2021 NFL Draft spotlight: Let’s go inside the trenches

This week’s 2021 NFL Draft spotlight features some of the best offensive and defensive linemen from around the country.

There is an old southern adage, “You pay two bills first, the mortgage and the insurance.” In football, the mortgage is the quarterback; then insurance is the offensive linemen. No matter the level of football, every elite football team is built from the inside out. This week the draft spotlight is on the trenches.

Several games this week have been either postponed or canceled because of COVID-19. Despite the pandemic issues, several games are featuring some of the better offensive linemen prospects eligible for the NFL Draft.

The Michigan Wolverines look to rebound against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Big House. Tackle Jalen Mayfield looks to protect quarterback Joe Milton and pave the way for Zach Charbonnet and Hasan Haskins against an always tough Wisconsin defense.

Royce Newman and the Mississippi Rebels two-headed quarterback attack goes against South Carolina and their always tough defensive line. The Florida Gators and offensive guard prospect Stewart Reese take on the surprising Arkansas Razorbacks.

Defensively, potential top-15 pick Carlos Basham and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons look to make life for North Carolina and quarterback Sam Howell difficult in Chapel Hill. Tedarrell Slaton is rising draft boards this season and looks to continue against Arkansas.  Louisville and defensive tackle Jared Goldwire seek to continue their defensive improvement against Virginia.

NFL Draft prospects in the spotlight in Week 11

Jalen Mayfield, Michigan, OT (1st Round):

Redshirt sophomore Jalen Mayfield is another in a long line of NFL ready offensive linemen from the University of Michigan. Mayfield has the measurables scouts love at 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds. Mayfield showed flashes of pro traits last season against top draft pick Chase Young. Mayfield was one of a handful of linemen that handled Young well one on one. Mayfield’s handling of Young shows his best traits. To neutralize speed rushers, tackles need a quick get off on the snap and light feet. Mayfield has both and the strength to neutralize a rush end’s transition from speed to power. In the run game, Mayfield has the athleticism to get to the second level and clear the way for running backs.

Royce Newman, Ole Miss, G/T (3rd Round)

Ole Miss offensive lineman Royce Newman leads the second-tier of offensive linemen draft prospects. Newman has played both guard and tackle his two years as a starter for the Rebels. The fact that Newman has been solid at both guard and tackle speaks to his versatility. Newman was solid in pass protection at guard being credited with only one sack against him on 416 pass blocks. Newman has room to grow at 305 pounds and has the frame to do so. Newman needs to get stronger at the point of attack and show he’s more of a physical blocker. However, Newman has been consistent at two positions and blocking in a Lane Kiffin offensive scheme can’t hurt either.

Stewart Reese, Florida, G (3rd Round)

A graduate transfer from Mississippi State, Stewart Reese began his career at tackle. Florida was a natural fit since Reese was recruited to play for the Bulldogs by current Florida head coach Dan Mullen. Since coming to Gainsville Reese has kicked inside to right guard. The move has paid off for both Reese and the Gators. Playing for Mullen has helped Reese become a proficient run blocker. Switching to guard helps Reese’s draft stock. Moving inside makes Reese a plug and play starter while covering some limitations as a pass blocker that would be exposed at tackle.

These are three defensive players to watch this weekend

Carlos Basham, Wake Forest, (1st Round)

Carlos Basham has overcome a slow start to put together a solid season with 26 total tackles, four tackles for loss and five sacks. Basham’s continued progression could shoot him past Gregory Rousseau to be the first defensive end taken in this draft. Basham’s size (6-foot-5 and 275) pounds makes him versatile enough to play end in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Basham’s ability to drop and set the edge against the run makes him a day one starter and every down lineman. Basham is also big enough to kick inside on obvious passing downs as part of a “NASCAR” pass rush package. Basham has a great first step for a man his size and uses hands well to fight against blockers.

Tedarell Slaton, Florida, DT (2nd Round)

With so many teams in the NFL playing hybrid fronts, Slaton is one of the faster risers on defensive draft boards. Slaton can play either the three or zero technique (tackle or nose). Slaton is a big body who can take double teams and either split them to make a play or keep his linebackers clean to make plays. As a nose tackle, Slaton can force the center into the quarterback and collapse the pocket or take a double team and force one on one matchups for the better pass rushers playing next to him. Slaton is an underrated athlete with good feet and freakish strength.

Jared Goldwire, Louisville, DT (4th Round)

Despite being a bit light for a defensive tacker at 305 pounds, Jared Goldwire holds up well at the point of attack with the ability to stalemate a guard or take on additional blockers for the linebackers to make plays in the hole. Goldwire has a good anchor despite not being a heavy tackle but also has room to grow. What scouts like as much as the physical traits is Goldwire has improved every season at Louisville. Goldwire’s statistics have improved every season he’s seen snaps. Last season, Goldwire tallied 22 total tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. This season Goldwire has eclipsed his tackle total from last season with 26 total tackles already and is on pace to have more tackles for loss and sacks than last season.

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