2018 Recruiting Recap: Offensive Linemen

Nicholas Petit-Frere was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans
Petit-Frere, a former top recruit in the Class of 2018, started 16 games as a rookie for the Tennessee Titans in 2022.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft recap

Nick Herbig OLB-Pittsburgh Steelers
Wisconsin OLB Nick Herbig was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 132nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
February 8, 2025

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NFC South goes west in 2024 NFL Draft recap

8 min read

Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga was the 14th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

The NFC South‘s 2024 draft started with a major surprise at the top. When the Falcons took a quarterback with the eighth overall pick, it sent shock waves throughout the NFL. For the rest of the division, it was business as usual. But aside from one first round pick, the rest of the picks had a theme.

Many were from the West Coast. And, more specifically, the Pac-12. Nearly a third of the 29 draft picks (eight) in the division came from the conference.

Former South Carolina and New Orleans Saints fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler won 2024 Senior Bowl Offensive MVP honors.

The Saints took a quarterback, too, but they waited until the fifth round to grab a potential steal. Receivers and tight ends each made up six of the division’s selections. And defensive linemen (DE, DT) accounted for another six picks. As for linebackers?

Five went off the board in the NFC South’s draft. Offensive linemen were next in line with four selections. Defensive backs (3) were few and far between, and the same held true for running backs (3).

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Duke OL Graham Barton in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Buccaneers took two offensive linemen with experience at multiple spots. They grabbed an outside linebacker who can rush from a number of spots. Since rushing is paramount from anywhere in a Todd Bowles defense, its third round selection made sense. Finding the right fit at receiver is always important. Did its choice at that spot fit the room? On Day 3, they went with two more Pac-12 offensive threats.

We go through each pick in our NFC South 2024 NFL Draft recap.

2024 NFL Draft Recap, NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Rd/SelectionPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolNotesValue (1-5)
1 (8)Michael Penix 6’3 213 QB-WashingtonPenix’s skill at maneuvering the pocket allowed him to get his feet aligned correctly on a number of passes that crossed the field vertically in school. He surprised many with 4.5 speed in the postseason. An incredible insurance policy if Cousins does not recover from his Achilles injury.4.5
2 (35) FROM ArizonaRuke Orhorhoro6’4 294 DT-ClemsonStout enough to control OGs from the three-technique spot, Orhorhoro also uses snatch-and-pulls to win off the edge. The Lagos, Nigeria native can be cut-off due to inconsistent footwork. Consistently resets the line of scrimmage on opponents. 4.5
3 (74)Bralen Trice 6’3 1/2” 245 DE-WashingtonA fiery rusher who relies on power to win late in the down, Trice’s football intelligence stands out down-to-down. Plays bigger than his size would indicate and brings the right mentality to the defensive end or rush outside linebacker spot. 4.25
4 (109)Brandon Dorlus6’3 283 DL-Oregon Not flashy, but consistent. Dorlus may have been the draft’s best defensive lineman when it comes to getting his hands on the football (9 PBUs in 2023).4
5 (143)JD Bertrand6'1 235 LB-Notre DameBelieves his keys, trusts his eyes and shoots gaps when he sees the action. The Fighting Irish team captain plays with hot feet and can pop into his breaks as a curl-hook defender (Ohio State ’22). 4.25
6 (186)Jase McClellan5’11 221 RB-AlabamaOn outside zones, he shows patience allowing blocks to attach (see Texas ’22). Needs continued work in pass protection picking up the blitz and has the strength to improve in that regard. 3.75
6 (187)Casey Washington 6’1 197 WR-IllinoisWashington’s 218-yard, three-touchdown performance in his final game set him up for a strong postseason. 22 of his 49 catches in 2023 came in the team’s last three contests. 3.75
6 (197)Zion Logue 6’6 314 DT-Georgia Logue won’t offer much in the pass rush department but it won’t matter. He is tough to move on double teams and can keep LBs clean. Pad level has been an issue on occasion, but he creates torque from the lower half.4
Notable UDFA signings: JaQuae Jackson6'1 183 WR-Rutgers, California (Pa.)The California (Pa.) transfer’s speed was real “on the field.” His quickness was impressive, too, but there is room to grow as a route runner.
Jayden Price 6’0 185 CB-Ret/North Dakota StateWith five punt return TDs during his time in school, Price has a chance to make an impact early in an NFL training camp. The key will be how well Price fares at corner. In 2023, he picked off two passes and broke up four more.
Draft Grade:4.125
Carolina Panthers
Rd/SelectionPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolNotesValue (1-5)
1 (32) from Buffalo BillsXavier Legette6’2 221 WR-South CarolinaThe second-team All-SEC selection became one of the better receivers in the nation as a junior. Prior to 2023, the production was limited. And that is a big concern for a team that needs him NFL-ready from Day 1. 4
2 (46) from IndianapolisJonathan Brooks6’0 216 RB-TexasBlessed with a solid combination of power, speed and flexibility, Brooks does not come into the league with high mileage (238 career carries). In addition, 4.5Carolina traded the second-round pick (39th overall) and to the LA Rams in exchange for 2024 2nd round pick (52nd), 2024 5th-round pick and 2025 2nd-round pick
3 (72) from NY JetsTrevin Wallace6’1 237 LB-KentuckyInstincts were a big question mark for some NFL teams, but Wallace brings special teams value to the table. He can learn while contributing as a core special teams player. 4
4 (101)Ja’Tavion Sanders6’4 245 TE/H-back TexasSanders’ ball skills and route-running ability were key factors for the team in each of the last two seasons. Despite having to share targets with two other 2024 NFL Draft picks, Sanders averaged 15.2 yards per reception in 2023.4.5
5 (157)Chau Smith-Wade5’10 184 CB-Washington StateOne of the stars of the 2024 Senior Bowl with two interceptions, Smith-Wade’s game grew over the course of his career. His footwork could allow him to work as a nickel back for the Panthers.4
6 (200)Jaden Crumedy 6’4 301 DT-Mississippi StateCrumedy was an unsung hero for the Bulldogs over the last two years. He was a factor in the team’s defensive line rotation since 2019. Contains the ability to play multiple spots, but will likely be a candidate for five-technique duties in some of DC Ejiro Evero’s three-man fronts. 4
7 (240) from Pittsburgh SteelersMichael Barrett 5’11 233 LB-MichiganBarrett’s instincts more than make up for less than stellar postseason workout numbers. He can cover bigger TEs down the seams (see Ohio St ’23) or get jumps off the QB’s indicators in zone coverage (see Rutgers '22). 4.5
Notable UDFA signings: Harrison Mevis 6’0 251 PK-MissouriMevis kicked three game-winning field goals in 2023. His strong leg shows range to around the 60-to-65-yard mark. His 61-yard FG beat Florida. Accuracy could be an issue when trying to unseat Eddy Pineiro. Anytime you hit 13-of-18 field goals from 50 yards or more, it grabs the competition’s attention.
Draft Grade:4.21
New Orleans Saints
Rd/SelectionPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolNotesValue (1-5)
1 (14)Taliese Fuaga6’5 1/2” 324 OT-Oregon StateLight on his feet and an ability to sit in the chair make Fuaga one of the best draft picks in the first round. This was a position that the Saints needed to address early in the draft. The Saints need to hit on this tackle after Trevor Penning’s early injury struggles. 5
2 (41) from Green Bay via NY JetsKool-Aid McInstry5’11 1/2” 199 CB-AlabamaMcKinstry likely won’t get to show of his return skills with Rashid Shaheed handling most of those for the Saints. But his positive hip flexibility on the outside lanes increases the depth for the Saints defensive backfield.4.25
5 (150)Spencer Rattler6'0 211 QB-South Carolina, OklahomaRattler’s arm talent has been evident since a 28-touchdown campaign for the Sooners back in 2020. Games like his Tennessee 2022 performance (6 TD passes) show off his immense skill-set from the pocket. 4
5 (168) Bub Means6’1 212 WR-Pittsburgh, Louisiana TechMeans will compete with 2023 sixth-round pick A.T. Perry (4 TDs in ’23) and free agent Equanimeous St. Brown for a roster spot. Means stretches the field and creates separation with his frame. 4.25
5 (175)Jaylan Ford6'2 240 LB-Texas Ford may not have gained traction during the postseason circuit, but he formed one of the Big 12’s best linebacker duos with Demarvion Overshown in 2022. During that season, he posted 10 tackles for losses, forced three fumbles and picked off four passes.4.5
6 (199) from EaglesKhristian Boyd6'2 320 DT-Northern IowaSquatty. Powerful. Boyd’s was tough for offensive linemen to contend with on a down-to-down basis. Despite a lack of length, he flashes displacement capability after causing an initial shock versus opponents. 4
7 (239) from Rams through BroncosJosiah Ezirim6'5 324 OT-Eastern KentuckyBlessed with an 85 1/2-inch wingspan, Ezirim’s hands get wide at times reacting to inside movement (holding call, East-West Shrine ’24). On the flip side, he can be tough to disengage from once he creates a wall versus up the field rushers. 4
Notable UDFA signings: Trajan Jeffcoat 6’4 266 DE-Arkansas, MissouriJeffcoat was thought to be a certain draft pick just two seasons ago. There are ordinary repetitions that showcase a lack of elite flexibility. Although he has worked out of a two-or-three-point stance, rarely does he create panic for offensive tackles. His heavy hands help him when engaged, because he has enough shock in his punch to jolt offensive linemen.
Draft Grade: 4.29
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rd/SelectionPlayer SelectionPosition- SchoolNotesValue (1-5)
1 (26)Graham Barton6’5 313 OL-DukeBarton’s work at the left tackle spot showed off an ability to close off the bottom of the pocket (Boston College ’22). A comfortable knee bender, he often executed open pulls going to his left with efficiency when working outside. Tracks his work on the second level as a run blocker. 5
2 (57)Chris Braswell 6'3 241 OLB-Alabama Braswell displayed excellent speed on many of the team’s stunts working from the outside-in. There are few false steps rushing from the LOLB spot in a two-point stance. Takes direct angles flattening down the line of scrimmage on run action away.4
3 (89)Tykee Smith 5’10 200 S-GeorgiaSmith’s work at the Star position for Georgia allowed him to show of his blitz skills and coverage capability (see INT-Vanderbilt ’23). He is advanced at disguising his intentions in the pre-snap. 4.5
3 (92) from LionsJalen McMillan6’1 197 WR-WashingtonWhen healthy, his body control stands out working the end lines on the team’s double post concepts (Arizona ’22). He can step into his speed cuts without losing anything in transition. 4.25
4 (125)Bucky Irving 5’9 192 RB-OregonOne of the most creative runners in the draft, Irving’s 2022 Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP performance

concluded a brilliant campaign. The biggest play he had in that game may have been the blitz pickup in the A-gap on the team’s game-winning touchdown pass.
5
6 (220)Elijah Klein 6'4 306 OL-UTEPHas started at the RG spot. Scoops the 2i-DT on run action away and then flips his hips to wheel them away from the action. Klein earned starts at both tackle spots in 2023. 4
7 (246)Devin Culp6’3 231 TE/H-back Washington The team has used his run after the catch ability on screens from the off tight end spot. While he can be shed too easily at the point of attack, Culp can catch passes thrown on his wrong shoulder (3rd QTR, UCLA ’22).3.75
Notable UDFA signings: Chris McDonald5’9 189 CB/Nickel-ToledoMcDonald got a number of reps at the outside CB spot. The Miami Southside Senior HS (Fla.) product nearly picked off an out route on the sidelines vs. Notre Dame in 2021 (3rd QTR/7:26). Earlier, he read the eyes of the QB on an INT-TD as a curl-hook defender (2nd QTR, ND ’21). Can compete for reps at nickel after playing there while at Toledo.
Draft Grade: 4.36

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