NFL Analysis
3/26/24
7 min read
2024 NFL Draft: Ranking 7 Best Pass Protectors Among Offensive Linemen
We continue ranking the top players at each position by trait while looking at the best pass protectors on the offensive line. As the price tag for a competent quarterback continues to grow, keeping the passer clean becomes more crucial each year.
Who are this year’s top offensive linemen who can step in and hold up snap after snap against some of the freakiest height-weight-speed athletes on the field? We'll look at our 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and use our scouting evaluation and metrics to rank the top seven best pass protecting offensive linemen.
Best Pass-Protecting Offensive Linemen
7. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon 
As a center, pass protection is as much about cognition and preparation as it is about physical ability, and Jackson Powers-Johnson checks the box in all areas. He receives a 6 (Good) Pass Block grade and a 7 (Very Good) Awareness on our 1-9 grading scale.
He has great awareness and is always finding work even when there is no one lined up over him. When picking up blitzes and stunts, (Jackson) Powers-Johnson can seamlessly communicate and pass off rushers with other linemen.
SIS Scouting Report
When taking a closer look at our Total Points metrics for pass plays, Powers-Johnson shines. His 92 Total Points Rating is third among centers in this year’s draft, and his 0.6 percent Blown Block rate is the lowest. Powers-Johnson brings a lot to the table as a draft prospect, but there is nothing more valuable than keeping your quarterback happy and healthy.
>> READ MORE: Powers-Johnson's Scouting Report
6. Roger Rosengarten, Washington 
Roger Rosengarten comes in with a 6 grade for Pass Block and Awareness, and it is clear he is built to protect the passer's blind side. He spent two seasons at right tackle providing security for Michael Penix Jr., who has found himself on our quarterback top traits lists. With the requisite size and a smooth pass set, Rosengarten passes the eye test for a reliable NFL offensive tackle.
Rosengarten’s stats back this up, as he posted a Total Points Rating of 96 on pass plays, tied for sixth among this year’s tackle prospects. Teams looking to spread the defense and attack vertically should look to Rosengarten to fill a starting role immediately. In 2023, Washington ranked third in the country with 597 dropbacks against a Pac-12 slate that provided a steady feed of talented pass rushers.
>>READ MORE: Rosengarten's Scouting Report
5. JC Latham, Alabama 
When most people think of great pass protectors, they think of tall, nimble, overgrown tight ends. In some cases, though, the immovable object beats the unstoppable force, and JC Latham is a human manifestation of the immovable object. Though his overwhelming presence and strength are ostensive, Latham carries his weight well and can play with patience.
(JC) Latham is a dancing bear in the passing game with his smooth and easy footwork. His athleticism at his size is exceptional, as he can get to his spots in pass protections fluidly. He shows the ability to vary up his pass sets to keep defenders guessing.
Jordan Edwards, SIS
Our metrics indicate that Latham performed well on passing plays in 2023. His Total Points Rating of 96 on pass plays tied for sixth among this year’s tackle prospects. Many people will say that Latham must move to the interior at the next level, but our experts and our numbers suggest that he can stay on the outside.
>> READ MORE: Latham's Scouting Report
4. Dominick Puni, Kansas 
Dominick Puni is a multi-position offensive lineman who plays with nimbleness and brings enough tenacity to hold up against the most physical defenders at the next level. A big-time volleyball recruit coming out of high school, Puni looks more like a tight end when moving in space. When watching his film, he plays with a savviness reserved for veteran NFL offensive linemen.
Using low, quiet feet, Puni can vary his set and mirror any flavor of pass rusher from any alignment. Frequently beating his man to the spot, Puni initiates hand fighting and can sit into his anchor while using independent hands to control his opponent’s wrists.
It is no surprise that Puni posted a 99 Total Points Rating on pass blocks in 2023. His ability to protect the passer and line up at all five offensive line positions will likely lead to him being drafted higher than expected.
>>READ MORE: Puni's Scouting Report
3. Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma 
Tyler Guyton is the tall athlete whom offensive line coaches dream of. Having spent time at H-back while at TCU, Guyton developed tremendously for the Sooners, becoming their starting right tackle for an offense with a lefty passer. He proved to hold up on the blind side and blocking on an island is one of his three best strengths.
When watching Guyton play, it is clear that his best ball is ahead of him. In addition to the size and the movement skills, Guyton shows innate strength and flexibility. While there will be a learning curve, this type of prospect archetype doesn’t get out of the first round.
>>READ MORE: Guyton's Scouting Report
2. Olu Fashanu, Penn State 
While some prospects show you what they might become, some scream in all caps for two seasons that they are ready-made NFL pass protectors. Ironically, Olu Fashanu is not the biggest talker. His tape says plenty, and it doesn’t take much to see that there is a reason some thought Fashanu could’ve been OT1 in last year’s draft.
With 7 grades for Pass Block and Hand Use, Fashanu continuously supplies teach tape for young offensive linemen who need to play under control. While he has occasionally been driven back by the bull rush (looking at you, JT Tuimoloau), there are a plethora of examples of Fashanu corralling some of the strongest defenders in the country.
Among this year’s offensive tackle prospects, he ranks in the top 10 in Total Points Rating (95) and Blown Block rate (1.1 percent) on pass plays. Fashanu has proven production in a pro-style offense, so there is little doubt about what Fashanu will bring to the NFL this season.
>>READ MORE: Fashanu's Scouting Report
1. Joe Alt, Notre Dame
It is no surprise that our OL1 is also the top pass protector.
Joe Alt is one of the cleanest prospects you can have when looking for a true stalwart to protect your franchise passer. After contributing some at tight end as a true freshman in 2021, Alt started at left tackle for 33 straight games to finish his career with the Fighting Irish.
(Joe) Alt is a scheme-fluent left tackle prospect with the makings of a franchise left tackle who will be able to slot in as a Day 1 starter and play at an All-Pro level after his rookie season.
Jeremy Percy, SIS
It is difficult to find any holes in Alt’s game, as he brings ideal size, athleticism, experience, durability and proven performance. On pass plays in 2023, Alt produced a 99 Total Points Rating and a 1.0 percent Blown Block rate, both tops among this year’s offensive tackle class.
>>READ MORE: Alt's Scouting Report
This article was written by Ben Hrkach.
