2024 NFL Draft | Rookie Offensive Tackle Rankings: Joe Alt, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, JC Latham, Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu and More
There are quite a few great offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Look for Rounds 2 and 3 to be peppered with teams chasing after starter-caliber options to boost their offensive lines.
What I don’t understand about the current state of the NFL is nobody wants to commit the resources to fix a mediocre or worse offensive line. Teams seem to think, “OK, we have a good running back, we don’t need good blockers cause the running back will overcome their collective shortcomings.”
Or, “OK, we have a quarterback with some escapism and pocket-feel, we don’t need good blockers cause he’ll extend the play and make something happen downfield.”
Or, “OK, we have a good offensive line, now we don’t need to invest in better playmakers because an average running back and quarterback will have more time or bigger rushing lanes to make a play.”
It just doesn’t make sense. Maybe it’s a result of the salary cap where you can’t commit the money needed to “fix” every position.
But it’s really frustrating to see much middling offensive line play, quarterbacks who can’t ever get comfortable in the pocket, running backs getting stuffed in the backfield, and it’s all because every team’s offensive line has a player or two or three who really has no business being a starter in the NFL.
End rant. Let’s break down the best offensive tackle prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft.
MORE: Defensive Tackles | Edge/Defensive Ends | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties
1. Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Alt is a tall, very long athlete with an NFL family pedigree who looks and plays like a create-a-player from Madden. At 6’9” and 321 pounds, Alt is a standout tackle with a near-ideal blend of footwork, strength, pad level, arm length, power and anchor to have a successful career.
I would love a little more mean streak, but Alt plays under control. He shows a great feel in keeping his feet under him, accelerating to the right spot to put himself between the pass rusher and the quarterback. He does let power rushers get under him, so he’ll need to continue to learn how to sink his hips and not allow his height to be taken advantage of.
Alt is a likely top-10 pick and will be a pro-ready starter in Week 1.
2. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Although he is still refining his techniques, Fashanu is a no-brainer prospect. With his length, power and hand placement, he can be an immediate impact player.
He anchors well and digs into his opponent. Improvements in his knee bend and waist will shore up some inconsistencies. Every evaluator sees a prospect with a few flaws that can be coached up, and for some, he may be rated as the top offensive tackle in this class.
Fashanu has excellent agility, and short area bursts when needed. He climbs well to the second level and understands zone-blocking principles well.
He projects to the middle of the first round.
3. JC Latham, Alabama
Latham is a big, rangy athlete who is tailor-made to be a left tackle. He is a true road-grader who regularly overpowers and dominates his opponent.
Agility and effective, efficient footwork are concerns. He will allow speedy edge rushers to get too far into his body, and counter moves throw him off. He is heavy-handed and powerful at the point of attack.
He overcommits to outside pressure and can be beaten back on the inside - Latham projects to the middle of Round 1.
4. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
A few teams probably view him as an interior lineman or a right tackle only, but given his rough-and-tumble play, Fuaga will be a favorite among many coaches.
He has some technique issues, plays inconsistently at his pad level, and has a too-upright first step. He also plays a great mirror despite clunky footwork. I like him a lot in space and moving upfield. He is still working on some of the fundamentals and may need a year to contribute as a starter at tackle.
Fuaga is a late Day 1 pick.
5. Troy Fautanu, Washington
Fautanu is a tough-as-nails player who can play just about anywhere on the line. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and looks to punish his opponent. His technique gets away from him, and coaches must channel his aggressions into a more refined, under-control style of play.
He has great coordination and effectively uses his base to dislodge and redirect pass-rushers. However, he can also get aggressive, lunge and overextend his upper body when run blocking. He needs to be more methodical and thoughtful in his hand placement, as he will often engage a beat too early.
Fautanu could start at guard immediately and move to tackle after building up a season of experience. He projects as a late first-round pick.
