Projecting the Post-Spring Offensive Line Depth Chart

The offensive line has been — and almost always is — one of the most underappreciated position groups broadly speaking. When they’re doing a good job and producing 1,000-yard rushers like last season, the running backs get the credit. (Justice Hill, for example, was a freshman All-American.) But when there’s no production out of the backfield and tailbacks can’t find a hole, or when Daxx Garman is getting pummeled after snapping the ball, the brunt of the blame falls on the offensive line.

Sometimes it’s fair, sometimes not.

With the end of spring camp upon us, we’ve got a pretty good idea about the pieces offensive line coach Josh Henson is working with. And the high expectations for the 2017-18 season are largely tied to the overall strength the offensive line group should be. The bullies up front return three starters from last season at center, tackle, and guard.

After landing Cal graduate transfer offensive tackle Aaron Cochran and solidifying Mason Rudolph’s blindside, it’s time to update our new depth chart projections for the offensive line much like we did with the cornerback position group on Thursday.

Think Aaron Cochran wasn’t a big get for Mike Gundy? Think again. The 6-foot-8, 350-pounder from Cal is a plug-and-play monster at left tackle. He might’ve needed OSU as much as OSU needed him, too, which could’ve been the reason he chose Stillwater. Not only does OSU need a left tackle to replace Victor Salako, but he needs a place to showcase himself for one more year before the NFL comes calling.

Cochran played in 28 games and started 16 over the last three years for Cal. In 2016, he played in 11 games with a career-high 10 starts at left tackle. He’s set to graduate in May and will be available this summer.

In the meantime, redshirt freshman Dylan Galloway has been manning the fort. But unless players are can’t miss recruits, it’s difficult to expect a player that young to start at tackle in the Big 12. He has a bright future but if OSU has it their way, Galloway will play a reserve role this season.

Left guard is definitely set with Keyes so Hambright, the junior college transfer who played left tackle, is here only for depth. He could play left tackle, his most utilized position, but at 6-foot-5 305 pounds, he could be a big-time depth booster at left guard, too. The mobility will allow OSU versatility it needs and could give Keyes much-needed breathers in blowouts without giving up quality.

At both the right tackle and center position there is no drama. Crabtree will start the season as will Lundblade. Redshirt sophomore Johnny Wilson will play backup duties for Lundblade but beyond Crabtree is where my confidence level dwindles in the bunch. There’s not a solid option at right tackle that has valuable experience. I’ve slotted Teven Jenkins, a redshirt freshman, behind Crabtree. But to be honest I think Hambright or even Shane Richards could fill in at right tackle with no drop-off.

Josh Henson has the pieces to put a quality product on the gridiron. It was noted on Friday that Crabtree and Larry Williams, both projected starts covering up the right side of the line, will not play in Saturday’s spring game and listed as inactive. But assuming they are both at full health, I think OSU fans should feel good about the state of the offensive line.