Morgan Vs. Belton: Who's The Better O-Line Prospect?
Hey football fanatics! Let's dive deep into the trenches and talk about two offensive line prospects generating some serious buzz: Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu. Figuring out who's the better pick is a tough call, as both have impressive skills. But who are you more excited about? Let's break down their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between to figure out which of these guys you should be getting hyped up about.
Joe Alt: The Rock of the Offensive Line
First up, we have Joe Alt, the powerhouse tackle from Notre Dame. Guys, this dude is built like a tank! Standing at 6'8" and weighing in at around 320 pounds, Alt has the size and strength to dominate at the line of scrimmage. Let's get into why he's such a highly-touted prospect.
Size and Strength: As mentioned, Alt has the ideal size for an offensive tackle. He can use his massive frame to his advantage, effectively neutralizing pass rushers and opening up running lanes. Alt is also a powerful run blocker. He can move defenders off the ball and create space for running backs to gain yards.
Technique and Footwork: He's not just a big body; Alt possesses excellent technique. His footwork is smooth and efficient, allowing him to mirror pass rushers and maintain his blocks. He has a good understanding of angles and hand placement, which is essential for an offensive lineman. He consistently demonstrates the ability to stay balanced and under control, which is crucial for any successful offensive lineman.
Experience and Consistency: Alt has been a starter at left tackle for Notre Dame for multiple seasons, showcasing his reliability and consistency. He has gone up against some top-tier competition in college football and has consistently performed at a high level. He has the experience and maturity that NFL teams look for in a prospect. Having a seasoned player can also help the offense more. His proven track record suggests he will be able to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Areas for Improvement: While Alt has a lot going for him, there are areas where he can still improve. Some scouts suggest he could become more aggressive in his blocking. Adding a bit more nastiness to his game could make him even more dominant. He could also work on his agility and quickness to counter quicker pass rushers, but as a whole, he is already a great player to have.
Olu Fashanu: The Rising Star
Now, let's turn our attention to Olu Fashanu, the Penn State tackle. Fashanu is another top prospect, known for his incredible athleticism and potential. He's a bit different than Alt, but equally exciting. Fashanu's play is something to marvel at.
Athleticism and Agility: Fashanu is an incredibly athletic offensive tackle. He moves fluidly and possesses great agility for his size. This allows him to excel in pass protection, where he can quickly react to defenders and maintain his blocks. He can mirror defensive ends, and his agility makes him a valuable asset in the run game, where he can get to the second level and make blocks.
Pass Protection Prowess: Fashanu is considered one of the best pass protectors in the draft class. His footwork, combined with his athleticism and length, makes him a difficult blocker to get around. He has a great understanding of how to use his hands and arms to keep defenders at bay. His pass-blocking skills should translate well to the NFL.
Upside and Potential: Fashanu has significant upside, which makes him an attractive prospect for teams. He continues to develop and refine his technique. If he reaches his full potential, he could become an elite offensive tackle in the NFL. The best part is that, unlike many players, he is willing to learn and get better.
Areas for Improvement: While Fashanu has impressive attributes, he needs to develop his run-blocking ability. Though he's athletic, he can struggle to generate power and push defenders off the ball. Adding more strength and improving his run-blocking technique will be essential for him to reach his full potential. He must improve his play strength and become a more physical blocker. This will allow him to become an all-around player.
Morgan vs. Belton: The Showdown
So, we have two incredible offensive line prospects, Morgan and Belton, but what makes them stand out in comparison to each other? Well, both are great, but they are different.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Morgan: Morgan is an exceptional prospect, with a combination of size, strength, and technique that makes him a dominant force on the offensive line. He's a road-grader in the run game, capable of moving defenders off the line and creating gaping holes for running backs. His experience at left tackle for a major college program demonstrates his reliability and readiness for the NFL. His footwork and hand placement are key components of his game. However, some scouts suggest he could improve his agility to handle quicker pass rushers.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Belton: Belton stands out due to his exceptional athleticism and versatility. He's a smooth mover with great agility for his size, making him a formidable pass protector who can mirror defenders with ease. His potential is sky-high, as he continues to refine his technique and develop his game. He's a bit raw compared to some of the other top prospects, and he may need time to fully develop his run-blocking ability. Belton may need to add more strength and power to become a more dominant force in the run game. His versatility, athleticism, and pass-blocking skills make him an attractive pick.
Which Prospect Are You More Excited About?
Alright, so here's the million-dollar question: which of these two offensive line prospects gets you more fired up? Both players are fantastic prospects, so it really boils down to what you value most in an offensive lineman.
If you're looking for a reliable, technically sound player who is ready to step in and contribute immediately, Joe Alt might be your guy. He's got the size, experience, and consistency that NFL teams crave. He is a great player and, with the right coaching, can turn out to be the best offensive lineman in the NFL.
If you're more excited about potential and upside, Olu Fashanu could be the pick for you. His athleticism and pass-protection skills are off the charts, and if he continues to develop, he could become a true star. If you take the right approach to teaching him, then he will certainly become a great player.
This decision comes down to team needs, as some teams will prefer a player with a higher floor, while others may be willing to take a risk on a player with a higher ceiling. Both Morgan and Belton are talented and will likely be impactful players in the NFL. Choosing between them is more about personal preference. Whether you are looking for a reliable player or a player with high potential, both are great players, and any team would be lucky to have them. It is up to you to decide which one you like better.