2018 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Top 10 offensive linemen

Everyone knows the New York Giants need to rebuild their offensive line.

General manager Dave Gettleman has said it, and head coach Pat Shurmur has said it. Fans and the media have been screaming for it. The process will start with free agency, but it will almost certainly include the draft as well.

Assuming value and the Giants’ draft picks line up, the 2018 NFL Draft has several intriguing options along the offensive line. They should be able to find talented rookies on both the outside and along the interior of the line.

Here is my (current, but sure to change) list of the draft’s top 10 offensive linemen.

1. Quenton Nelson (OG, Notre Dame) - Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson might just be the best player in the entire draft, and the best lineman to enter the draft in years. His size, power, agility, and technique are all NFL-ready, and he sees the defense with a quarterback’s eyes. Nelson oozes Pro Bowl and All-Pro potential.
2. Connor Williams (OT, Texas) - Williams looked like a franchise left tackle in 2016 before getting off to a slow start in 2017, then suffering a knee injury. He seemed to return to his 2016 form once back from the knee injury at the end of the season. Williams has prototypical length and athleticism, and (at his best) is a good pass protector and run blocker.
3. Billy Price (OC/OG, Ohio State) - Price is the rock upon which the Ohio State offense has been built. Not only is he the best center in the draft, but he can be a very good guard as well. Price is a rock-solid pass protector and a road-grader of a run blocker.
4. Mike McGlinchey (OT, Notre Dame) - McGlinchey isn’t the athlete that other OT prospects are, but he makes up for it by playing with a solid understanding of angles and leverage. Coming from a Pro Style offense, where he has played both left and right tackle, he should be able to start early in his career.
5. Braden Smith (OG, Auburn) - Smith began the season as an offensive tackle, but transitioned to guard by year’s end. It was a good move and he will stay there in the NFL. Smith has good feet for a guard and impressive upper-body power. He was pivotal in opening holes for the SEC’s best run game.
6. Will Hernandez (OG, UTEP) - Hernandez has generated a buzz this season, and its only gotten louder through the draft process. He has absolutely dominated his level of competition, and did so again against big-school products at the Senior Bowl. Hernandez boasts surprisingly good feet and impressive power. [Prospect Profile]
7. Isaiah Wynn (OG, Georgia) - Wynn played guard and tackle at Georgia, and will play guard at the NFL level. He has tremendous feet in pass protection and as a pulling guard, and uses his natural leverage well to create in the running game. [Prospect Profile]
8. Mason Cole (OC, Michigan) - Cole is a solid and well-rounded center prospect with the potential to play guard as well. He is very quick off the snap and shows good play strength when he keeps his pad level down. [Prospect Profile]
9. Jamarco Jones (OT, Ohio State) - The consummate “Day 2” offensive tackle, Jones is a reliable pass protector and a capable run blocker. He has smooth athleticism the NFL looks for at the left tackle position, but could stand to add strength at the next level. [Prospect Profile]
10. Alex Cappa (OT, Humboldt State) - Cappa comes from Division II Humboldt State, but he caught scouts’ eyes at the Senior Bowl. He has all the traits of an NFL offensive tackle, and consistently raises eyebrows with his sheer attitude and competitiveness. [Prospect Profile]