enough to slide his feet in pass-pro sets. He can also get off the line quickly as a run-blocker. He has a strong punch that often stagnates the initial push from his defender. He could stand to reshape his body by losing fat and adding some mass. However, he has the college-ready frame and well-rounded skill set to be an early contributor at the college level.

1. 5-Star Gregory Little

Height/Weight: 6'5 ½", 305 pounds

High School: Allen High School; Allen, Texas  

247Sports Ranking: No. 1 offensive tackle; No. 2 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 94/100 

Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Texas A&M

As Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles detailed, 5-star offensive tackle Greg Little backed off his pledge to Texas A&M earlier this month.

Among the schools Little has visited in the offseason are Alabama, Ole Miss and Oklahoma, in addition to the Aggies.

The Crimson Tide appear to be the new favorite in the race to land the nation's top offensive line prospect.

Bleacher Report Analysis

What makes Little a special prospect and one who occupies the top spot among offensive tackles is his athleticism and how fluidly he moves for a kid his size. In terms of pass protection, he's already versed in techniques such as hand placement and kick steps. He's physical enough in the run game, but that's one area where he can grow in his transition to the next level. Overall, Little is the most complete prospect in the 2016 class among offensive linemen.

All analysis provided by B/R National Recruiting Analyst Sanjay Kirpalani. All rankings courtesy of 247Sports' composite rankings.