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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five offensive linemen

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey (L) and Quenton Nelson look on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey (L) and Quenton Nelson look on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson in action during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The 2018 NFL Draft possesses a unique blend of talent along the offensive line. Who are the top five linemen as of late April?

One of the most well-documented trends in NFL Draft circles is the infatuation with offensive tackles early in the first round. It’s an understandable truth, as teams are tasked with protecting their quarterbacks from the influx of elite athletes along the edges.

There’s certainly enough evidence to support said approach, but there’s an unfortunate reality in 2018: A vast majority of the best offensive linemen aren’t tackles.

The 2018 NFL Draft is unlike any in recent memory. The class of offensive tackles is widely regarded as underwhelming, so much so that there isn’t a single player who’s projected by consensus as a top-15 selection in the first round.

A player could certainly break through and change that, but with mere days remaining until the 2018 NFL Draft, the rumors haven’t been kind.

Thankfully, the offensive linemen at the other positions are deserving of the praise that they’re beginning to receive. There are a number of players who could be plug-and-play rookies, as well as a shortlist of prospects with All-Pro potential.

The question is: Who are the top five offensive linemen in the 2018 NFL Draft and where would they best fit at the next level?

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