NFL Draft 400: Ranking the Draft's Top Interior OL

Scouts and general managers have called the 2018 NFL draft class average, but we still have questions. Who is the best overall player? How about the best at each position?  

The NFL Draft 400's goal is to figure that out. 

We tracked, scouted, graded and ranked the top 400 prospects with help from scouting assistants Marshal Miller, Dan Bazal and Jerod Brown. Together, we viewed tape of a minimum of three games per player—the same standard NFL teams use. Oftentimes, we saw every play from a prospect over the last two years. 

Strengths and weaknesses figured into the grades, with a pro-player comparison added to match the prospect's style or fit in the pros. The top 400 prospects will be broken down by position for easy viewing before the release of a top-400 big board prior to the April 26-28 draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

In the case of a tie, players were ranked based on their overall grade in our top 400.

34. Mark Korte, Alberta

Photo Credit: Alberta Athletics

POSITIVES

—A tackle at Alberta but projects inside to guard.

—Tape shows him moving easily to space and looking for defenders to hit.

—Is aggressive coming out of his stance and not at all timid at the point of attack.

—Naturally agile with good body control and balance; can bend and drive-block.

—Has a finisher's mentality.

NEGATIVES

—Faced poor level of competition.

—Small at 6'2 ½", 283 pounds, 9 ¼" hands and 31 ½" arms. All are below the NFL threshold for guards.

—Wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

—Has to get bigger and stronger to handle NFL competition. Scouts think he's a center for a zone scheme.

—Must learn to play with his eyes up and more awareness to recognize blitzes and stunts.

OVERALL

Mark Korte is a draft-and-stash guy teams will look to develop on a practice squad before unleashing him on Sundays. He has nice athleticism and toughness, which could get him selected, but we project him as an undrafted free agent.

GRADE: 4.90 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Max Garcia, Denver Broncos

33. Jacob Alsadek, Arizona

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Four-year starter and will play interior NFL role.

—Has flashes of legitimate power on film that can be nasty.

—Grip strength to latch on and drive against power.

—NFL size (6'7", 325 lbs), length and power is obvious.

NEGATIVES

—Mediocre athlete who'll struggle in space.

—Leaner, particularly late in the game, and will have trouble against defenders who manipulate leverage.

—Change-of-direction skills are underwhelming, including ability to mirror with fluidity and reset anchor.

—Angles to second-level defenders are off-target and create too many misses.

OVERALL

Jacob Alsadek has an NFL-ready frame and can pop off the film with occasional power. Unfortunately, his other technical aspects need refinement to mitigate his lack of athleticism. He should have no trouble earning a training camp role, but a long-term starting position seems unlikely. Alsadek will be best served as a reserve who can hone some of the tricks of the trade to mask his deficiencies.

GRADE: 4.90 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Denver Kirkland, Oakland Raiders

32. Austin Kuhnert, North Dakota State

Photo Credit: North Dakota State University

POSITIVES

—Four-year starter at a premier FCS program.

—Has experience at guard and center; NFL scouts see his potential at both spots.

—Physical, aggressive player off the snap who will look to dump and pancake opponents in the run game.

—Poised in pass protection and has handled both shotgun and under-center snaps.

—Is strong enough to handle power rushers and anchor the line.

NEGATIVES

—Lean frame with small hands (8 ⅝") and short arms (31 ¼").

—Shrine Game invitee wasn't picked up by the Senior Bowl or NFL Scouting Combine.

—Suspended two games for academic issues in 2016.

—Doesn't have the length or athleticism to execute reach blocks.

—Needs to finish the job better after making initial contact; falls off blocks.

OVERALL

North Dakota State has been a hotbed of talent, and center Austin Kuhnert might be the next sleeper to come from the Bisons. He's a little undersized (6'4", 304 lbs) and needs to prove he's athletic enough to handle the position, but he's worth a pickup to see if his game can be developed.

GRADE: 4.90 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Russell Bodine, Buffalo Bills

31. Salesi Uhatafe, Utah

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Strong top half that can compensate for technical deficiencies.

—Will generate movement by stacking out defenders early in the rep.

—Sturdy build that looks bigger than listed weight (6'4", 295 lbs).

—Plenty of experience with competing for a starting role.

NEGATIVES

—Pusher who struggles to connect and drive defenders downfield.

—Tight-hipped player who has trouble with getting into functional stances and driving out of them with power and fluidity.

—Change-of-direction skills are underwhelming and create issues when mirroring speed.

—Locks vision on to target in pass protection and will be chewed up by NFL stunts.

—Leans on defenders rather than gaining leverage and using torque to dig opponents out.

OVERALL

Salesi Uhatafe has the thickness and upper-body strength to land in a training camp. His fundamental techniques, however, are far too reliant on size and power, leaving him to struggle when those won't win every rep. He's a limited athlete and will have to develop tricks to compete.

GRADE: 4.90 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Lucas Nix, retired

30. Jake Bennett, Colorado State

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Competitive toughness is obvious each snap.

—Mental processing appears solid and shows a player able to diagnose and reset given different looks pre-snap.

—Can play any of the three interior offensive line positions but best projects to center.

—Technical aspects of his game are solid and help him compensate for limitations.

NEGATIVES

—Weight isn't high enough (290 lbs) and keeps his frame thin in all the wrong places.

—Power chews him up and will be exploited often by NFL bull-rushers.

—Size is suited for outside zone, but he can't move like he'll have to in an offense of that type.

—The 6'4" lineman isn't big enough or athletic enough to find a fit if he can't routinely win with processing and hustle.

OVERALL

Jake Bennett has everything coaches could want between the ears. He's bright, instinctual and an ultimate competitor. Unfortunately, his athletic limitations will cause serious concerns when trying to find an NFL fit. He'll earn a training camp invite and will impress in the classroom, but he may be too far behind.

GRADE: 4.90 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Greg Mancz, Houston Texans

29. Brad Lundblade, Oklahoma State

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Former walk-on who earned scholarship after his first season.

—Three-year starter for prolific passing offense.

—Stance and explosiveness out of it is solid in pass protection.

—Lower-back mobility is good and helps keep core locked in during pass protection.

—Has solid punch timing and strength to disrupt the rush throughout the rep.

NEGATIVES

—Lunges too often and can get embarrassed with well-timed moves.

—Eye discipline, on both run and pass plays, is underwhelming and will cause whiffs when he can't locate targets.

—Athleticism is below-average and will limit his usage.

—Struggles to regain leverage when he doesn't initiate contact.

—Grabby in the run game and will see penalties in the NFL.

OVERALL

Brad Lundblade was a productive three-year starter for Oklahoma State after walking on to begin his career. The core strength and power Lundblade shows on tape are encouraging enough to warrant a training camp opportunity. Unfortunately, limited positional versatility and athleticism create leverage issues that can't be easily masked. He'll have to address flexibility and mobility concerns if he plans on cracking an active roster.

GRADE: 4.99 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Ryan Groy, Buffalo Bills

28. Connor Hilland, William & Mary

Photo Credit: Jim Agnew

POSITIVES

—Shrine Game invitee who impressed scouts with toughness and work ethic.

—Experience playing both guard and center.

—Great upper power showed at Shrine Game practices where he rag-dolled interior defensive linemen.

—Drive-blocker with a finisher's mentality who locks on and takes defenders for a ride.

—Lands a solid punch and has the strength to be effective in pass protection.

NEGATIVES

—Average bulk at 296 pounds with just 9 ¼" hands and 32" arms.

—Banged up throughout his career.

—Played against small competition and was able to win on size and strength.

—Lateral agility looked poor when asked to slide and mirror. Needs his feet reworked.

—Major project who needs to be put on a practice squad and worked with daily.

OVERALL

A small-schooler who caught scouts' eyes at the Shrine Game, Connor Hilland has a tough road ahead as a William & Mary grad looking to make the NFL. However, he has the tough attitude and drive to land on a roster.

GRADE: 4.99 (Camp Body)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Wesley Johnson, Detroit Lions

27. KC McDermott, Miami (FL)

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Experience at guard and tackle over four-year career.

—If he punches and latches on, it's almost always for complete control throughout the rep.

—Athleticism is good enough to mirror during inside pass protection.

—Has quick strikes that keep his chest clean when he's locked in.

NEGATIVES

—Frame (6'5", 311 lbs) is top-heavy with a thin base.

—Struggles to engage hips into drive blocks and will play with poor balance.

—Inconsistent technique that can look flawless one play and absent the next.

—Grasps in space at the second level instead of staying low and running to meeting points.

—His drive off his instep during pass protection is weak and creates frenetic pace to match speed off the edge.

OVERALL

The youngest of three brothers (Tyler, Shane) to play college ball, KC McDermott has the requisite skills to earn an NFL look. He doesn't have the foot quickness or fluidity to pass set as a tackle and will have to get comfortable with a move inside. Despite his height, McDermott has enough hip flexibility to sink into his stance effectively. A thin, narrow base will cause concern and will need building up, but a training camp opportunity shouldn't be in doubt.

GRADE: 5.00 (Priority Free Agent)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Parker Ehinger, Kansas City Chiefs

26. Coleman Shelton, Washington

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Played all over the line at Washington.

—Lateral agility is solid and can help him reach quick-twitch interior athletes.

—Has to win with technique and has a developed process to be functional every down.

—Wins half-man relationship in pass sets routinely and can drive out of stance to battle speed.

—Efficient steps to climb and reach second-level defenders.

NEGATIVES

—Strength is a major concern and will be exposed in both run and pass responsibilities.

—Arm length (31 ½") and hand size (8 ½") create struggles with lean and grip strength against powerful interior defenders.

—Tries to bow his back and dig in but is smothered often by strong bull-rushers who put him in the QB's lap.

—Needs to be in zone scheme, which offers double-teams at the point of attack.

—One-on-one drive blocks become stalemates at best and will be worse in the NFL.

OVERALL

Coleman Shelton has learned how to use technique and functional movements to overcome an obvious lack of play strength that will only be highlighted in the NFL. He has experience at tackle, guard and center and could earn a role on a practice squad because of his positional flexibility. Early on, he'll have to rely on processing and hustle to earn and keep a spot.

GRADE: 5.00 (Priority Free Agent)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Alex Redmond, Cincinnati Bengals

25. Sam Jones, Arizona State

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Athletic guard who can get in space and climb to second-level defenders.

—Understands angles and positioning well enough to be successful throughout runs to the boundary.

—Quick feet to set and mirror with agility inside.

—Can run with shoulders square to the line of scrimmage and time up punches to defenders in space.

—Smooth pass-setter who can hit his spots and gain half-man advantage.

NEGATIVES

—Has to find a way to put on weight and carry it consistently despite a frame (6'5", 305 lbs) that looks maxed out.

—Will struggle to deal with NFL power at the point of attack.

—Will not find success in a gap scheme and is limited to zone schemes that minimize routine need for power.

—Doesn't have the lower-back strength to drop his anchor and stalemate a bull rush.

—Can have lapses in processing that leave him high and dry.

OVERALL

Sam Jones will struggle to carry the weight needed to be an effective interior offensive lineman. He'll have to find a program that builds up a frame that doesn't seem to have much more space on it while also retaining the athleticism that makes him a reasonable prospect.

He's an athletic mover who's learned how to win reps without traditional power. An outside-zone scheme may see him as a rotating piece who can provide spot starts and depth after a year or two on a practice squad.

GRADE: 5.00 (Priority Free Agent)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: B.J. Finney, Pittsburgh Steelers

24. Sean Welsh, Iowa

Matthew Holst/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Able to play all of the three interior positions consistently.

—Iowa has a tradition of producing NFL-ready offensive linemen.

—Choppy steps with ability to mirror defenders in his quick sets

—Short, squatty frame (6'3", 306 lbs) he uses to gain natural leverage.

—Technician who wins with intelligence and processing on the field.

—Second-level strikes are timed well and show attention to placement and angles.

NEGATIVES

—Undersized from an NFL height and length perspective.

—Not a nasty finisher and will often do just enough to control the rep.

—Not a natural mover in space, and hips look tightly wound.

—Doesn't come with full force into contact and instead is more of a positioning blocker.

—Lack of length (76 ¼" wingspan) leads to some bending and leaning up top that NFL defenders will exploit.

OVERALL

Sean Welsh doesn't have ideal NFL size and athleticism, but he's a technician who'll enter the league with top-tier Iowa coaching. The team that lands him won't have to worry about his mental processing. If he can continue to win with foundational skills, a backup/spot-starter role seems likely and could allow him to carve out a nice career.

GRADE: 5.50 (Round 6-7)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Jack Allen, New Orleans Saints

23. K.J. Malone, LSU

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Athletic bloodlines from father Karl Malone, an NBA Hall of Famer.

—Has the frame (6'4", 303 lbs) and power to succeed as an interior offensive lineman in a gap scheme.

—Heavy-hitter who generates power from a thick lower body.

—Experience at all spots and will benefit from full-time move inside.

—Recognizes leverage mid-play and can finish with force when it matters.

NEGATIVES

—Missed six games in 2017 with a knee injury.

—Lack of athleticism in space will limit the potential schemes he can find success in.

—Speed overwhelms him, and he begins to play hurried rather than calmly hitting set points.

—Angles to second-level defenders are often misjudged and leave him grasping in space.

—Strikes are rounded from his hips, and athletes with plus-hand usage will chop them away easily.

OVERALL

The son of a basketball Hall of Famer, K.J. has the athletic foundation teams will approve of. While he's not in the same sport as his father, the expectations for professional athletes won't be a surprise to the younger Malone. A full-time move inside might clean up some of the technical deficiencies that plague him and could increase his likelihood of sticking around as a depth piece and spot-starting interior player.

GRADE: 5.50 (Round 6-7)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Kelvin Beachum, New York Jets

22. Cody O'Connell, Washington State

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—A giant at 6'9" and 363 pounds.

—Sheer size and length make him a force defenders have to navigate.

—Opponents who don't have legitimate power can't simply bull-rush him into the pocket.

—His reach across all planes can help him get his hands on targets in a hurry.

—His down blocks can be devastating and wash out entire lanes.

NEGATIVES

—Elusive pass-rushers will beat him with quickness.

—Height is a major concern when he's asked to create leverage while drive-blocking.

—Balance can be disrupted easily with change of direction.

—Can't beat quickness to his outside shoulder and fails to open up and run to recover.

—Position fit will be an issue because of size and athletic makeup.

OVERALL

Cody O'Connell will stand out even among the largest NFL players. While his size can cover technical issues, it also creates movement concerns that smooth, speedy athletes will exploit in space. Leverage concerns make it difficult to envision him succeeding as a guard in power schemes, and his feet aren't at the level needed to be a high-caliber tackle. O'Connell will be a project but has the sheer size to dominate average competition.

GRADE: 5.60 (Round 6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Zach Banner, Carolina Panthers

21. Dejon Allen, Hawaii

Darryl Oumi/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Versatile prospect who has experience at tackle and interior positions.

—Phenomenal athlete who can reach second-level defenders with ease.

—Smooth pass sets that help him easily win half-man relationship and hit his set points.

—Active hands that jab and replace with timing and rhythm.

—Can open his hips and run with speed to wash out as defenders round the corner.

NEGATIVES

—Has a listed weight of 290 pounds and doesn't look like he has room for much more.

—Will struggle to match power and sheer size of interior NFL defenders.

—Athleticism becomes a crutch, and technique gets sloppy at times.

—Pad height has to be perfect to help him maximize undersized frame.

—Hasn't seen time at guard for the last two years and will have to show ability to stalemate an NFL bull rush.

OVERALL

Dejon Allen is an excellent athlete who uses speed and fluidity to be an effective all-around performer. He is able to consistently hit set points and punch with ease. Unfortunately, the NFL has size thresholds, and Allen barely meets the mark at 6'3", 290 pounds. If he can't put on functional weight, he'll struggle to routinely match interior defensive linemen's pure power. He's a high-upside player who could be a starter in two years or find himself struggling on a practice squad.

GRADE: 5.60 (Round 6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Austin Blythe, Los Angeles Rams

20. Bradley Bozeman, Alabama

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Has faced NFL talent in games and practice for the last two years as a starter for Alabama's offensive line.

—Has size and stature (6'5", 316 lbs) that can handle NFL physicality inside.

—Mental processing is above-average and will prepare him for NFL rigors of.

—Can match power with power at the point of attack.

—Competitive toughness is clear and shows up in big games.

NEGATIVES

—Limited athlete who may not have the movement skills to reach NFL linebacker speed.

—Doesn't drive out of his stance with purpose and will set himself behind in the rep early.

—Pushes far too often rather than latching on and driving behind his hands and hips. 

—Quick sets are far too slow and will leave him lunging on the interior.

—Elects to wall off defenders rather than explode through them and doesn't have the routine finishes he should.

OVERALL

Bradley Bozeman is a two-year starter along Alabama's offensive line. That holds weight with NFL talent evaluators. Teams won't have to worry what sort of coaching or expectations Bozeman has been operating under. He has the technical proficiency to be a long-term backup, but his athletic ability appears to cap out below the NFL threshold and will have to be something he learns to mask with technique.

GRADE: 5.60 (Round 6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Max Garcia, Denver Broncos

19. Taylor Hearn, Clemson

Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Wide-bodied player (6'5", 320 lbs) who has the necessary NFL thickness.

—Broad chest that helps him dig into power at the contact point.

—Eyes to the second level are accurate and can identify defenders on pulls.

—Punch location is consistent and compact enough to stun defenders.

—Three-year contributor with degree completed.

NEGATIVES

—Limited flexibility in hips that causes him to bend rather than sit into his stance.

—Leverage into contact suffers from poor pad height due to limited flexibility.

—Heavy-footed mover who can't redirect targets while operating in space.

—Feet stop at contact and create balance issues that lead to whiffs or falling off blocks.

—Underwhelming athlete in space and will struggle in zone scheme.

OVERALL

Taylor Hearn is bulky and can handle the power and weight of the league's big interior players. He has an adequate punch that he times well to help slow pass-rushers and mitigate concerns caused by poor athleticism and flexibility. He should find success in a power scheme that puts him in a phone booth and lets him work in minimal space.

GRADE: 5.60 (Round 6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Andrew Tiller, New Orleans Saints

18. Brian Allen, Michigan State

Al Goldis/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Competitive toughness and mean streak that are apparent on film.

—Versatile competitor who spent time at multiple line spots.

—Uses natural leverage and torque to dig out defensive linemen at the point of attack.

—Churns out blocks by continually pounding feet into and through stalemates that most others might lose.

—Can quick-set and anchor well despite lack of length (76 ¾" wingspan).

NEGATIVES

—Lack of height (6'1") and length forces him to lean and engage sooner than he might like.

—Doesn't have the athleticism required to play in a zone scheme, which would get him moving to the edge.

—Punch timing and location have to be perfect or he's overwhelmed quickly with speed and power.

—Half-second late out of his stance far too often despite needing the extra time to be first with strikes.

—Only a center in the NFL and will have to show he can become a more fluid athlete off the snap.

OVERALL

Brian Allen will have to excel at center if he expects to make a team. Fortunately, he shows the sort of competitiveness and mauler mentality franchises look for. Wherever he lands will have to coach him up to use strike location and timing, or he'll be exposed on the interior. At worst, he's a rookie practice squad candidate but should see an active roster within his first two years.

GRADE: 5.65 (Round 5-6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: David Andrews, New England Patriots

17. Tony Adams, North Carolina State

Lance King/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Has the size (6'2", 322 lbs) needed to be a functional center prospect with lower-body mass.

—Above-average control and balance into and through contact.

—Squatty, wide frame that helps win natural leverage and positioning to overtake double-teams on his play-side shoulder.

—Has the athleticism to succeed in outside-zone schemes and power to succeed in gap schemes.

—Jabs with good timing and placement to bring the action to the defender.

NEGATIVES

—Length is a concern, and he has to be effective with his first punch or he'll risk being swatted aside.

—His ability to anchor in pass protection is underwhelming, which is often due to a lack of awareness of space.

—Latches on through contact but will too often go for a ride rather than squeeze down elbows and torque for control.

—Leans into pass protection if his first punch misses and gets out on the top of his feet.

OVERALL

Tony Adams can play in any NFL scheme. He wins with good leverage and movement skills that help redirect contact and allow him to mirror in short-area pass protection. He won't enter the league as an immediate starter, but he has all of the foundational traits to build into a quality starter within his first three years.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Mike Matthews, Pittsburgh Steelers

16. Timon Parris, Stony Brook

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Built like a tackle at 6'6" and 312 pounds but best projects to guard with 34-inch arms.

—Forty-one-game starter in college and shows awareness.

—Can be mean in the run game and has the agility to roll his hips and drive defenders.

—Agility and athleticism are impressive on tape; moves laterally, gets upfield and will put defenders in the dirt.

—Hips and feet are good enough that teams might consider him a right tackle.

NEGATIVES

—Didn't see much competition at Stony Brook and still needs development in his technique.

—Can be a back-bender in the run game and will lunge out of the snap.

—Pad level gets way too high on a frame that's already tall and long.

—Suffered season-ending fractured fibula in 2017; was unable to perform combine agility drills.

OVERALL

If you want a small school, late-round developmental lineman, this is the best one. Timon Parris needs to get healthy, coming off a broken leg, but his size and athleticism are intriguing.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Alex Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

15. Skyler Phillips, Idaho State

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Versatile, experienced lineman who started a game at every position but center in college.

—Squatty frame (6'3", 318 lbs) with excellent power in his lower body to rock defenders off the snap.

—Strong enough to bench press a bull-rushing tackle off his frame.

—Smart and experienced with good awareness to read and recognize rushes.

—Moves well laterally and when working upfield; can slide and mirror.

NEGATIVES

—Short with small hands and average arm length (33" arms, 9 ½" hands)

—Technique isn't developed, as he won with power at Idaho State.

—Has to do a better job controlling blocks through the whistle; too often gets shed late in the play.

—2016 concussion cost him seven games.

OVERALL

One of the best small-school players in the class, Skyler Phillips has the power and experience teams love. He needs work on his hand placement and block-finishing but is a nice Day 3 project who may become a starter at right guard.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Ben Grubbs, retired

14. William Clapp, LSU

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Three-year starter at all three interior positions.

—Mental processing skills are well above-average and show a player who can diagnose pre-snap and in motion.

—Grinder who wins with relentlessness and consistency each down.

—Combo blocks are devastating at first level, and he cleanly recognizes release to reach second-level defenders.

—Carries pop in his hands that he can unload with good timing.

NEGATIVES

—Weight disbursement is unbalanced at 6'5", 314 pounds, and he'll need to build up his lower half in a weight room.

—Raw power is lacking and will lead to stalemates against massive defenders on the inside.

—Heavy feet when he quick-sets speedy defenders, which leads to an inability to mirror in space.

—Clunky mover at the second level and has to tighten his angles to reach defenders.

—Lower-back strength is a concern and leads to an inability to dig out shaded nose tackles when reaching play side.

OVERALL

William Clapp is a versatile, experienced prospect who can play at any of the three interior line spots. Center looks like his best fit, as his mental processing can shine and put others in a position to be successful. He's a limited athlete but a diligent worker who plays whistle to whistle. Players who compete routinely will always find a home in the NFL to begin their careers. Clapp looks suited for a practice squad at worst in his first season and has a chance to crack an active roster as a depth piece.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Bryan Stork, retired

13. Matt Pryor, TCU

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Experienced at both tackle and guard with an ideal projection at right guard.

—Great frame at 6'7" and 328 pounds with the leverage to drop his anchor and push defenders in the run game.

—Long-armed player who uses his length well and has room to improve his punch accuracy to become even more effective in the pass game.

—Absorbs power-rushers and will sit down and anchor when a defender tries to convert speed to power.

—Has the size and length to shut down even the best pass-rushers if he gets hands on them.

NEGATIVES

—Average mover who is likely a fit in a drive scheme but not as much for zone teams.

—Weight management has been an issue. Was listed at 350 pounds in the summer and was at one point close to 400 pounds, per school sources.

—Scouts questioned his football IQ and work ethic when discussing his draft grade.

—Speedy rushers will give him fits around the edge because of his heavy feet, which is why he's projected inside to guard.

—Has to speed up his process. From snap to reaction to his first movement, he's often beaten with quickness from defenders.

OVERALL

The team that drafts Matt Pryor must have a plan to help him continue developing his body and game. But he's an impressive player on the hoof with the tools to become a better pro than he was a college blocker.

GRADE: 5.75 (Round 4-5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Trent Brown, San Francisco 49ers

12. Jaryd Jones-Smith, Pittsburgh

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Massive frame at 6'6", 317 pounds with 10-inch hands and 36 ¼-inch arms.

—Experienced lineman with starts at left and right tackle; reps as the team's sixth lineman, too.

—Excellent use of length in pass protection. Locks out defenders with his hands and makes them take a long arc to the quarterback.

—Has the body and arms of a right tackle but projects well inside at guard with his straight-ahead blocking style.

—Still learning the position; high upside.

NEGATIVES

—Stiff mover with average lateral agility and heavy feet.

—Play strength doesn't match his size. Struggles to finish and control defenders.

—Loses balance and effectiveness on pulls; more of a straight-line drive blocker.

—Knee injury in June 2015 cost him his redshirt sophomore season and has been red-flagged by teams.

OVERALL

Jaryd Jones-Smith is a developmental prospect who looks like a Day 3 pick but has the length and pass-blocking skills to get a long look from NFL teams. He could develop into a starter at either guard spot or right tackle.

GRADE: 5.75 (Round 4-5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Ramon Foster, Pittsburgh Steelers

11. Scott Quessenberry, UCLA

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Athletic, smart center ideal for a zone-blocking scheme.

—Combine performance showed his burst, body control and overall agility with top times in the 40-yard dash (5.09 seconds), vertical jump (33 ½"), broad jump (111") and three-cone drill (7.5 seconds).

—Experienced at center and guard and brings value as a potential sixth offensive lineman.

—Handles line checks well and won't be thrown off by advanced defensive play calls.

—Brother of Houston Texans lineman David Quessenberry.

NEGATIVES

—Play strength is average; won't push the pile from center.

—A touch small for power-blocking schemes at 6'5", 302 pounds.

—Surgery on both shoulders in 2015.

—Doesn't protect his chest in pass protection and will have to learn to better use his length and timing to win the rep.

—Looks athletic but doesn't move as well getting upfield in the run game.

OVERALL

UCLA center Scott Quessenberry has the traits to develop into a starter at guard or center. His burst, agility and balance were all impressive at the Senior Bowl and in combine testing. Showing up big in those two events has his stock rising.

GRADE: 5.75 (Round 4-5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: David Quessenberry, Houston Texans

10. Mason Cole, Michigan

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Experienced, consistent lineman with reps at center and left tackle for Michigan.

—Four-year starter for the Wolverines and the first true freshman tackle to ever start the season opener.

—Has the strength to anchor against power and uses angles well to seal off inside moves.

—Fires off the ball low and with good pop in his pads to push the run game.

—Has shown the mobility to move down the line of scrimmage and has lateral skills.

—Smart and durable, and is a worker, according to coaches.

NEGATIVES

—Short-armed at 32 ⅛", which cements his projection as a center despite experience at tackle.

—Average athletic traits show up on tape against quicker defensive tackles or when asked to reach a linebacker.

—Balance looks poor when asked to seal off a defender on the move.

—Failed to develop at Michigan and looks maxed out physically and in terms of technique.

—Hands miss wildly at times.

OVERALL

Two years ago, scouts were talking about Mason Cole as a potential Round 1 player if he continued to develop. That didn't happen, but Cole is still seen as a reliable asset at center. He's a good fit in both zone and power schemes and could be starting early in his pro career.

GRADE: 5.80 (Round 4)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Hroniss Grasu, Chicago Bears

9. Wyatt Teller, Virginia Tech

Michael Hickey/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Prodigious strength that is apparent every snap.

—Rocked-up frame (6'5", 315 lbs) that is balanced from top to bottom; he'll be able to immediately handle NFL physicality.

—Can latch and extend defenders as if bench-pressing them and has torque coming from his elbows and lower-back strength.

—Mean streak on the field that shows good competitive toughness and intensity.

—Above-average body control in space to roll into and through contact with ease.

NEGATIVES

—His 2016 tape was far better than his 2017 highlights, and he'll have to convince teams he's still trending upward.

—Had some loafs during 2017 that show a disengaged player.

—Won't succeed when asked to routinely play in space and is best suited for a gap scheme.

—Lateral agility is suspect and highlights a tightly wound lower half.

—Play speed is average at best.

OVERALL

Wyatt Teller is one of the draft's most physically imposing interior offensive linemen. He has a muscular frame that will have no problem handling the beef he'll see up front in the NFL. 2017 saw a regression in terms of overall play, and plenty of that looked to be from a player less interested in his performance than he was the previous year. Teller will have to convince teams his 2016 tape represents who they'll get. If he does, he could be a rookie starter with all of the tools to become a standout in a gap scheme.

GRADE: 6.00 (Round 3)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Cameron Erving, Kansas City Chiefs

8. Braden Smith, Auburn

Michael Chang/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Three-year starter, with most of his reps coming at right guard.

—Mean at the point of attack; toughness is impressive on film. Real-deal bodyguard.

—Consistent in the passing game and handles different types of rushers thanks to combo of power and athleticism.

—Can anchor against strong interior pass-rushers. Bull rushes don't affect him.

—Plug-and-play right guard with the athleticism to fit any scheme.

NEGATIVES

—Falls off too many blocks and needs to lock on with stronger hands.

—His read-and-react can be slow to recognize stunts and blitzes.

—Punch can be wild and inaccurate, which allows defenders to get into his 6'6", 315-pound frame.

—Balance and body control aren't as good as his test times indicate.

—Maxed-out frame and technique; might be as good as he'll get.

OVERALL

Braden Smith is an ideal Round 2-3 candidate with the tools to be a rookie starter. He checks the boxes for size but has shorter arms (32 ¼") that keep his projection inside at guard. If he can work on more consistent hand placement, he could become a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

GRADE: 6.50 (Round 2-3)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Kyle Long, Chicago Bears

7. Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Experienced at right guard and center; team captain.

—Excellent overall athletic testing at the Arkansas pro day. Strong, agile and with good burst.

—Has ideal size (6'5", 312 lbs) with long arms (33 ⅛").

—Scheme-versatile thanks to lateral agility and length. Also has the power to anchor when lined up at center.

—Mean, tough drive-blocker who has excellent finishing skills.

NEGATIVES

—Tested as a better athlete than his film showed at times.

—Injured ankle in 2017 ended his season.

—Hands get outside the pads of pass-rushers, which could lead to holding calls.

—Is high coming out of his snap.

OVERALL

A versatile starter who can line up in any scheme and at multiple positions, Frank Ragnow might be a first-rounder were he not coming off an injury. As it stands, he should be a top-50 selection and profiles well as a high-level starter.

GRADE: 6.75 (Round 2)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Chris Chester, Houston Texans

6. Austin Corbett, Nevada

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Three-year starter at left tackle but played both center and guard at the Senior Bowl.

—Scouts raved about his football IQ and awareness. Considered NFL ready.

—Overall good athlete with the right build (6'4", 306 lbs) to play anywhere from left guard to right tackle in the NFL.

—Lateral agility is great, and he plays with the burst and body control to be exceptional as a pulling guard.

—One scout called him a finesse player, but the tape shows a finisher with a mean mentality in the run game.

—Can lock on and drive linebackers in the run.

—Experience at left tackle gave him a developed kick-slide and mirror.

NEGATIVES

—Arm length is average for a tackle prospect (33 ⅛").

—Bench-press numbers at the combine (19 reps) were well-below the NFL threshold.

—Surrenders his chest to long-armed defenders.

—Can be set up by double moves and will get caught off balance in his set.

OVERALL

Every team likes Austin Corbett's versatility and experience. The key to his draft slot will be how franchises view his shorter arms and lack of strength. He still projects as an early starter, but more so as a left guard than a tackle.

GRADE: 6.95 (Round 2)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns

5. Will Hernandez, UTEP

Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Mean, nasty, throwback blocker who wears a neck roll and wants to embarrass defenders.

—He's why the word "mauler" is used in scouting reports. Looks to dump every defender into the turf. Drive-blocker extraordinaire.

—Is tough and attacks every rep like a street fight.

—Short-area burst is above-average, and his knees bend well at the point of attack; has ideal balance and body control.

—Strength shows up on film and in workouts (37 bench-press reps). He can handle anything defenders throw at him be it a bull rush or speed-to-power conversion.

—Four-year starter at left guard.

—Plays much quicker than he looks and is a good overall athlete.

NEGATIVES

—Short, stocky player with average arm length (6'2", 327 lbs, 32" arms).

—Undisciplined after the whistle.

—Lunges off the snap at times and will surrender his leverage.

—Level of competition was low.

OVERALL

Will Hernandez is the type of guy you want protecting your back at night, and that's exactly what he'll do for NFL quarterbacks as a plug-and-play starter at left guard. He's athletic enough for zone schemes but has that old-school badass mentality to work in any scheme.

GRADE: 6.95 (Round 2)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Richie Incognito, Buffalo Bills

4. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Played guard before 2017, then he dominated at left tackle.

—Fluid and tough with awesome production in the run game on the left side.

—Smart with enough athleticism to reach defenders outside his zone. Takes good angles and uses his athleticism well.

—Arms are long enough (33 ⅜") despite having a 6'3" frame.

—Powerful at the point of attack; can handle defenders with his combination of length and power.

—Technique is solid with accurate hand punches and good timing.

—Best in pass protection where his length and athleticism are hard to shake.

NEGATIVES

—Short and a tad small, which is why he's projected to play guard.

—Hands measured at just 8 ½".

—Will need to improve his lower-body power to better absorb NFL power-rushers.

—Hips looked a little stiff on tape.

OVERALL

If Isaiah Wynn were 6'5", we'd be talking about him as the first tackle off the board. Instead, he'll likely be a late first-rounder and will see a move to guard. He still projects as a possible Pro Bowl-caliber player on the interior, with some teams seeing him as a center.

GRADE: 6.99 (Round 2)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Shaq Mason, New England Patriots

3. James Daniels, Iowa

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—Smooth, athletic, fluid interior-line prospect with experience at guard and center.

—Quick and balanced with excellent body control on the move.

—Technically sound in terms of angles and hand placement; can be unstoppable on angle blocks.

—Fast enough to seal off players at the second level.

—Patient in pass protection where his athleticism shows as he closes down rushing lanes off his shoulders.

NEGATIVES

—Lack of size (6'3", 306 lbs) may cause him to be a fit in a zone scheme only.

—Needs to add strength, especially in his lower body.

—Will get rocked back occasionally when asked to sit and anchor against a strong bull rush.

OVERALL

If your team runs a zone-blocking scheme and needs a center, James Daniels is your guy. He's smooth and athletic, which allows him to reach defenders most centers can't. He needs to add strength, but Daniels is an immediate starter with a high ceiling.

GRADE: 7.00 (Round 1)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Billy Price, Ohio State

Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

POSITIVES

—Has experience playing both guard and center; three-year starter.

—Explosive, strong, mean player who finishes blocks by putting his defender in the dirt.

—Has the strength to anchor at center and brings that same power to his blocks on the move.

—Works well to the second level as a center and a guard; excellent on pulls and traps.

—Plug-and-play starter at three line spots.

—Strength and athleticism are top-tier on tape.

NEGATIVES

—Suffered a torn pec during the bench press at the combine.

—Can be too aggressive and duck his head.

—Needs to work on chopping his feet throughout the block and not trying to win with upper-body strength at the point of attack.

OVERALL

Billy Price ranks as our top center in the 2018 class but will likely come off the board after other interior linemen because of the pec injury he suffered at the combine. His power, technique and athleticism make him an early starter, which is why he gets a Round 1 grade.

GRADE: 7.00 (Round 1)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts

1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

POSITIVES

—A dancing bear with excellent strength, agility, football IQ and toughness at the point of attack.

—A power blocker who is a mean finisher at the point of attack.

—Has the body to play anywhere on the offensive line.

—Three-year starter at left guard.

—Works well to the second level to attack inside linebackers.

—Has the lateral agility to be dynamic pulling.

—Incredible awareness to see and feel blitzes and delayed pressure.

—Run-blocking grades are off the charts good.

NEGATIVES

—Positional value may drive Nelson down the board further than his ranking.

—There are few negatives, but one is limited athleticism.

OVERALL

Quenton Nelson is one of the cleanest prospects we've evaluated in the history of the Draft 400 series. He's big, strong, smart and tough. Nelson grades as the third-best player in the class and ranks as the safest pick. He has the traits to be an All-Pro guard.

GRADE: 7.75 (Top 5 Pick)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Steve Hutchinson, retired