2022 NFL Draft Preview – Offensive Tackles
March 2, 2022
By Noonefromtampa
The Washington Commanders are set for starting tackles next season with Charles Leno Jr. and Samuel Cosmi. Their issue is filling the key backup swing tackle roster spot since Cornelius Lucas is a free agent. The good news is if Washington wants to draft for that position there are a number of talented tackles available in this draft, which is deep in offensive lineman. As many as 12 players could go on Day 1 and Day 2 in the draft.
Top 15 Players
| Name | College | Height | Weight | Project Draft Round |
| Evan Neal | Alabama | 6’7” | 360 | Top 10 Pick |
| Ikem Ekwonu | North Carolina State | 6’4” | 325 | Top 10 Pick |
| Charles Cross | Mississippi State | 6’5” | 300 | 1st Round |
| Trevor Penning | Northern Iowa | 6’7” | 321 | 1st Round |
| Darian Kinnard | Kentucky | 6’5” | 345 | 2nd Round |
| Bernhard Raimann | Central Michigan | 6’5” | 305 | 2nd Round |
| Nicholas Petit-Frere | Ohio State | 6’5” | 300 | 2nd Round |
| Daniel Faalele | Minnesota | 6’8” | 380 | 2nd Round |
| Sean Rhyan | UCLA | 6’5” | 318 | 3rd Round |
| Max Mitchell | UL-Lafayette | 6’6” | 300 | 3rd Round |
| Rasheed Walker | Penn State | 6’7” | 324 | 3rd Round |
| Jamaree Salyer | Georgia | 6’4” | 325 | 3rd Round |
| Abraham Lucas | Washington State | 6’6” | 328 | 4th Round |
| Kellen Diesch | Arizona State | 6’6” | 300 | 4th Round |
| Braxton Jones | Southern Utah | 6’6” | 310 | 5th Round |
The Crown Jewels
Evan Neal has 40 starts in three years for the Crimson Tide, with 13 at left guard, 12 at right tackle and 15 at left tackle. He was a consensus All-American pick by most major football publications. He is big, athletic and will anchor the left tackle position for an NFL team for the next decade.
Ikem Ekwonu’s stock has steadily risen through the season. He started most every game for the Wolfpack at left tackle for the past three seasons. Ekwonu has the size, power and athletic ability along with a fierce demeanor that scouts love.
Charles Cross is a two-year starter who is big and strong, but lacks the athleticism of the first two players. He compensates with for that with above average technique. He will most likely be a very good starter at the next level.
Trevor Penning is an FCS level player who had questions about his skill level against better caliber talent. He impressed coaches and scouts with his performance at the Senior Bowl. As a result, his stock had risen tremendously over the last month. He moved from a probable second round pick to a first-round level player in many scout’s eyes.
These four players are the key candidates for a starting left tackle position. Most of the projected second round players will end up at right tackle. A number of teams at the top of the draft need offensive line help, such as the Jaguars, Panthers, Giants and Jets. It will be interesting to see which position has a run of picks, whether it is quarterbacks, offensive linemen, edge rushers or cornerbacks which are all “premium” positions in the NFL.
If Washington looks to draft a tackle it most likely be in a later round pick than an earlier round pick.