The Wide Receiver-Offensive Line Dilemma Was On Full Display In The Draft

This year’s NFL Draft featured a heavy dose of wide receivers and offensive lineman. With plenty of high prospects at both positions, only cornerbacks were a more highly coveted position than receivers and offensive tackles by the time the draft ended. 

Throughout the first round, many teams went into the draft needing a receiver or an offensive tackle, one of the most important positions on the offensive line, going into the draft. While picking either position would’ve been understandable, it adds to the debate of whether general managers should draft skill positions or offensive lineman. On one hand, a team can’t function on offense without a group of players who can control the line of scrimmage. That being said, it’s important to have pass catchers in what has become a passing league. There is a valid argument for selecting either position, and it is worth looking at both sides.
 
For offensive lineman, there is a better chance that selecting a lineman will be more beneficial in the long term. The career length of an offensive lineman is 3.75 years which is almost a full year above receivers who last 2.81 years, according to Statista. In addition, teams with a cornerstone offensive lineman will have more diversity on offense. They can effectively run the ball behind their all-pro tackle, something the San Francisco 49ers love doing with Trent Williams, or execute pass plays like the Dallas Cowboys. Teams can also afford to pass up a receiver, since they are usually talented options in the later rounds. 

The Los Angeles Chargers are one team that used this approach. Despite having a young star quarterback in Justin Herbert, they cut ties with most of their skill positions after a disappointing 5-12 season. In the first round, they selected all-world tackle Joe Alt from Notre Dame over drafting a receiver. Alt is arguably the most pro-ready prospect entering the draft, and is a perfect fit for a team that still wants to win now. He and fellow tackle Rashawn Slater will make it easier for Herbert to develop chemistry with his new receivers, such as Ladd McConkey and Brendan Rice who they later drafted. 

The New York Jets on the other hand, valued longevity up front when it came to their first round selection. Despite acquiring two established tackles in Tyrone Smith and Morgan Moses, they wanted more security at the position which led to them choosing Olu Fashanu from Penn State. Fashanu allowed one sack in his collegiate career, and although the Jets understandably want to win now with Aaron Rodgers turning 40 this December, he gives them a foundational piece in the long run.
 
While it is important for teams to solidify their offensive line, there is also high demand for impact players at wide receivers. Many teams have become more pass-oriented over the years, and there is especially a need for playmakers after a year where the average points per game was second fewest in the last ten seasons. Teams are always looking for players who can be trusted by the quarterback, and in this year’s draft featured plenty of highly touted receivers such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers who were all top 10 picks. 

One team that particularly set out to upgrade their skill positions were the New York Giants. They were in a position where selecting either an offensive lineman or receiver would have been understandable, but they decided to prioritize the need for reliable receivers with Malik Nabers. Nabers has a knack for explosive plays thanks to his route running, and ability to get yards after the catch. They hope Nabers can fill a void at receiver that has been present since the team traded Odell Beckham Jr. five years ago.
 
In my opinion, it's more sustainable to draft an elite offensive lineman. There’s a better chance a team ends up with a valuable cornerstone whereas receivers are seen as replaceable. Some of the league’s most decorated lineman such as Lane Johnson, Zach Martin, and Trent Williams have played more seasons for the team that drafted them. Even some of today’s bright stars at offensive tackle such as Penei Sewell have recently earned a big payday with others such as Tristan Wirfs waiting in line. 

There is also less margin for error if a team drafts a wide receiver over an offensive lineman. The Cincinnati Bengals were criticized when they drafted Ja’Marr Chase over Sewell, and while Chase’s potent chemistry with Joe Burrow led to a Super Bowl appearance, the Bengals have routinely had to retool their offensive line every offseason. As for the Lions who did take Sewell, they still managed to find an all-pro receiver of their own with Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round. More often than not, drafting an offensive lineman will leave a team with fewer questions and more answers.