The 2019 NFL Draft is over and teams are getting comfortable with their new draft picks. The next class of players is getting prepared now for another year of college football. Each position will be analyzed in the coming days. Here are the best 2020 NFL Draft prospects: Offensive tackles.
Note: Players will not be ranked in the article.
Trey Adams (photo by sports.yahoo.com)
Adams has been on the NFL’s radar for a couple of seasons now. The 6-foot-7, 334-pound tackle has experience starting for Washington at left tackle over the last several seasons. Over the past few seasons, Adams has been seen as one of the best draft-eligible tackles, but has been held back because of injuries.
He started on the 2016 Washington that made the College Football Playoff and was a huge reason why the offense was able to be successful. Adams tore his ACL in the 2017 season and decided to return for the 2018 season. Unfortunately, Adams had to have back surgery and missed most of the 2018 season. He then decided to return to Washington for his redshirt senior season. If he plays well and can clear all medical tests, he could restore his status as the top tackle in this class.
Eichenberg has played all over the offensive line, but now has done a solid job at left tackle for the Fighting Irish. He stands 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, making him a solid size for an NFL left tackle. His play hasn’t quite been the stuff of a top tackle yet, but with a good season, he could propel his name into the conversation of the top tackle in the class.
In his first few seasons on campus, Eichenberg filled in along the offensive line at different spots. After Mike McGlinchey graduated in 2017, the Fighting Irish needed a new left tackle. Eichenberg won the job and played solidly for the 2018 season. With a year of experience at left tackle under his belt, he has the potential to play even better for the 2019 season.
Walker Little (Photo by paloaltoonline.com)
Stanford has plenty of talented offensive linemen every year and Little fits the category of those who can go and be successful at the next level. Little is 6-foot-7 and 304 pounds. The two-year starter can leave college early after this season if his play warrants early round consideration in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Little has started for Stanford at left tackle since he was a freshman. In his first season, he helped Bryce Love have a historic year. He followed that season up with solid play as a sophomore. If he can put one more solid season together at Stanford, the junior could be in great position for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Smith has played both guard and tackle in his time at Tennessee, but hasn’t had as much publicity as other great tackles, as the Volunteers have struggled over the last few seasons. He is 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, making him a solid fit for the pros.
He was really good at guard for Tennessee in 2017, but has had health issues holding him back since that point. Smith has had blood clots in his lungs that has held him out of the lineup for a few different stretches during his career. He had to miss the end of last season for this health issue and isn’t cleared for the 2019 season yet. If he plays and can pass medical tests, he could be a top tackle selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, but blood clots in the lungs are a huge hurdle he’ll have to overcome.
Over the last two seasons at Georgia, Thomas has played one season at each tackle spot. Thomas is 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, which puts him on the shorter size for tackles on this list, but he will still have good enough size for the NFL, as long as his arm length checks out.
In 2017, Thomas played right tackle for Georgia and helped the team make the College Football Playoff. He was a key blocker for the three-headed monster in the backfield consisting of Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and D’Andre Swift. Last season he moved to left tackle and handled the blindside well. Georgia is set for another big year and Thomas will need to win his matchups for them to reach their full potential.
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
