NFL Analysis
4/4/24
7 min read
2024 NFL Draft: Ranking 7 Best Run Blockers Among Offensive Lineman
Sports Info Solutions continues its look at groups of players for the 2024 NFL Draft Class. This time, we will look at the best run blockers.
These big guys have shown their ability to consistently move other big guys, open up running lanes and show a mean streak in finishing blocks. Let’s look at this class and use our evaluations and metrics to rank the top seven run-blocking offensive linemen.
>>READ MORE: Best Pass Blockers Among OL
Best Run-Blocking Offensive Linemen
7. Christian Haynes, UConn 
Starting the list, we'll highlight Christian Haynes out of UConn. He is an explosive lineman in the run game and would be relied upon in scoring opportunities to get quick movement.
He can work smartly and effectively up to the second and third levels to seal off lanes. On our 1-9 grading scale, he has a 6 on key run-blocking categories like awareness, footwork, second level, range and finish.
He generated plenty of movement at the line of scrimmage in 2023. He created 2.2 yards before contact per attempt, which ranks seventh among all guard prospects. He also generated a positive play percentage when he was run behind 48 percent of the time, which ranks sixth.
READ MORE: Haynes’ Scouting Report
6. Troy Fautanu, Washington 
Next up is our highest-ranked guard, Troy Fautanu. Even though he played most of his time at tackle, our experts think he can slide inside to guard and be effective at the next level.
He plays with a mean temperament as a run blocker and constantly uses his power and athleticism to create movement in any scheme.
He shows the power to create displacement at the point of attack and drive defenders out of gaps. In gap schemes as a down blocker, he has the body control to seal the play side. In zone schemes, he has the foot speed to reach blocks and flip his hips to seal off run lanes.
Jordan Edwards, SIS
Fautanu had an outstanding 2023 in Washington’s run to a National Championship Game appearance. He posted the lowest bounce percentage when run behind among all guard prospects, 17 percent, and finished with the third lowest blown block percentage, 0.9 percent.
READ MORE: Fautanu’s Scouting Report
5. JC Latham, Alabama 
Making an appearance on the top seven pass blockers and this list, JC Latham shows why he is a great all-around blocker who can dominate both phases.
He can also flip it around and impose his physical presence on defenders. On our 1-9 grading scale, he matches his pass blocking with his run blocking at a 6, as well as having play strength graded at an 8.
Latham finished the 2023 season as one of the best tackles to run behind. He had a 51 percent positive percentage when players ran behind him, which ranks seventh among all offensive tackle prospects. His ability to get immediate displacement on the defensive line also shows on tape.
READ MORE: Latham’s Scouting Report
4. Amarius Mims, Georgia 
Amarius Mims is another mammoth athlete who possesses great play strength and power. The 6-foot-8, 340-pound tackle controls the line of scrimmage, using his power and size to create lateral and vertical movement. His “vice-like grip” allows him to show good sustain and lock down his defenders.
While he missed some time in 2023 because of an ankle injury, he was run behind as much as any tackle on a per-play basis. He had a Total Points Rating (a per-play measure of overall performance) at the top of the position. He has the skill set and versatility to fit into any blocking scheme and still be effective.
READ MORE: Mims’ Scouting Report
3. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State 
Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe is one of the smoothest movers and most effective blockers at multiple defensive levels. He can work in doubles, pull effectively and effortlessly, escape to the second level, get his hands on a defender and create movement.
(Cooper) Beebe is at his best in the run game when working up to the second level. Whether he’s pulling or working doubles in duo, he is incredibly fluid, controlled and efficient with his blocks on defenders at the second level. He’s very good on combo blocks, using strength on his initial block and locating his next target before he’s even finished with the first.
Nathan Cooper, SIS
The 2023 stats back up Beebe’s effectiveness as a run blocker. He ranked third in Run Blocking Total Points Rating with a 94 (out of 99). He was also the second-best guard prospect in positive play percentage when run behind at 51 percent and fourth in yards before contact per attempt with 2.8 yards.
READ MORE: Beebe’s Scouting Report
2. Graham Barton, Duke 
Graham Barton is a tenacious, tone-setting blocker with a mean streak that he can use at any offensive line position. Though he spent most of his time at Duke at left tackle, our experts believe his athleticism, scheme versatility and finishing abilities will suit him best at guard.
In 2023, Barton was the best guard prospect in terms of positive play percentage when run behind, with a 55 percent positive rate. He also posted the second-most yards before contact before attempt (3.2 yards).
READ MORE: Barton’s Scouting Report
1. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State 
Our top run blocker has to be Taliese Fuaga. The Oregon State lineman has heavy hands and a mauler mentality in the run game. He consistently gets movement along the line, imposes his will on defenders and uses his power to finish blocks to the ground. Two of his highest-graded factors on our scale are Power and Finish, both with 7s.
In 2023, he was run behind the fourth-most among guard prospects, boasting the second-highest positive play percentage when run behind (55 percent). He was trusted to get movement and create lanes for his rushers all season. He could do so at the line of scrimmage and at the second level, even pulling out in space.
READ MORE: Fuaga’s Scouting Report
Stats and ranks as of 4/3/2024
This article was written by Chad Tedder.
