2017 NFL Draft: Big Ten’s All-Draft Team
By Erik Schlitt
Offensive Tackle
1st Team Left Tackle: Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin (redshirt junior)
1st Team Right Tackle: Erik Magnuson, Michigan
2nd Team Left Tackle: Tariq Cole, Rutgers (redshirt sophomore)
2nd Team Right Tackle: Jonah Pirsig, Minnesota
Honorable Mention: Austin Schmidt, Illinois
Honorable Mention: Cole Croston, Iowa
This is a down year for the NCAA offensive tackle class, but If there is a one who has a chance to get picked in the first 32 picks it’ll be Ryan Ramczyk. His balance, agility, and quickness off the snap are among the best in this class. His lack of experience will be an issue for some organizations.
While Ramczyk is arguably the top left tackle in this draft class, Michigan’s Erik Magnuson is the best pure right tackle in the class. His smooth feet, strong base, length, and preference to use his hands to execute blocks, allow him to excel as a pass protector. He should hear his name called in the third or fourth round.
Tariq Cole is at minimum a year away from the NFL, but he has flashed the upside of a future starter. Tipping the scales at almost 400 pounds in 2015, Cole rededicated himself to improving his overall health and entered 2016 at 316 pounds. If he can keep the weight off, he’ll be a name to know for upcoming drafts.
Jonah Pirsig’s 6’8″ 320 frame and playing experience will appeal to NFL teams looking for competition at right tackle. His best fit will be on an offensive line that primarily uses a zone blocking scheme. Austin Schmidt and Cole Croston are both fringe prospects who could find roles as swing tackle backups.