Latest news with #offensive line
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2 days ago
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Chiefs summer scouting: Clemson Tigers offensive line
This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs took steps to trim costs and position their offensive line for a makeover. Adding Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons to a weak offensive tackle room raised the unit's floor, but the Chiefs should still consider pursuing more depth through the 2026 NFL draft. Clemson Tigers left tackle Tristan Leigh, right tackle Blake Miller and guard Collin Sadler form the most formidable trio on the program's offensive line. Walker Parks, who enters 2025 with more than 2,800 career offensive snaps, might also get some looks as a late Day 3 draft pick, but most analysts view him as a future undrafted free agent. Miller began starting for the Tigers as a freshman in 2022. With three seasons and nearly 2,900 snaps under his belt, he's one of the most experienced offensive tackles in the 2026 class. Miller is undersized, lacking traditional mass for a right tackle, but his footspeed, patience and range mitigate some of those concerns. Advertisement Miller needs to play with better posture to avoid overextending and losing his balance. He reportedly added weight this offseason, which could quiet some concerns about the power of his anchor. Miller currently projects as a top 100 selection. Leigh offers more traditional size than Miller. This additional power manifests in a stouter anchor and arresting grip strength to lock down outside linebackers. Leigh moves well in space, cutting off wide-alignment rushers at the top of the arc in the passing game or pulling for gap runs. Unfortunately, Leigh's chest often extends over his knees, causing balance concerns as he attempts to mirror pass rushers. This issue also impacts Leigh's run blocking. He finds himself on the ground too often and puts some ugly losses on tape. This may be a permanent issue for Leigh since he didn't correct it in either of his two seasons as a starter. He projects as a fifth round pick. Sadler suffered a season-ending calf injury early in 2024 that limited him to fewer than 100 offensive snaps at left guard. The subsequent surgery sidetracked his development, but Sadler's potential remains one of the most attractive draws along Clemson's offensive line. Advertisement Sadler needs to add some mass to his lower body to improve his anchor in pass protection and the strength of his leg drive in the run game. He also must correct his strike timing and hand placement to protect his chest. These two developments aren't difficult with proper coaching and a good strength and conditioning program. Sadler's block framing, burst off the line of scrimmage, nimble footwork, speed and impressive 6'6", 310 lb. build make him an intriguing development project. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft scouting report: Clemson Tigers offensive line
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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Highly-coveted Idaho lineman Jax Tanner commits to BYU
BYU's offensive line lines up for a snap during practice March 21, 2025, in Provo. | Rebeca Fuentes, BYU Photo BYU has added another major offensive line prospect to its 2026 recruiting class. Jax Tanner — Idaho's 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year — has committed to the Cougars, it was announced Saturday via social media. Tanner is rated as a high 3-star recruit by 247 Sports, holding an overall player rating of 89 as the No. 2-ranked recruit in Idaho. He chose BYU over competing offers from Oregon, Michigan, Tennessee and a number of other Power 4 programs. Advertisement As a junior last season at Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, the 6-foot-4, 275 pound Tanner recorded 118 pancake blocks and didn't allow a single sack. Tanner joins 4-star Lone Peak High School product Bott Mulitalo as BYU's premier offensive line commits of the current cycle. What BYU's 2026 recruiting class currently looks like
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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A Rangers Offensive Lineup That Could Be A Big Winner
Brad Penner-Imagn Images Summertime is fantasy time and one of the Fischler Family's pastimes is guessing an offensive line up that Rangers coach Mike Sullivan will present on opening night. In consultation with my hockey-savvy son Simon and equally puck-smart grandson Ariel, The Maven has produced four potential forward lines which could work. Advertisement See if you agree: ARTEMI PANARIN-MIKA ZIBANEJAD-ALEXIS LAFRENIERE: Two out of three – Mika and Big Al – have something to prove which means that they are motivated. That's a plus right there; along with the natural talent we all know that they have. To really make this unit work, two things have to happen. Z must awaken to his defensive responsibilities, while Big Al must wake up. Period! None of this is impossible under the "New Voice" coach and with the able assistance of Breadman Panarin who'll produce no matter what. J.T. MILLER-VINCENT TROCHECK-GABE PERREAULT: The potential here is tremendous. J.T. will thrive now that he has had a chunk of Rangers hockey under his belt and, furthermore, loves being back in a Blue shirt. Vinnie T is reliable in every way and could wind up being captain by opening night. Perreault, an amazing passer, will bring a rookie's natural energy combined with the creativity of an exceptional hockey mind. It wouldn't surprise The Maven, nor Simon, nor Ariel if this unit winds up being the club's No. 1 line by Christmas. BRENNAN OTHMANN-WILL CUYLLE-TAYLOR RADDYSH: Every team needs a Kid Line and this one may be the Young Turks trio that the Rangers have longed for. Cuylle is my choice as the club's 2025-26 MVP and he's still growing as a player. The trick here is for Othmann to follow the Cuylle model. With plenty of ice time, Brennan should emerge as a solid scorer. Ariel foresees Taylor Raddysh – ex of Washington – as the sleeper of the bunch. The Rangers Glass Bangers The Rangers Glass Bangers Standing near the Zamboni entrance for many years, The Maven has become fascinated with a relatively new, rooting cult which I have named "The Rangers Glass Bangers." Advertisement ADAM EDSTROM-MATT REMPE-BRETT BERARD: Simon says that this will be the Rangers version of an Identity Line. Size and energy will be the outfit's hallmark along with a large measure of intimidation. The Skating Waterbug, Berard, should be the perfect catalyst. As long as Rempe can control his aggression and stay out of the penalty box, this fourth unit could be the very surprise envy of the league.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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Tennessee Titans' JC Latham named to 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team
With training camp starting in 10 days, there are a few things besides position battles for fans to keep an eye on. One area to watch will be how the overhauled offensive line develops as a cohesive unit. It is no secret that the Tennessee Titans made a significant effort to rebuild the line during the offseason and added two new starters in free agency to help protect their young franchise quarterback. Advertisement One player that should benefit from all of the changes is 2024 first-rounder JC Latham, who will be transitioning back to his natural right tackle position. The young lineman flashed in 2024, and the team has high hopes heading into year two. The Titans aren't the only ones who see the potential in Latham; Bucky Brooks of just named Latham to his 2025 All-Breakout Team. OT JC Latham - Tennessee Titans The arrival of No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward as the team's franchise quarterback puts immense pressure on the Titans' offensive line to dominate in the trenches. Latham is poised to meet that standard as a mauler/brawler with heavy hands and knockout power. After moving back to his natural position (right tackle) following a rookie season spent on the blindside, thanks to the addition this offseason of Dan Moore Jr. , the 6-5, 342-pound Latham could dominate opponents as the designated bully on the Titans' frontline. There was a buzz around Latham after OTAs and minicamp. The young offensive lineman appeared to be a different player when he arrived after reshaping his body during the offseason, motivated by the switch back to the right side, where he played throughout his college career. Latham will also benefit from playing next to veteran Kevin Zeitler, and the two should form a tremendous tandem that should help pave the way for more success in 2025. He already looks more comfortable and confident than he did as a rookie, and that bodes well for an offense that had a revolving door at right tackle in 2024. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans' JC Latham named to 2025 NFL All-Breakout Team
Yahoo
3 days ago
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Bears rookie Ozzy Trapilo drawing comparisons to Kyle Long
The Chicago Bears prioritized rebuilding the offensive line this offseason. Outside of adding key veterans in guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as center Drew Dalman, they also found their potential starting left tackle in Ozzy Trapilo in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft. As Braxton Jones recovers from ankle surgery, Trapilo has an opportunity to steal the starting job away from him in his rookie season, and he's made quite the early impression. Advertisement Bears reporter Adam Jahns of CHGO recently discussed Trapilo's early showings, comparing him to long-time Bears offensive lineman, and fan-favorite, Kyle Long. "On the field, Ozzy Trapilo looks like Kyle Long," Jahns said on the CHGO Bears podcast. "It's not just his (jersey) number, but physically, he's built like Kyle Long, he moves like Kyle Long. We know how good Kyle Long was here, albeit for a different position for the Chicago Bears." In his career, Long played left guard for seven seasons, mostly with the Bears. He also spent a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, but never played a snap for them. During his time with Chicago, Long proved to have a nasty streak that made him beloved by the fans. Long was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and named Second-Team All-Pro in 2014. If Trapilo has even half of the impact that Long had with the Bears, he's sure to become another fan favorite, which isn't always the case for offensive linemen. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears rookie Ozzy Trapilo drawing comparisons to Kyle Long
