Potential 1st Round Draft Picks - Offensive Linemen

Before we begin, let me apologize for not being active on the blog these last few days. I've been very busy with school and family.

On the last article, I discussed potential 1st round draft picks for the Carolina Panthers. I've narrowed it down to two positions - wide receiver and offensive lineman. I've already named off potential wide receivers, so now I'm going to discuss some potential offensive linemen that the Panthers could take in the 1st round. Just like last time, I'll only be naming off candidates that I believe will be left once Carolina's pick comes around, not necessarily the top players at that position.

La'el Collins, LSU - Collins is one of the top run blockers in the draft, as he found more success in his game after being moved from guard to tackle this year. Although he is a big guy at 6'5" and 315 lbs, he has good agility and quickness. He has quick feet and would be a huge asset in Carolina's run game, blocking for Williams, Tolbert, Stewart, and for Newton when he takes off. His biggest issue, however, is that he doesn't have much experience at the tackle position. If he were to play tackle for the Panthers, he may find himself struggling, especially with faster rushers. He's also an average pass blocker at best, and he'll need to improve that aspect of his game if the Panthers pick him up to keep their franchise QB in Cam Newton protected. However, Collins is a top ten OL in the draft, and whatever team picks him up may choose to move him back to guard.

Zack Martin, Notre Dame - Although he's been overlooked for other prospects, Martin is another top ten OL who has been consistent throughout his entire college career. Playing at the tackle position, Martin is intelligent, tough, and rarely gets beat by the defender. Defenses found it difficult to get by him, as he utilizes his strength and leverage near flawlessly. Some people have claimed that Martin would have more success at the guard position, but the truth is that he could play all five OL positions and still be successful. His biggest issue is his size. He's 6'4" and had the shortest arms of any non-center offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl. He makes up for this with his intelligence. If Carolina is looking at linemen, they have to be taking a good, long look at Martin.

Antonio Richardson, Tennessee - Richardson may be the best OL left when Carolina's pick comes around. Even though his nickname is "Tiny", he's the biggest of these three that I've mentioned at 6'6" and 332 lbs. Richardson has the strength and consistency to be a top linemen for years. He does well in both the pass and run game, which would be vital to any team's offense, especially the Panthers'. Richardson went up against the potential number one overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney, and won, keeping Clowney from creating chaos in the backfield. Richardson's biggest problem is his inability to move his feet at times. He relies too much on his hands. However, Richardson is very smart, and has been working on this. If he's still around when its Carolina's turn, they'll be very fortunate.

Who do you think Carolina will take in the first round?