INDIANAPOLIS — If the previous two Super Bowls have been any indication, an offensive line could make or break a staff.
The Chiefs couldn’t shield Patrick Mahomes on the finish of the 2020 season and misplaced to the Buccaneers. This 12 months, the Bengals couldn’t shield Joe Burrow (seven sacks in Super Bowl LVI), and that proved deadly in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams.
But the issue isn’t nearly groups within the Super Bowl. Others throughout the league have been derailed as a consequence of lower than best trench play.
Enter Boston College.
The Eagles boast 4 O-linemen within the upcoming draft. Guards Zion Johnson and Ben Petrula, middle Alec Lindstrom and deal with Tyler Vrabel, son of former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, are prepared to assist any staff shield its quarterback; whether or not that’s the Bengals, Chiefs or Titans.
And if the Patriots aren’t in a position to re-sign starters Ted Karras and Trent Brown, Bill Belichick’s staff simply is likely to be in the identical boat needing assist to maintain Mac Jones upright.
Johnson at present stands on the head of BC’s 2022 class. He actually flashed on the practices main as much as the 2022 Senior Bowl, enjoying at guard, deal with, and even just a little middle. The 6-foot-3, 316-pounder dominated most of the nation’s finest defensive linemen on the occasion. That efficiency has helped his draft inventory, as he’s now projected as a potential first-round choice.
During his media session Thursday on the mix, Johnson talked about BC’s mighty offensive line.
“My experience at Boston College was special,” Johnson mentioned. “Our offensive line is really a brotherhood. We still keep up with each other, talking to each other almost every day. For me it was a great opportunity to go from Davidson to have the chance to play there and be on full scholarship so that was very special for me.”
Lindstrom, in the meantime, comes from an extended line of BC facilities who have been drafted and made an influence within the NFL, particularly Damien Woody and Dan Koppen. His brother Chris, one other BC alum, at present performs for the Falcons.
Being from Dudley, Mass., Alec grew up rooting for the Patriots.
“I was always a big Patriots fan, being from Massachusetts. Big Tom Brady fan,” Lindstrom mentioned with a smile. “It was actually all Patriots rising up, after which as I received older my brother Chris, after which enjoying with Tyler Vrabel and his dad is with the Titans after which going to school with a bunch of fellows throughout like Justin Simmons with the Broncos.
“Now I’m more of a fan of players and rooting for the teams of the guys I know. But growing up I was a big Pats fan.”
Naturally, Alec, who is taken into account a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect, has relied on his brother to assist him with the pre-draft occasions.
“Chris is my biggest supporter. He helps me out so much,” Lindstrom mentioned. “Whether it was the Shrine game and he’s like, ‘Hey, you have to do this better, this better.’ Or then coming here he was telling me it’s a really stressful process with the interviews and the medical stuff. I never had an MRI before until yesterday. All that stuff can be stressful and he was telling me to just relax, be genuine, and having that resource I’m so lucky for that.”
While Johnson and Lindstrom have been each invited to the mix, Vrabel and Petrula, one other versatile lineman, weren’t among the many 324 prospects readily available.
Mike Vrabel was readily available, nonetheless, and couldn’t assist however brag about his son, who has been a fixture at left deal with for the Eagles and a three-year starter on the offensive line. Tyler was hampered a bit by accidents this season, however nonetheless declared for the draft with a 12 months of eligibility left.
“I’m excited for him. He’s earned this opportunity,” Vrabel mentioned of his son. “The one thing I’ll always appreciate with Tyler, no one called Boston College to get him an offer … He didn’t get invited to the combine. But I know he’s working hard, and I’m excited for him to take advantage of whatever opportunities are available.”
It’s no secret the Titans might use some offensive line assist. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked 47 instances this season, second solely to Burrow (51). Vrabel has definitely watched loads of BC video games to know what Johnson, Lindstrom and Petrula deliver to the desk, together with Tyler.
Might the Titans snag a number of BC offensive linemen?
“We might. We’ll see how everything unfolds,” Vrabel mentioned, “but (Tyler) enjoyed his time there and I think he enjoyed playing with those guys.”
By the sound of it, Tyler’s teammates additionally wouldn’t thoughts enjoying for his dad on the subsequent stage.
“Coach Vrabel is awesome. I have a really good friendship with Tyler. I was with him for four years,” mentioned Lindstrom. “We’re best friends and going over his house and meeting coach Vrabel, he’s an awesome guy and through the process, I saw him earlier this week. He came up and gave me a big hug and everything. He’s been awesome and then knowing somebody like that, I grew up in Massachusetts, great Patriots player and now coach. My friend is pretty cool.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com