Who were the top three NFL rookie offensive linemen in Week 3? Let's dive in and analyze.
Amarius Mims
After Trent Brown suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3’s matchup against the Washington Commanders, all eyes turned to Amarius Mims, the 18th overall pick, as he stepped in to fill the role of the downed star tackle. Mims, who had a limited college career, was thrust into the spotlight but appeared poised and ready for the big stage.
Although Mims made his fair share of rookie mistakes during the game, I found his performance promising given that it was his first legitimate NFL action. With his impressive frame and athleticism, Mims consistently managed to position himself well in his pass sets. Despite facing significant speed off the edge, he did a commendable job of maintaining pocket integrity or running defenders by.
There’s another gear or two for Mims as he continues to develop. Positioning his body correctly is by far the most important aspect of pass protection, but he will also need to improve his hands and engage defenders with conviction. He appeared somewhat hesitant to strike, which is a common challenge for young linemen.
I anticipate that his performance will improve as the speed of the game slows down for him, and I believe he has the potential to become a future star tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Graham Barton
Watching Graham Barton in Week 3 was a reminder of exactly why he was my favorite lineman in last year's draft. In his transition to center, Barton has demonstrated the same traits he showcased at Duke. Now, more than ever, his innate body control and athleticism are being fully displayed in this Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.
Facing a talented defensive front from the Denver Broncos, Barton was outstanding in both the run and pass games. What impressed me most was his ability to recover within reps. The Broncos’ defense threw a variety of exotic pressures and showed numerous different alignments in an attempt to challenge the rookie center. Despite often engaging with penetrating linemen or linebackers, Barton won several reps that others simply wouldn’t. Even when out-leveraged or caught in difficult positions, Barton somehow managed to fight back, regain position, and execute his blocks. His core strength and raw athleticism, allowing him to instinctively re-leverage or re-engage with defenders, is something rare.
Initially, I questioned the move to center, thinking it might be redundant given his talent. I believed he could better showcase his skills in a different role. I was wrong. On several plays, Barton executed key blocks that led to significant gains. Not only is he transitioning seamlessly to center, but he is also becoming a weapon on the Buccaneers' offensive line.
Brandon Coleman
Brandon Coleman, a day-two pick by the Commanders, has quickly become one of the more intriguing players to watch this season. Drafted 67th overall, Coleman is currently in a tight battle with veteran Cornelius Lucas for the starting left tackle position. After his recent performances, it’s clear that Coleman is making a strong case to claim the spot.
Last week, I wasn’t quite sold on including Coleman in this series, but after this week’s showing, he more than earned his place. What made his performance stand out was how seamlessly he handled himself in the tackle role, where he looks most natural. Facing Trey Hendrickson, one of the NFL's premier edge rushers, Coleman showcased not just his strength but his confidence. He wasn’t hesitant to engage with his hands, winning reps consistently by controlling defenders at the point of attack. His ability to absorb contact and maintain balance was something that has translated beautifully from his college tape to now.
What’s perhaps most exciting about Coleman is how composed he already looks. His play-to-play consistency makes him seem far more seasoned than a rookie. Additionally, the Commanders' offensive line looks far more stable when Coleman is on the field, and his impact grows with each game.
With fellow rookie Jayden Daniels at the helm of this explosive offense, Coleman is proving to be a key asset on the line. His steady development and strong performances suggest he’s on the path to becoming one of the best picks from last year’s draft. The Commanders clearly found a future cornerstone in Coleman, and his potential as a long-term starter is becoming more evident with every snap.
